Design for the Future competition – Western Isles winners

A photograph of a landscape made of lego bricks showing a sustainable home designed by a school pupil
Published: 16/12/2021

Pupils from across the Western Isles have been commended for their entries in a Design for the Future Competition.  The competition was part of the Outer Hebrides Climate Beacon activities and was run by Western Isles Libraries in partnership with Architecture and Design Scotland. 

Upper primary and secondary pupils from across the Western Isles were invited to submit their designs for a home/community of the future. Their designs were to show how we can adapt to the impacts of climate change and create more sustainable, self-sufficient and more environmentally friendly places to live in the future. 

Incredible response

The response was incredible, showing a wide range of creative and thoughtful designs, to inspire us all.  Several designs received a special commendation from the judges:  

  • Aaron in the P4 to P7 category 
  • Rosie, Ellie, Mairead and Anna in the S1 to S4 category, and  
  • Sir E. Scott and Castlebay School receiving special mention for the whole-school contributions to the competition 

All those commended received a certificate and book token to celebrate their achievement. 

Inspirational ideas

Karen Ridgewell, Senior Design Officer at Architecture and Design Scotland, and one of the judges, said: 

“The ideas that the children and young people from the islands have come up with in response to our changing climate are inspirational.  They’ve all thought about the impact of climate change on the islands and how their designs can help combat the climate crisis in an engaging and creative manner.” 

The designs received will shortly be available to view on the Làn Thìde (Outer Hebrides Climate Beacon) website here.  Làn Thìde are keen to hear from anyone in the community who would like to share their experiences of climate change and their hopes for the future.