Youngsters impress at Burns Federation's schools competition

More than 120 young performers took part in the local edition of the Burns Federation’s schools’ competition, which was held at the Beacon Arts Centre.

Spectators took in a wide variety of music, singing and recitation as youngsters from nine primary, five secondary and two additional support needs schools took part in the extravaganza.

The fantastic performances were also complemented by a series of impressive artworks that pupils from Craigmarloch and All Saints Primary submitted for the art competition.

Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie was among those who came along to watch.

Isabel Lind, one of the event’s organisers, told the Tele the competition had been a big success.

She said: “We had a very high standard.

“Jean Abdulrahim came along to represent the Burns Federation and Raymond Jack as our club president, as well as George Grant from the Renfrewshire Association of Burns Clubs.

“There’ll be national finals here in Inverclyde this year, the final for the secondary will be on March 23 and June 1 for the primary.

“It’s at Clydeview Academy this year and it means a lot to have it locally.

“We’re thrilled with the uptake we’ve had, things fell off during the pandemic naturally but we’ve been growing ever since.”

Mrs Lind said the competition was an excellent opportunity for the area’s young people to learn about Burns and grow their self-esteem.

She added: “I think they all gain confidence from taking part.

“We had a case where one of the teachers told me a pupil was very nervous and asked if their pal could perform with them.

“He said it would be such an achievement to get her up there, even if it was with a friend.

“We let them do that and I think something like that is the first step in building up their confidence.

“It was lovely as always and another strong showing from the area.”