Tarbert Academy win Scotland-wide design contest
Tarbert Academy pupils have won a Scotland-wide schools design challenge aimed at encouraging young people to reimagine their high streets.
The pupils claimed the Streets Ahead initiative prize with a prototype featuring a healing garden, skatepark, and activity hub designed to bring people together.
Designed with sustainability at its heart, the winning entry included Argyll food vending machines promoting locally sourced food, with free options available for both young people and food bank users.
Layla, a Tarbert pupil involved in the project, described the experience as both creative and rewarding.
She said: “I really enjoyed meeting our designer, Jek, and working with her to complete our project.
“I found the process of making our final 3D model very interesting and great fun, as we had so many materials to work with.”
Organised by the V&A in Dundee, the nine finalists worked with Sky Academy Studios, taking on roles such as editors, camera operators, scriptwriters, and reporters to create a short film about their ideas.
These films will be displayed in the V&A Museum alongside the prototypes.
Tarbert Academy will now be invited to complete a week of work experience with innovation firm NCR Atleos in Dundee.
Marion MacLean, lead teacher at Tarbert Academy, said: “To be crowned the winning team is absolutely amazing, and it will be wonderful to work with NCR for our Tarbert community.
“Projects like this are transformational for our pupils, as we are often isolated due to our location and miss out on such opportunities.
“Being able to take pupils further afield gives them the experiences they need at this early stage in their education.”
The pupils’ work will be on display until October 2026, with the display free to view.
V&A schools development officer Gary Jamieson praised the programme, adding that it is “inspiring” to see pupils tackle challenges and work together.
The winners were announced on April 30.
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