East Dunbartonshire pupils runners-up in the John Byrne National Drawing Competition

Date: 
Tuesday, 3 April, 2018


Thousands of budding young artists from across Scotland took part in this year’s John Byrne National Drawing Competition.

Alastair Donaghey, a first year pupil at Lenzie Academy and Connor MacDonald, a second year pupil at Kirkintilloch High were chosen as runners-up in the national competition.

John Byrne said: “The talent this year has once again been outstanding, making my job as a judge very difficult.

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

The competition, which is run in partnership with Education Scotland, is open to all pupils from primary four through to third year.

The award ceremony took place at Paisley Museum and Art Gallery, where a special exhibition of competition entries are on display until Sunday 29 April.

The renowned artist and playwright, John Byrne, revealed Seonaid Best from Inverkeithing High School in Fife as the overall winner of the competition. Second place was awarded to Zak Wilkie from Parkhill Secondary School in Glasgow and Astrid Fraser from Avoch Primary School in Highland was awarded third place.

John and the judges selected 30 young artists as runners up and they each received a certificate specially designed by John.

Gayle Gorman, Education Scotland Chief Executive said: “As we celebrate the Year of Young People, I’m delighted that such a large number of pupils took part in the drawing competition.

“Education Scotland is delighted to be involved in the competition as it offers pupils, across Scotland, the opportunity to showcase their drawing skills and creativity. Congratulations to all the winners and those who took part.”

John was assisted by Ron Cowie, Senior Education Officer at Education Scotland, Lorna MacDonald, City of Edinburgh Council, Fiona McGregor, University of Glasgow, Steve Willing, a former peripatetic teacher of art and design and Wilma Eaton, University of Strathclyde, to judge the competition which took place at the University of Strathclyde.

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