A number of schools recently took part in an 'East Lothian on the Move Smart Travel Competition'.
The competition, open to primary schools within the Haddington and Lammermuir, Dunbar and East Linton, North Berwick Coastal and Fa’side Area Partnerships tasked pupils with designing an artwork on the topic: How we can encourage more people to switch from cars to a more sustainable travel mode.
Pupils were encouraged to focus on generating ideas specific for their school area or to think in a broader context in terms of raising awareness of sustainable travel and air quality (linked with climate change).
The panel selecting the winning schools were impressed by the creativity and originality of the artworks, with the three winning schools each receiving an East Lothian Gift Card to spend on cycling/scooting/sports equipment and promoting physical activity. The winners were:
- 1st Prize – £150 - Dirleton Primary School
- 2nd Prize – £100 - St Mary’s Primary School, Haddington
- 3rd Prize – £75 - Sanderson's Wynd Primary school, Tranent
In addition to the above prizes and to recognise the efforts of all the schools and pupils, elements of their artwork were used to create bespoke permanent signs that have been recently installed outside the three winning schools, as well as Saltoun Primary and Windygoul Primary, creating a visual legacy for all of the school community to see.
Tom Reid, Head of Infrastructure with East Lothian Council, said:
“This has been an excellent initiative engaging with our schools and young children, coming at a time when the council has just approved a Climate Challenge Strategy and supporting our commitment to tackling the climate emergency at a local level. Young people are the future and their artwork and enthusiasm for this project has shown their understanding and knowledge of the challenges we all face."