Ruairidh Macleod, a sixth year student, has won the celebrated 2015 John Byrne Award for his musical improvisation, De Profundis. Hamish Mathieson, the chairman of judging panel, and a senior geologist at Cairn Energy, said, "Ruairidh's entry was at once dramatic and sensitive, combining an impressive musical talent with just the sort of in depth exploration of values that the John Byrne Award strives to encourage in young people.”
The awards, sponsored by Cairn Energy, and University of Edinburgh, were presented by one of Scotland’s icons; artist and playwright John Byrne, at a ceremony at The Playfair Library on Thursday 12 November at 19:00.
Now in its sixth year, The John Byrne Award encourages the consideration, development and expression of personal and societal values. Each year it chooses a different ‘stimulus’ – Ruairidh’s improvisation on his violin was in response to the 2015 stimulus; Jimmy Reid’s world famous Rectorial address on alienation*.
Ruairidh wins £1,000 to spend on his personal development. Three other entrants were commended and are: Bella Baillie commended for her ‘passion, wisdom and intelligence', Susie Bradly commended for her ‘insightful interpretation of a complex contemporary issue ', and Steven Dale; commended for his ‘portrayal of a marginalised group in society '. Each commendation winner receives £500 for their personal development.
Each entrant had to submit a detailed report explaining how they responded to the stimulus and researched the issues. A shortlist then presented their work to the judges – this year’s judges were Hamish Mathieson, Senior Geologist at Cairn Energy; Florence Ingleby, Director at Ingleby Gallery; Stuart Ferguson, Director, Aker Solutions ASA; Emma Currie, Director, Acting Up; Maidie Cahill, Director of Corporate Services, Scottish Qualifications Authority, and Andrew MacDonald, The 2014 John Byrne Award winner.
Simon Thomson, Chief Executive of Cairn Energy PLC said, “We are delighted to continue our support of The John Byrne Award, an award which inspires Edinburgh’s young people to develop their own values and to strive for positive change in society expressed through a creative medium”