Sutherland pupil's winning coronation contest drawing to be sent to King Charles III

The overall winner of the Sutherland primary schools Coronation Art Competition has been announced.

Sutherland Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Marriott, who initiated the contest in the run-up to the May 6 coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, revealed this week that the top honour had gone to Leo Lannon of Golspie Primary School.

Leo, who won the p4-7 category in his school, came overall first amid fierce competition – there were an amazing 664 entries from all of Sutherland’s 16 primary schools.

He was presented with a certificate with a special seal on it by Major General Marriott.

And a copy of his winning drawing, which features a crown perched at a jaunty angle on top of a thistle with a hill, trees and a castle rampart in in the background, will now be sent to King Charles III, himself a keen artist who taught himself to paint in watercolours.

Major General Marriott said: “The response to the competition was just incredible and the standard was exceptionally high. Leo is to be congratulated on such a superb drawing.”

Entries to the art competition were invited on two themes – the Crown in Scotland and the natural environment in Sutherland. The contest was split into three categories - nursery, primaries 1-3, and primaries 4-7.

Members of the Lord-Lieutenancy team in Sutherland are currently visiting schools to present the competition winners with their certificates. All schools taking part will also receive a special commemorative certificate with the Lord Lyon’s seal on it.

Up to six Headteacher's Award Certificates will also be presented per school, with the winners decided by headteachers not the judging panel.

Winners were selected by the Lord-Lieutenancy team at a special judging event held at Lairg Community Centre in April.

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