A primary 7 pupil from the Highlands has won first prize in an NFU Scotland-run competition to design the front cover of its membership magazine.

The runners-up came from Sanday Community School in Orkney.

The competition was launched in April and was open to primary 4 to 7 pupils in schools that received support from NFU Scotland’s Centenary Trust. It followed a similar competition which ran for the December edition of the Union’s magazine the Scottish Farming Leader. The Trust was established in 2013 and one of its objectives was engaging children in food and farming.

The children were asked to design the front cover of the magazine with the theme of ‘agricultural shows’ with more than 40 entries submitted. The entries were judged by NFU Scotland’s President Allan Bowie, Centenary Trust Treasurer George Lawrie and Scottish Farming Leader Editor Ruth McClean.

Michael Slimon, from Gergask Primary, Laggan had his colourful design chosen as the winner, which was featured on the front page of the June edition of the magazine. Michael received a family pass to the Royal Highland Show which took place from June 18 to 21.

In second and third spot were Primary 7 pupils from Sanday Community School in Orkney. The artists, Frideswide Clackson and Lauren Seatter, each received vouchers.

George Lawrie, Centenary Trust Treasurer commented: “We received a fantastic number of entries from different schools and it was great to see how the children interpreted the theme of agricultural shows. They really put a great deal of thought into their designs.

 “The entries were of a high quality, with a range of different ideas put across with fantastic drawings of all that goes on at shows – from the beer tents to winning animals.

“Michael’s design was well thought out, with a great detail of time and effort put into his picture of a winning Highland cow – an iconic Scottish image which looked great on the front cover of the magazine in June.

“All the entries were displayed at NFU Scotland’s stand at the Royal Highland Show on avenue 7 for visitors to see.”

Notes to editors

• A photograph of Michael Slimon being presented with a framed copy of the magazine is available from media@nfus.org.uk

Ends

Contact Ruth McClean on 0131 472 4108