Emily and her Galashiels schoolmates are top of the language class
The 12th annual Eildon West Learning Community; Celebration of Scots Language and Culture took place at Langlee Community Centre and was well represented by pupils and families of all primary schools in the Galashiels cluster.
Pupils from P1-7 were judged on poem recitals from authors including Matthew Fitt, JK Annand, Alexander Anderson, Sheena Blackhall and, of course, Robert Burns, as well as Scots language compositions by the pupils themselves.
Judges for the recitations were Alistair Christie, Matthew Burgess and Russell Robertson of Galashiels Burns Club, while Councillor Sandy Aitchison chose the winning written entries.
Writers –
P1-3, Bronze, Arnon Macleod (Tweedbank); Silver, Laura Hupkins (Clovenfords); Gold, Lena Zelewska (Burgh).
P4-5, Bronze, Kaylah Kayser (Langlee); Silver, Howie Sanderson (Heriot); Gold, Caila MacPherson (Balmoral).
P6-7, Bronze, Grace Moffat (Tweedbank); Silver, Maggie Hodgson (Stow); Gold, Katie McDougall (St. Margaret’s).
Recitals –
P1-3, Bronze, Grace Strachan (Balmoral); Silver, Isla Woodburn (Clovenfords); Gold, Millie McDougall (St. Margaret’s).
P4-5, Bronze, Maja Plociennik (St Margaret’s); Silver, Charlotte Cloughley (Tweedbank); Gold, Nicole Dalgleish (St. Peter’s).
P6-7, Bronze, Amy Tait (Tweedbank); Silver, Poppy Lunn (Glendinning Terrace); Gold, Emily Johnstone (Balmoral).
As well as winning the senior recital award, Emily Johnstone (Balmoral primary) also became the first recipient of the new Robert Burns Quaich, donated by Galashiels Burns Club, for best overall performance. Her victories, coupled with her schoolmates’ successes, ensured that Balmoral were awarded the 2020 Scots Language Trophy.
z Pictured, Emily Johnstone with Galashiels Burns Club’s Alistair Christie.