TALENTED Clacks pupils have the chance to enter the Wee County history books by designing the first official tartan for the area.

Secondary school pupils who study in Clackmannanshire are being invited to take part in a design competition, initiated by Provost Donald Balsillie.

The competition was launched last Wednesday, September 21, and is inviting learners in S1-6 from across Clackmannanshire to design a tartan that will represent the county for the first time.

Delighted to be launching the competition, Provost Balsillie said: “The creation of a Clackmannanshire tartan is something I am passionate about and I’m pleased that it will be designed by a local young person, giving the pupil the chance to go down in history as its creator.

“The judges will be looking for something that reflects Clackmannanshire’s landscape, history, culture and heritage and I’m really looking forward to seeing the designs.”

The competition is being facilitated through The Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA) which has produced resources that will be freely available to learners and teachers looking to take part.

Young people will have the chance to learn about tartan and design principles from experts while delving into Clackmannanshire's rich industrial heritage and natural environment to inspire their creations.

Much like other FIDA challenges, sustainability will be a key factor and those taking part will be asked to consider the sustainability of the fabric itself and how they could minimise waste.

They will also be asked to submit ideas for potential products made from the tartan that would bring social and economic benefits to the community.

Ian Munro, rector at Dollar Academy and founder of FIDA, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to collaborate with the provost and other schools in the county to deliver this exciting competition, particularly given the rich heritage of textile manufacturing in Clackmannanshire.”

The judging panel will involve Provost Balsillie along with Clacks-based Claire Hunter of Taffled Threads and Lesley Thornton of Crimson Kilts.

McCall’s Highlandwear has kindly offered prizes worth £300 with a number of other Wee County businesses and organisations supporting the competition.

The competition launched during Sustainable Fashion Week and will close on November 30.

Visit fida.world/courses/tartan-design/ for more information and to take part.