Home   News   Article

Highland pupils draw top spots in national art competition


By Andrew Dixon

Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

FOUR Highland school pupils have been selected from more than 7000 entrants to win awards in the John Byrne National Drawing Competition.

Inverness High School S2 pupil Oliwia Bembnista was the overall third place winner, with runners-up prizes going to:

  • Kai Finlayson (P7, Strathpeffer Primary School)
  • Jessica Milne (S1, Nairn Academy)
  • Neve Lambert (P7, Avoch Primary School)

The pupils were presented their awards by renowned artist and playwright John Byrne at a ceremony at Paisley’s Tannahill Centre, where a special exhibition of competition entries is on display until April 15.

Mr Byrne said: “This year we judged more than 7000 entries and the level of talent and imagination was outstanding.

“I’m encouraged by the standard of all the artwork submitted and I hope pupils across Scotland will continue to show us their artistic skills and love for drawing.”

Oliwia Bembnista's drawing.
Oliwia Bembnista's drawing.

The competition is run in partnership with Education Scotland and open to pupils across Scotland from P4 to S3.

Alan Armstrong, strategic director for Education Scotland, said: “Art and design are important parts of the Scottish curriculum.

“For years, this competition has encouraged many thousands of children to use their artistic talents to create inspiring and unique drawings.

“Education Scotland is proud to support the competition and its ethos of keeping the art of drawing alive.”

Two Aberdeenshire pupils took the top two prizes.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More