'see me' - Scotland’s national campaign to end stigma and discrimination around mental ill-health - announces a local student from Eyemouth is among three winners to have scooped the top prizes in the annual ‘see me’ photography competition.

A panel of judges this week awarded Shelley Wilson, a NC Digital Media student at Borders College, the Judges Choice Under 18’s prize for her photo entitled ‘Roots’. The other successful prize winners are Liz Houliston from Dumfries who received the Judges Choice prize and Archie Tipple from Forth Valley who received the Public Choice prize.

Shelley says: “I first heard about the ‘see me’ photography competition through a College course tutor who thought it would be a good idea to get the class interested and I was really keen to be involved. I chose this shot as I feel is really shows the theme of ‘support’ in a different way, the photo shows how feelings and emotions and the accompanying issues come from within and often grow beyond our control. I am absolutely delighted to win this award, especially as it's the first time my pictures have been acknowledged, in a professional capacity.”

Hundreds of budding photographers from across Scotland entered this year’s competition, sponsored by Semichem, by sending in captioned photos that illustrated their interpretation of the theme of ‘support.’ Shelley has won £250 of vouchers and will get to spend a day with professional photographer Tony Marsh.

Suzie Vestri, ‘see me’ Campaign Director,says: “The standard of entries this year has been higher than ever and Shelley has done exceptionally well to win the Judges Choice under18’s prize. I congratulate her on the standard of her photo and hope that the image will encourage others to think about what ‘support’ means to them. Anyone who has experienced mental ill-health, either personally or through a friend or family member knows that support and understanding can make all the difference.”

Tony Marsh, Professional photographer says “Shelley’s photo really stood out as a winning image.  The image is well composed, well exposed and Shelley has cleverly used the subject and it’s surroundings. I am very much looking forward to seeing what she can do at the winners day!”

Malcolm Brown, Head of Corporate Communications at Semichem says “We are thrilled to be associated with the ‘see me’ photography competition and promoting good mental health and well-being. I was really impressed with Shelley’s photo and for me it was the obvious winner in the under 18’s category.”

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