One of South Ayrshire's up and coming artists is celebrating after winning a prestigious prize.
The Secondary School Art and Design exhibition at Rozelle House showcases emerging talent to the wider public. As part of this annual event Friends of the Maclaurin present the Jack Kilgour Award in memory of Jack Kilgour, a former Principal Teacher of Art in South Ayrshire, who was an active member of the first Friends' committee. Aimed at supporting and encouraging pupils to develop their creative talents, the award gives £100 for the winning entry, while their school receives the associated trophy for a year, with an additional £100 presented for the use of the Art department. The winner of this year's Jack Kilgour award was: Mhairi Smeeton, Kyle Academy Three young people were presented with Highly Commended awards: Drew Maxwell, Carrick AcademyGabe Skeoch, Prestwick AcademyMegan McCulloch, Queen Margaret Academy Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism & Leisure said this year's exhibition showcased the best of South Ayrshire's young talent, "With a range of striking art submitted from all of our senior schools, this year's exhibition is a true reflection of the emerging talent that's being nurtured in our schools. "Arts at Rozelle has hosted work from a variety of world class artists including Peter Howson and Alexander Goudie and exhibitors should be proud to associate their own work with such well established names. "By making great use of this prominent platform to showcase this new art to the wider public we hope to inspire our young people to go on to bigger and better things. I'd like to wish all this year's contributors the best of luck as they work to develop their talent." This year's Secondary School Art and Design exhibition features art work from Ayr Academy, Belmont Academy, Carrick Academy, Girvan Academy, Kyle Academy, Marr College, Prestwick Academy, Queen Margaret Academy & Wellington School. Alan Moir, from Friends of the Maclaurin said, "Once again the standard of work being produced by young people in our South Ayrshire schools and on display at this exhibition is truly inspiring - a testament to their own talents and to the quality of teaching they experience in our Art Departments". The exhibition, at Rozelle House, runs until Sunday, 26 November.