Sir Nils is the mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King’s Guard. The photograph was taken during the Norwegian King’s Guard visit to Edinburgh Zoo in August 2008, where Sir Nils was awarded a knighthood.
The photograph was taken by the Scotmans Ian Rutherford. Rutherford is also nominated for Photographer of the Year, a prize he has won on four previous occasions. The winners will be announced on 26 March.