On 1 December, the picturesque grounds of Fingask Castle came alive with creativity and excitement as 60 young budding artists and their families gathered to celebrate the winners of our annual Scottish schools art competition. Open to pupils across Perth and Kinross, Angus, and Aberdeenshire, this competition challenges young minds to capture their favourite species in its natural habitat, blending artistry with an appreciation for the natural world.
A celebration of talent and nature
This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular, with the winners enjoying a fun-filled day of activities that celebrated countryside life and inspired a deeper connection with wildlife and conservation. Activities included:
- Art Workshops: Acclaimed artists and competition judge Mel Shand led engaging art workshops, sharing her expertise and inspiring the young artists to further their skills.
- Interactive Displays: Highlights included a captivating falconry and ferret display by Elite Falconry and a deer-centric virtual reality experience provided by BASC.
- Hands-On Activities: Charlie Brownlow from Borders Fly Fishing taught fishing techniques, while Hedge Shand demonstrated gundog handling. Participants also enjoyed a plucking demonstration hosted by the Tayside Moorland Group.
- Delicious Lunch: Chef Adam Newth delighted attendees with a sumptuous venison meal, adding a culinary highlight to the day.
The day’s activities culminated in the prize-giving ceremony, where the winners were celebrated for their hard work and creativity. Many attendees expressed their gratitude, with one young artist describing it as their “best day ever” and a parent commenting that it was “absolutely fantastic… engaging and enlightening.”
Recognising remarkable talent
This year’s winners, judged by the esteemed panel of artists, were:
Primary School Winners
- Perth & Kinross: Mimi Oliver
- Angus: Iona Eaton
- Aberdeenshire: Sarah Lincoln
- ASN Primary: Ellie Simpson
Secondary School Winners
- Perth & Kinross: Anastasia Koshara
- Angus: Lauren Strachan
- Aberdeenshire: Elizabeth Rudge
- ASN Secondary: TJ Robertson
Each primary winner also receive a voucher for a bespoke art workshop experience with their respective judge: Mimi Oliver joined Julian Jardine, Mel Shand hosted Iona Eaton, and Jonathan Mitchell inspired Sarah Lincoln. Winners and their entire class will enjoy a farm visit courtesy of RHET and RNCI, along with a family pass to the Scottish Game Fair.
A day of connection and inspiration
The competition and event are more than just a celebration of artistic talent. They serve as a platform to:
- Promote Countryside Activities: The day introduced youngsters to the diversity and opportunities of rural life.
- Inspire Conservation Awareness: By encouraging participants to depict species in their natural habitats, the competition fostered an appreciation for Scotland’s unique wildlife and ecosystems.
- Build Community: The event connected children, families, and professionals who share a passion for art, wildlife, and the countryside.
Special thanks
This memorable day would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our partners and contributors. We extend heartfelt thanks to:
To all the young artists who participated, congratulations! Your creativity and passion bring hope and inspiration to the future of conservation in Scotland. We can’t wait to see what you create next year!