TWO schools in East Renfrewshire have won top prizes in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) competition.

Pupils from St Luke’s High School in Barrhead and Woodfarm High School in Thornliebank scooped a prize in a competition organised and run as part of a national programme delivered by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT).

The project, which is aimed at enabling pupils to gain an insight into the STEM sector and to receive an Industrial Cadet Bronze Accreditation, involved S2 pupils from 15 schools in the Clyde Valley area.

Seventeen teams from schools across East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, and North Ayrshire completed the challenge which focused on sustainability and the circular economy.

Pupils showcased their work to a panel of expert judges, plus guests from industry, government, and the pupils’ families at the finals.

The teams came from Airdrie Academy, Barrhead High School, Bearsden Academy, Coatbridge High School, Dalziel High School, Greenwood Academy, Linwood High School, Mearns Castle High School, St Aidan’s High School, St Ambrose High School, St Luke’s High School, St Margaret’s High School, St Ninian’s High School, Turnball High School, and Woodfarm High School.

Woodfarm High based in Thornliebank scooped Best Overall Project for the best and most innovative project.

While St Luke’s High School in Barrhead won the Determination Award for being the team who showed resilience, perseverance, and for overcoming obstacles.

The programme was supported by Viridor and the Clyde Valley Residual Waste Project.

Steven Don, head of local authority contracts Scotland for Viridor, said: “Viridor is delighted to be part of a partnership which offers young people across the Clyde Valley local authorities the opportunity to work on such an exciting project.

“The development of key skills and knowledge adds to the value of this important environmental project.”