Celebrating creativity and conservation at Fingask Castle
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 Schools Art Competition. Open to pupils across Perth & 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 judges 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.”