Pupils and staff at two Barrhead schools are celebrating after receiving a prestigious national award in recognition of their commitment to sport.

Barrhead High and Hillview Primary achieved the Gold School Sports Award this year from sportscotland for putting sport at the heart of the school ethos.

The schools were presented with their award from sportscotland at special ceremonies attended by pupils, staff, teachers and their Active Schools team co-ordinators from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure.

Crookfur Primary and Calderwood Lodge, in Newton Mearns, also scooped the Gold School Sports Award this year.

A total of 20 East Renfrewshire schools have now achieved gold status over the past five years, with support from sportscotland and the Active Schools team.

Chris Rose, Active Schools co-ordinator for the Barrhead cluster, said: “Sport is a way of life at Barrhead High and Hillview Primary. The staff work tirelessly to ensure that pupils enjoy positive sporting experiences on a daily basis. They are fantastic schools to work with and thoroughly deserving of this award.”

Funded by the National Lottery, the School Sports Award is a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve extra-curricular sport.

It also encourages links between schools and local communities, providing opportunities for young people to further develop their sporting experiences.

Anthony McReavy, of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: “Well done to all the pupils, teachers and staff involved and thank-you for your efforts.

“Taking part in sporting activities can help improve mental and physical health, as well as boost confidence and motivation, and it has such a positive impact on pupils and the school.”