Eco-Schools Scotland awards for three schools

Three awards were given out this year - Project of the Year, Eco-Committee of the Year and Eco-Coordinator of the Year - recognising the schools and educators who have went the extra mile to integrate environmental education into their everyday learning.

The winners this year are:

Climate Action Project of the Year - West Coats Primary School (South Lanarkshire)

Eco-Committe of the Year - Harrysmuir Primary School (West Lothian)

Eco-Coordinator of the Year - Jo Wright, Hardgate Primary School (Dumfries and Galloway)

Andrea Gabriel, our Education Manager, said: “Our annual Eco-Schools Scotland awards are the perfect opportunity to highlight and celebrate those who go above and beyond to protect and care for our environment. 

“West Coats Primary School’s project has highlighted how easy it is to make the most out of something that is so often wasted and can actually cause harm to the environment. 

“The fact that pupils from all ages have got involved makes it even more special, an excellent example of a whole-school approach to learning for sustainability.

“Miss Wright’s efforts have been beneficial to people inside and outside of the school, and she has shown wonderful commitment to ensure the entire school takes part and learns about the benefits of environmental education. 

“The work she has done for the school and the wider community deserves recognition and her award is thoroughly deserved.”

“Harrysmuir Primary School’s commitment to environmental excellence epitomises exactly what our awards are about: showing initiative, curiosity and collaboration and going above and beyond to do good for people and planet.

"Congratulations to all our winners!"

Jeanie Robin, class teacher at West Coats Primary, said: "We are absolutely thrilled that our Pumpkin Power Challenge has been recognised with the Climate Action Project of the Year Award. The project encouraged every class across the school to think differently about food waste by finding creative and sustainable ways to use pumpkin innards that would otherwise have gone to landfill. Pupils worked together to cook, share recipes with families, support local wildlife and engage the wider community in conversations about sustainability. 

“A huge thank you must go to our Eco Committee, whose vision, creativity and determination drove the project from start to finish. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, teamwork and environmental awareness shown by our learners, and delighted that such a simple idea created such a positive impact across our whole school community.” 

Richard Teall, Headmaster at Hardgate Primary School, said: "Hardgate Primary School is located in rural Dumfries and Galloway. It has three classes and a very active Eco Group which is one of several Pupil Voice groups. Miss Wright is the member of staff who has led and inspired the whole school community to appreciating the value of looking after and improving our local environment as well as encouraging debate about global issues such as food miles and climate change.  

“She inspires the children and gives them the belief that their voice matters, that they truly can make a positive difference. Miss Wright spends a considerable amount of time working with external partners, applying for grants and contacting local individuals - all with the aim of improving the learning experiences of every child in the school.  

“This has resulted, for example, in every child frequently taking part in learning activities in the local woods. Miss Wright is currently driving forward improvements to the school grounds. A truly inspiring individual.”

Erin Pringle, Eco-Coordinator & Outdoor Lead, Harrysmuir Primary School, said: "As eco co-ordinator at Harrysmuir Primary School I am absolutely over the moon that we have received the annual award of Eco committee of the year 2026.

"The integrity, curiosity and compassion all 18 of our members show for preserving natures resources is inspiring to those around them. Pupils care deeply not only about their communities conservation of sustainable choices but also the lifelong effect they can have on their planet even as they grow through life."

Eco-Schools is the largest sustainable schools programme in the world with almost 20 million children, young people and educators engaged worldwide in 73 different countries. In Scotland almost 900 schools currently fly the Green Flag proudly while hundreds of others are on their own journey, through our Climate Action Schools framework, to achieve one.  

Eco-Schools is one of five programmes operated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and delivered by Keep Scotland Beautiful in Scotland as part of our Climate Action Schools framework, which supports schools towards achieving Target 20230 and is supported by funding from the Scottish Government.