A TALENTED young artist from Wellington School has been awarded second prize in a national drawing competition.

Third year pupil Eleana Meikle was revealed as the second winner by renowned artist and playwright, John Byrne, at the award ceremony, which took place at Paisley Museum.

A special exhibition of competition entries will be on display for five weeks, at this venue.

Cameron Lawson from Cedarbank School in West Lothian was the overall winner of the competition and third place was awarded to Charlotte Stewart from Gordon Primary School in Aberdeenshire.

Thousands of young artists from across Scotland took part in this year’s John Byrne National Drawing Competition, which is opened to pupils from primary four through to third year.

John Byrne said: “The talent this year has been outstanding which made my job as a judge very difficult in choosing the overall winners.

“I’m delighted to have awarded Eleana second place. 
Her artwork caught my eye during the judging process and I was really impressed by her creativity.

“I’m encouraged by the standard of all the artwork submitted in this year’s competition, the outstanding talent has been remarkable.

“I hope pupils across Scotland will continue to harness their artistic skills and love for drawing.”

Bill Maxwell, Education Scotland Chief Executive, said: “I’m really pleased to see this competition, now in its third year, continue to attract such a high standard of entries from young artists of all ages. 

“Education Scotland is delighted to be involved in the competition as it offers pupils the opportunity to showcase their drawing skills and creativity and it is a great way to raise the profile of drawing. 

“Congratulations to all the winners and those who took part.”
John and the judges selected 30 young artists as runners up and they received a specially designed certificate."

A number of Ayrshire pupils were among those to be recognised for their work.

These included: 
Cameron Lynn, P5/4 from Lawthorn Primary School, 
Kacey Gray, P7 from Auchinleck Primary School, 
Molly Forsyth, P7 from Fenwick Primary School, 
Aimee Kerr, P7 from Galston Primary School,
Megan Gemmill, S3 from Auchinleck Academy, 
Ruby Capon, S1 from Wellington School 
and Myah Neilson, S3 from Wellington School.