Are you an Art student with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for photography? 📱 It’s time to put your smartphone to work! We are thrilled to announce the Scotland PicTours Phone Photo Competition 2026—a national contest designed specifically for secondary school art students across Scotland.
Show off your creative flair and compete for a ÂŁ100 cash prize while gaining recognition for your artistic vision. You can see last years winners on our blog.
🌍 Theme: “Scotland Through Your Lens”
Our theme this year challenges you to look at your surroundings with fresh eyes. Whether it’s the moody atmosphere of a Highland glen, the sharp geometry of Glasgow’s architecture, or an intimate portrait of local life, we want to see what makes Scotland unique to you.
âś… Competition Guidelines
- Mobile Only: Entries must be taken on a smartphone (no professional DSLRs).
- Single Entry: Choose your strongest shot to submit. One photo per student – make it your best shot!
- Post-Production: You are encouraged to edit, crop, or apply filters to achieve your desired aesthetic.
- Artistic Vision: We are looking for composition, lighting, and a unique perspective.
🏆 What Can You Win?
- ÂŁ100 cash prize for the overall winner.
- Feature spot on the PicTours website and our social media channels.
🎯 Why Participate?
For students in Art & Design classes, this is more than just a contest. It is a chance to:
- Refine Digital Skills: Practice the fundamentals of photography using everyday technology.
- Build a Portfolio: Secure a national-level accolade to boost your college or university applications.
- Express Yourself: Share your personal connection to Scottish culture and landscapes.
At PicTours, we specialize in photography walking tours tailored for students. We believe that some of the best art is created when you step outside the classroom and engage with the world around you.
đź“ť Entry Process
This competition is open to any one in Scotland aged between 12 and 18. To get an entry form, please email info@pictours.ie.
- For Teachers: Art Department Heads or teachers can request the official entry pack by emailing: info@pictours.ie
- Submissions: Once the teacher has the materials, students can submit their work through the teacher or upload to an online form that the teacher will share.
đź“… Competition Opens: 5 January 2026
đź“… Deadline: Saturday, 31 May 2026
✨ A Note for Educators
This contest is a fantastic way to encourage extracurricular engagement and provide a practical application for photography units within the Art & Design curriculum. Help your students see their local environment as a canvas and inspire them to document the beauty of Scotland.
For daily inspiration and photography tips, follow PicTours on Instagram. We can’t wait to see how Scotland’s next generation of artists sees their world—one frame at a time.
