A new art competition open to anyone living in the Falkirk Council area has been launched, with budding artists of all ages encouraged to take part.

The idea came from Provost William Buchanan who has invited anyone to design a flag for their Council ward with the winners having their creation made into an actual flag and put on display in the Municipal Buildings, Falkirk, for a month (following the end of lockdown restrictions due to COVID-19).

Local councillors for each ward will collectively judge the entries and put forward one to represent their ward. An overall winner will be chosen by local historian Ian Scott and be awarded a prize of £100.

Provost William Buchanan said: “This is a competition open to anyone and is really for a bit of fun to beat the lockdown blues. We really want to see something that captures the real essence of your community but doesn’t need to be overly complicated.

“It’s open to all ages and experiences and we look forward to seeing the designs turned into actual flags to be placed on public display after the COVID-19 situation has passed.

“Entries are open now and we really look forward to seeing what our creative communities can come up with.”

How to enter

Entries should be sent to Provost@falkirk.gov.uk along with a name, postal address and email address. The subject line should read ‘Lockdown Flag Competition’. You must be a resident in the ward you enter for. Flags will be returned to competition winners following their display.

The competition closes on 30 June 2020 and it is hoped to have winners chosen in the following month.