In a remarkable artistic achievement, a talented schoolgirl named Ava McBain has emerged as the winner of the Bothwell flag design contest. Ava’s creative design, featuring Bothwell Castle and the nearby river in prominent local colours, garnered the most votes in a public competition. The unveiling of Ava’s flag took place at a special ceremony led by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Dr Joseph Morrow, who praised the design as “a lasting emblem for the village.”
Eleven-year-old Ava’s winning design, described as a map with the River Clyde flowing through the parish and the sandstone red castle, stood out among over 200 entries from local residents. Following an in-person and online poll that received 2400 votes, Ava’s design was chosen as the official flag of Bothwell, making it the first official flag of any Lanarkshire town or village. Ava expressed her excitement at winning, stating, “It’s amazing that I won – I can’t believe it! When I think of Bothwell, I think of the River Clyde and Bothwell Castle, so I had to include them in the flag.”
The competition, organised by Bothwell Parish Church and development charity Bothwell Futures, aimed to engage the community in creating a symbol that represents the essence of Bothwell. Reverend Iain Majcher of Bothwell Parish Church, a member of the judging panel, commended Ava’s design for capturing the spirit of the village. He noted that the competition brought out incredible creativity and passion from the community, culminating in a flag that symbolises their shared history and pride.
The production of the new flag was funded by Bothwell Futures, with support from residents and community organisers. Distinguished guests at the unveiling ceremony included Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Andrew Braidwood and flag expert Philip Tibbetts, who provided guidance to residents on designing flags that reflect the heritage and character of Bothwell. Ava’s flag is now flying proudly from the church tower, serving as an inspiring and unifying symbol for the local residents.
The new Bothwell flag’s significance goes beyond its visual representation; it stands as a testament to community spirit, creativity, and pride. The colourful and meaningful design crafted by Ava McBain has become a cherished symbol of Bothwell’s rich history and bright future.
Insights:
The Bothwell flag design contest serves as an excellent example of community engagement and creativity, showcasing how a simple initiative can unite residents and celebrate local heritage. Ava’s imaginative design not only represents symbols of Bothwell but also reflects the spirit of collaboration and pride within the community. The unveiling of the flag highlights the importance of recognising and encouraging artistic talents, especially among young individuals, and the positive impact such initiatives can have on fostering a sense of belonging and identity within a community.