Children have designs on Highland Games as Bathgate begins countdown to the big day

May 21 2009 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

BATHGATE and West Lothian Highland Games proved a big draw for local primary school pupils.

The Games’ youth forum ran an art competition for all of West Lothian’s primary six and seven pupils, to design a front cover for the programme and this proved to be extremely popular.

Judges from local firms Bathgate Kilt Studio and AK Design had a difficult job choosing a winner among the hundreds of excellent entries.

They eventually chose Calum Wilson from St Mary’s Primary in Bathgate as the overall winner for his distinctive design.

The judges felt Calum’s thistle on top of a tartan saltire image would work well as an emblem for the Highland games and emphasises the Scottish theme of the day.

He was awarded a family ticket to Blair Drummond Safari Park courtesy of competition sponsors Tesco, as well as a tour of Tesco’s Livingston distribution and recycling centre for his whole class.

A spokesperson for Bathgate and West Lothian Highland Games youth forum said that they were delighted with the response to the competition and the standard of entries.

The spokesperson added: “Well done to everyone who took part in our art competition this year.

“We received a huge number of entries this year, and everyone was very impressed by the quality of art submitted.

“Thanks to all the schools who participated in this year’s competition, and Bathgate Kilt Studio and AK Design for agreeing to be our judges.”

Bathgate Highland Games takes place at Meadow Park, Glasgow Road on Saturday, May 30 .

The event is always one of the most popular in the West Lothian calendar with super attractions.

Visit the youth marquee to see the designs where the winners will be presented with their prizes at 2pm.

TOP ENTRY: winner Calum Wilson (11), from St Mary’s PS in Bathgate is pictured with David Greig, youth forum convener, and Calum’s classmates. svwlc180509highland-1