In pics: Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition set to open in Edinburgh

Bear Hug (Ashleigh Scully/Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

THE Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will open in Edinburgh on Friday 19 January.

On loan from the Natural History Museum, the collection will be on display at the National Museum of Scotland.

The 100 images are wildly varied and together highlight the many faces and landscapes of the natural world.

<em>A Bald Eagle soaked to the skin:</em> Bold Eagle – Finalist (Klaus Nigge/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

This year the competition received a huge 50,000 entries from 92 countries.

Photojournalist Brent Stirton’s tragic shot of a de-horned rhino, named Memorial to a Species, was awarded the Grand Title.

<em>A small sea horse grabs onto garbage in Indonesia</em>. Sewage Surfer – Finalist (Justin Hofman/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

Dr Nick Fraser, Keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, said the stunning shots offer visitors a fresh perspective on the natural world.

He said: “We are thrilled that the National Museum of Scotland is hosting the 53^rd Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, from the Natural History Museum in London.

<em>A fox hunts in Yellowstone: S</em>tuck in – Winner 11 – 14yrs<em> (</em>Ashleigh Scully, Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

“These captivating images offer visitors new perspectives on the wonders of the natural world, and are as arresting as they are beautiful.”

<em>Sumatran tiger cub</em>: Savage but caged – Finalist (Steve Winter/Wildlife Journalist of the Year)

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, said the exhibition also encourages people to consider what the future holds.

He said: “Wildlife Photographer of the Year is one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions of people all over the world.

<em>An arctic fox looks for a place to bury its egg</em> – Arctic treasure: Finalist (Sergey Gorshkov/Wildlife Photographer of the Year)

“The awarded images shine a spotlight on nature photography as a work of art, whilst raising questions about our crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.”