Despite the obvious challenges, the GWCT was determined to run its Grampian Schools’ Art Competition last year with sponsorship from 13 local Grampian estates and local artist Mel Shand giving her time to head the judging panel.
The overall winner of the primary schools’ competition was Ruby Hanington from Drumblade Primary with her beautifully drawn owl. Rona Fraser from Inverurie Academy won the secondary schools’ competition with her exceptional swan.
Iona Laing who organises the competition for the GWCT said: “2020 provided the perfect opportunity to offer a distraction for the young artists, something to help relieve the stresses of COVID-19 and all the changes it brought. And the competition could not have happened without the tremendous efforts of all the teachers who were right behind it even during such busy times for them. The result was a great array of colourful creations.”
Mel Shand, the competition’s leading judge said: “The artwork was outstanding. Some of the drawings were extremely well observed, and others had a very good design quality. Yet more had great colour choices.”
Prizes include art workshops with Mel Shand, family passes to the GWCT Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace in September, and a farm visit organised by RHET for Ruby’s whole class. All artists receive certificates and a supply of art materials.
There was also a prize for the best ’50-word description’ of the artwork, with the primary prize won by Evie Brown from Rhynie and the secondary prize won by Erin Bone from Inverurie.
Iona Laing said: “Despite not being able to host a prizegiving event to celebrate all the excellent entries, every effort is being made by schools to commend everyone’s efforts. We very much hope to launch this competition again in the autumn term.”
Schools seeking further information about the competition should contact ilaing@gwct.org.uk.
Visit the GWCT Scotland events Facebook page for a gallery of all the competition artwork.
Estates sponsoring the competition included Finzean; Ballogie; Dinnet & Kinord; Glen Tanar; Learney; Findrack & Tillyfour; Leys; Balmoral; Invercauld; The MacRobert Trust; Aboyne Castle; Kincardine; and Dunecht.
Notes to editors
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is an independent wildlife conservation charity which carries out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.
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Playfair Walker
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