From Binevenagh to the world stage: Our Rachel’s photograph reaches global final
Limavady photographer is shortlisted for Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographer of the Year competition.
A passion for photography has earned a Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council employee a place among the finalists of a prestigious international competition, putting the spectacular landscapes of the Borough in the global spotlight.
Rachel Cassidy, a Visitor Services Advisor at Limavady Visitor Information Centre, based in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, is the only photographer from Northern Ireland to make the final shortlist of this year’s Royal Meteorological Society’s Weather Photographer of the Year competition.
Her photograph, titled A Midsummer Night’s Dream, captures the atmospheric phenomenon of noctilucent clouds (NLCs), also known as summer night-shining clouds, above Binevenagh and Lough Foyle.
Selected from thousands of entries submitted from around the world, Rachel’s achievement highlights both her talent as a photographer and her passion for the weather, landscape and natural beauty of the Causeway Coast and Glens area.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: “We are all thrilled for Rachel. She has a real talent and it is wonderful for her to be recognised at this level.
“I wish her the best of luck in the competition.”
Speaking about her success, Rachel said: “I entered the competition because of my passion for weather, landscape and our local area, so to make the final shortlist is an incredible honour.
“To be selected from thousands of entries around the world and have the opportunity to share a little piece of our part of the world with an international audience is really special.”
The competition is judged by a panel of leading photographers and well-known UK weather presenters, recognising outstanding images that capture the beauty, drama and science of weather.
The public vote is now open, with the official winners and runners-up due to be announced on 17 November.
Rachel’s achievement offers a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the natural environment of the Causeway Coast and Glens and the talent of the people who live and work in the Borough.
You can vote for Rachel’s photograph at: Weather Photographer of the Year 2026 Shortlist | Royal Meteorological Society