Twelve pupils from Hillhead Primary school opened a special parliamentary arts event with a thrilling poetry performance.
The pupils, who hold the title of Slam Masters of the Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, captured the attention of Scotland's political and cultural figures at a reception held by Creative Scotland at the Scottish Parliament.
They performed their winning group poem titled Nature, while individual winner, Lily Blake, performed her poem titled Don’t be in Such a Rush to Grow Up.
Iain Munro, chief executive at Creative Scotland, said: "The opening performance of Hillhead Primary’s bright pupils sent a strong message that the future of arts and culture in Scotland is in safe hands.
"Their evocative words demonstrated exactly the purpose of the arts – to hold a mirror to ourselves and society to reflect on.
"Every adult in the room went away with something to think about from these talented young people.
"They are worthy winners of the Scottish Poetry Slam, and we look forward to hearing more from each of their flourishing creative voices."
Hosted by Keith Brown MSP, the event also included speeches by Angus Robertson, cabinet secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
The event drew participation from several arts organisations funded by Creative Scotland, including the National Theatre of Scotland.
Lois Lurinsky, deputy headteacher at Hillhead Primary, said: "Our pupils and staff had a wonderful evening at the Creative Scotland Parliamentary Reception.
"We were overjoyed to win both the individual and group categories of the Scottish Poetry Slam last year and to be invited to such an exciting event was the icing on the cake."
Rachel McJury, artistic director of ConFAB, founders of Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, said: "We have been running youth poetry slams for 20 years now and witnessing the young people find their voices and share their experiences in such creative, talented, and transformative ways never tires."
The bi-annual Scottish Youth Poetry Slam, now in its fifth year, has been a vehicle for young people across Scotland to engage with literature and culture, and nurture language and literacy through poetry and spoken word.
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