A school design competition celebrating Oban’s role as a host port for the world-famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has highlighted the creativity and talent of local primary pupils.
Marianne, Easdale Primary School
The competition attracted 52 entries from Easdale Primary, Rockfield Primary and St Columba’s Primary schools. Pupils were invited to design artwork inspired by the upcoming Clipper Race Oban stopover — a significant event that will see international crews arrive in Oban after racing across the Atlantic from Washington, DC. The journey, known as the Atlantic Homecoming, is a gruelling 3,900-nautical-mile journey.
Summer, Rockfield Primary School
The Clipper Race is one of the toughest endurance challenges in sport, taking teams on a 40,000-nautical-mile circumnavigation. Its arrival in Oban will shine a global spotlight on Argyll and Bute, celebrating the area’s rich maritime heritage and vibrant coastal communities.
Caelin, St Columba's Primary School
Congratulations to the winning entries
Caelin, St Columba’s Primary School
Marianne, Easdale Primary School
Summer, Rockfield Primary School
Councillor Jim Lynch praised the pupils’ efforts and the wider enthusiasm for the event:
“It’s fantastic to see such creativity and imagination from our young people as Oban prepares to welcome the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. This competition has not only captured the excitement of a truly global event coming to our shores but also highlighted how connected our communities are to the sea. The standard of entries was exceptional and reflects the pride we all feel in showcasing Argyll and Bute to an international audience.”
Members of the Clipper Race Steering Group who helped judge the competition were equally impressed by the quality and thought behind the designs. Commenting on the winning entries, they said:
“It was great to see the enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by the pupils. It was encouraging to see schools engage pupils in communication and graphic design, allowing them to consider these as important tools in communication and marketing, and to understand how art can be used to engage audiences effectively. I hope this experience will inspire pupils to view design and art as valuable and rewarding routes into career pathways.”
