Pupils from Graeme High School in Falkirk recently got a chance to show off their artistic side when CALA Homes set them an interior design challenge.

A group of 10 second-year pupils took part in a competition to design a teenager’s bedroom for one of CALA's new Crichton show-homes at its Kinnaird Gardens development in Larbert.

The winner was Aaron Harkness, age (14). His design revolved around wild African dogs and tribal influences.

The room has been brought to life in the showhome by interior designer and presenter of ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover, John Amabile of Amabile Designs.

Linda Peter, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes West, said: "This has been a great competition and we were delighted to be able to help out with a project that is very close to our hearts.


"The ideas were very creative and they had all put in so much effort - but there has to be one overall winner and Aaron’s design was excellent."

The competition was part of an ongoing relationship CALA has with Graeme High School, which aims to give pupils a clear idea of the variety of careers and scope for success within the housebuilding sector.

Lesley Carroll, Head Teacher at Graeme High School said: "Our link with CALA Homes is now well established and driven forward by the energy, commitment and enthusiasm by staff on both sides of the relationship.

"There is enormous value for our pupils in seeing the relevance of what they are learning in the classroom. Experts from CALA Homes are able to bring a very different dimension to the classroom and pupils are really motivated by this kind of experience."

Interior designer, John Amabile of Amabile Designs added: "It's genuinely rewarding to see the amount of effort and thought put in by every pupil. The designs were so varied and carefully thought through and it was a tough decision to pick one winning design. The winner’s design replicated itself well into a room."

While all entries were of a very high standard, CALA particularly recognised the efforts of other members of the class, including Grant Sheppard, age 14, who came second, Holly Steel age 14, who came third and Dylan Hunter (age 14) and Emma Miller (age 13) who both received highly commended awards.

CALA will present the winners with certificates and prizes at a special assembly next month.

(GK/BMcC)