Anti-racist message put in the frame

Children from the north-east said “No” to racism yesterday as the winners of an art competition celebrating Scotland’s diversity were announced.

Youngsters from Grampian were among those to use art to show that racism was not welcome in Scotland. Scotland football boss George Burley presented the prizes at a Hampden Park event organised by the EIS teaching union and charity Show Racism the Red Card.

Sylvie Clark, from Banchory Academy in Aberdeenshire, took first place in the secondary artwork category. Her picture will be made into anti-racism posters. Hannah Worthington, from St Cyrus Primary School in Aberdeenshire, came first for her artwork in the P5 to P7 group.

EIS president Kirsty Devaney said: “Schools across Scotland are welcoming an increasing number of pupils from migrant families into the classroom, and it is encouraging to see all these young people here today to send the message that Scotland is an inclusive society.”

Ged Grebby, of Show Racism the Red Card, added: “The message is unequivocal from Scotland’s younger generation that racism is not welcome in society, and that people from all cultures must be valued and respected.”