Talented young performers from the region swept the board at the Robert Burns World Federation secondary schools competition on Saturday.
Representing Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association, they came home with an unprecedented array of medals and silverware and won the team competition for every category – verse, singing, instrumental and bagpiping – and were named the overall team winners.
Their stellar performances against teams and individuals from across Scotland at Belmont Academy in Ayr was topped by Sanquhar Academy’s Rowan Hastie being awarded the top honour of Scotland’s Young Burnsian of the Year after also winning the titles of best verse speaker and best singer.
Fiona Evans, schools convener and current D&GBA president, said: “We are all absolutely delighted. Winning the team competition for every category and the overall team title has never been achieved before in the competition and it is an absolutely amazing achievement.
“To top off the day, Rowan Hastie was chosen as best verse speaker and best singer and was the awarded the prestigious title of Young Burnsian – which is the best performer over all the disciplines from each team throughout Scotland. This is a fantastic achievement.
“In addition, they achieved seven gold medals and trophies, four silver medals, and two bronze medals. I am so proud of each and every one of the kids and their teachers, mentors and tutors who have supported and encouraged these kids to take part. Robert Burns and Scottish culture is so important to our history and our competition is a great opportunity for these kids to showcase what they have learned.”
To reach the finals, the performers were first and second place winners at the D&GBA regional competition which was held in February at The Bridge in Dumfries with more than 150 pupils from schools throughout the region.
Results
Scotland’s Young Burnsian of The Year: Rowan Hastie
Best Singer, Duncan Beck Memorial Trophy: Rowan Hastie
Best Verse Speaking, Helen C.G. Morrison Cup: Rowan Hastie
Overall Team, Ayrshire ABC Shield: Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association
Team Verse Speaking, RBWF David Baird Shield: Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association
Team Singing, Sheffield Steel City Cup: Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association
Team Instrumental, RBWF Shield: Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association
Team Bag piping, John and Betty McMillan Shield: Dumfries and Galloway Burns Association
S1/2 Verse Speaking, Friendship Quaich: 1 Lily Owens, Wallace Hall Academy; 2 Kathryn Wilson, Moffat Academy.
S3/4 Verse Speaking, McCuig Cup: 1 Ella McTeir, Sanquhar Academy; 3 Teigan Weir, Dumfries Academy.
S5/6 Verse Speaking, Mollie Rennie Cup: 1 Rowan Hastie.
S3/4 Singing, Campbell Trophy: 1 Niamh Stainthorpe, St Joseph’s College.
S5/6 Singing, Alloway Publishing Trophy: 1 Rowan Hastie, ; 2 Molly McTeir, Sanquhar Academy.
S1/2 Instrumental, Friendship Quaich: 1 Harris Morford, Lockerbie Academy.
S1/2 Bagpiping: 2 Harris Morford. S3/4 Bagpiping: 2 Ryan Wilson.
