THREE pupils from West Fife have beat out thousands of other entries to claim spots in the top 30 of a national art competition.

Michael Crookshank, from Woodmill High in Dunfermline, and Inverkeithing High pupils Douglas Ingles and Seonaid Best were commended for their entries in the John Byrne National Drawing Competition.

Last Friday, renowned artist and playwright Mr Byrne unveiled the winners and runners up at a special exhibition at Paisley Museum and Art Gallery to mark the end of the second year of the event.

Each of the young artists received a specially-designed certificate to commemorate their participation in the competition.

Mr Byrne said: “I’m really pleased to announce the highly commended entries of this year’s John Byrne National Drawing Competition, and I’d like to offer my congratulations them. Their artwork was chosen as it stood out against the competition during the judging process thanks to their drawing impressive skills.

“The young people in our country never cease to amaze me with their artistic skills and extraordinary talent, and that has come through in this year’s entries. The standard of work has been fantastic and I hope that the competition has inspired many of the young entrants to continue to enjoy art and draw more.”

Bill Maxwell, Education Scotland chief executive, added: “I’m really pleased to offer my congratulations to the highly commended entries to this year’s John Byrne National Drawing Competition. It’s been another successful year after receiving thousands of competition entries from talented children and young people in schools across the country.

“The competition is a great opportunity for children and young people to tap into their creativity and unleash their artistic talents and showcase their work in front of one of Scotland’s most talented and renowned artists.”

In addition to receiving the certificate, all of the artwork from the runners up is on display at the museum as part of a special exhibition.

The competition aims to raise the profile of drawing and inspire young people from P4 to S3 to get creative. The children and young people were invited to enter artwork of any size and, created in any media.