Young nature champions celebrated in SRUC Green Stories competition
Young people from across Scotland have been recognised for their creativity, imagination and passion for the natural world as winners of the 2026 SRUC Green Stories competition.
Primary and secondary school pupils were invited to share their experiences of nature and their hopes for a greener future through artwork, stories, poems and posters. This year attracted more than 600 entries from more than 35 schools, demonstrating the enthusiasm of young people for nature, sustainability and environmental storytelling.
Winning entries were showcased to thousands of visitors at this year’s Royal Highland Show, where they formed part of SRUC’s exhibition celebrating young people’s creativity and connection to nature.
In the Early Years and Primary category, 20 winning entries were selected from schools across Scotland and Northern Ireland. The winning artworks showcased a wide range of wildlife, landscapes and outdoor experiences, from kingfishers and owls to beach scenes, frogs, ladybirds and Highland cows.
Each winning entry demonstrated originality, creativity and a thoughtful engagement with the environment, reflecting the competition’s aim of inspiring the next generation to value and protect the natural world.
Claire-Jayne Seller, SRUC Head of Marketing said: "I am absolutely delighted by the continued growth of the Green Stories Competition, which has once again proven to be a resounding success year on year. Schools increasingly look forward to taking part, and this year’s uptake has been fantastic. Participants are encouraged to create projects inspired by SRUC’s core subjects - wildlife, environment, and nature - which makes the creativity on display all the more meaningful.
“The standard of entries across the board was exceptionally high, and I hope all of the winners feel incredibly proud of their achievements. This competition offers a wonderful opportunity for young people to channel their connection with nature into a creative outlet, share their unique perspectives, and celebrate the natural world. It may also inspire them to pursue further study and even a future career in these subjects. I am thrilled to see it continue to flourish and inspire so many.”
The Green Stories Competition takes place every summer, with full details shared directly with schools ahead of launch. To make sure you don’t miss out - and to be among the first to hear when entries open - join our mailing list and stay up to date with all the latest news and opportunities.
Posted by SRUC on 01/07/2026
