Competition winners brush up on Brussels

Rebekah Johnstone and Abigail Catterson, from Eastwood High, and Cameron Kerr and Eva Stewart, from St Luke’s, were all invited to the European Parliament on a two day trip, where they met fellow competition winners from schools across the continent.

The foursome took part in a series of activities to learn more about the role of young people in Europe, before taking in lunch and dinner, meeting with elected representatives and going on a tour of the political capital.

Rebekah and Abigail were nominated by SNP MSP Stewart Maxwell, through his role as vice president of the EA group in the Committee of the Regions.

He offered his congratulations to the youngsters, and told The Extra: “This competition is a tremendous opportunity to learn about European politics and to see first hand the work that is being undertaken in Brussels.

“I hear that each one of the pupils did a fantastic job as ambassadors for East Ren and for Scotland.”

East Ren councillor Tony Buchanan, also a member of the committee, nominated St Luke’s students Cameron and Eva.

He added: “It was a pleasure to meet with East Ren’s winners, along with 40 students and teachers from schools across Europe.

“I never fail to be impressed by the enthusiasm and endeavour shown by the young people from our schools, and I’m delighted that each of them has made the most of this wonderful opportunity.”