THE heritage of the Borders has been framed in time by some of the region's leading amateur photographers.

Earlier this year, Live Borders Libraries and Archives invited snappers of all ages to get out and about with their cameras for a competition celebrating Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

Picturing the Past could focus on buildings, monuments or archaeological features.

And the judges admit they were blown away by the standard of entries which came flooding in.

Morag Cockburn, education and outreach officer with Live Borders archives, said: “We were blown away by the talent of these photographers, some as young as seven years old.

“We were introduced to unknown places through the photographs, and shown familiar places in new and innovative ways.

“The judges had a tough job but the nine images selected make for an impressive exhibition.”

Entries were separated into three age-groups - 11 years and under, 12 to 17 years, and 18 and over.

Category winner Leuan Chamberlain from Selkirk chose to photograph Kirkhope Tower after learning about the Border Reivers at school.

The 11-year-old told us: “We went into the hills to get the picture but it was a miserable day so I chose to take a black and white image.

“My dad has been teaching me how to use lightroom and that’s how I made the print.”

Erin Brennen from Galashiels won her age category with a photograph of Smailholm Tower.

The 14-year-old said: “It has lovely views all around it and looks amazing with the sunset in the background."

A winner and two runners up were selected from each category:

11 years and under - winner Ieuan Chamberlain, runners-up Jessica Winson, who is nine, and Lily Webster, who is seven.

12 to 17 years - winner Erin Brennan, runners-up Joe Foulkes, who is 13, and Eve Johnstone, who is 16.

18 years and over - winner David Nichol, runners-up Carol Nic and Michael Liddington.

Last Tuesday evening the winners were presented with a canvas print of their image and a book token at the Heritage Hub, Hawick.

Their photographs will now feature in a small exhibition which will run until the end of October.

Morag added: "This competition and exhibition shines a spotlight on some of the Borders’ greatest assets and icons, as well as our hidden gems."

Live Borders cares for large collections of Borders photography, including the archive of Robert Clapperton Daylight Photographic Studio, also held by the Heritage Hub.