Winners revealed for Climate Change Creative Competition

Forty-four pupils have been chosen from schools across Shetland, with young people invited to create a drawing, poem, or short story, sharing their views on climate change.

These will be compiled into a book called Climate Change From a Young Person's Perspective. It will be launched at the Shetland Climate Festival at the Clickimin on Saturday 13th September. A roadshow film is also being premiered on the day and a visual art piece.

This year is the Council's first Schools Climate Roadshow. Members of the Climate Change Strategy team have travelled from Dunrossness to Unst to hear young people's views and put them at the forefront of this year's festival.

The front cover features artwork by Mya Johnson of North Roe Primary School.

Mya says: "We did lots of different things when the climate roadshow visited us at school. We played the carbon game and learned about how so much carbon dioxide affects the environment. I think it is important to learn about climate change as it will affect our future. I didn't think I would be chosen for the cover of the book, so when I was told, I felt shocked and proud! I wonder what my picture will look like on the cover."

Anne Leask is a Climate Change Officer with the Council. She says the roadshow has been a big success.

"We've wanted to engage with young people on this really big topic in a way that's understandable and relatable from a Shetland perspective. Young people we've spoken to have concerns about climate change, but they also have positive ideas around things like nature-based solutions, transport and walking and cycling. I can't wait for people to see these creative pieces and the great work of those involved."

A copy of the poem Help or Run by Cora Grant, is available to download here. Cora is a pupil at Sound Primary School. Her poem is among the winning entries featured in the book in progress entitled Climate Change From a Young Person's Perspective.

• The Shetland Climate Festival is on Saturday 13th September 2025 from 10am to 4pm at the Clickimin Leisure Centre.

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Published: 27th June 2025