MELROSE youngster Isaac Buchannan has been placed amongst the best young artists in Scotland.

The pupil at St Mary’s School was at the Scottish National Galleries in Edinburgh last week to witness his artwork going on display.

Issac scooped third place in the Fabulous Food category.

And was the only one of 180 entrants from the Borders to make it onto the walls of the Galleries.

The 2015 Tesco Bank Art Competition for Scotland attracted over 7,000 submissions from schools in 31 of the 32 local authorities across the country.

As part of a significant focus on widening accessibility to visual art this year, the National Galleries of Scotland and Tesco Bank have teamed up to provide grants for art materials to all the schools who entered.

Sir John Leighton, director-generalof the National Galleries of Scotland, commented: “Once again we have been greatly impressed by the quality of work submitted from all over the country, and would like give to all of our winners a very big cheer.

“We hope that they have all had lots of fun entering the competition and learning about their own national collection – and of course we are delighted to be able to show their fabulous works of art in the National Galleries of Scotland this summer.” Winning artworks are on display in the Scottish National Gallery until October 27 when they will then embark on a nationwide tour.

This year the competition also went on the road with practical workshops in schools in Inverness, Elgin, Montrose, Cardross and Elderslie giving 1,000 children the opportunity to work with artists to make some creative, visual artwork.

Adele Mills, senior community investment manager with Tesco Bank, added: “The winners came from far and wide across the country and, once again, it was a delight to meet so many talented artists. “Judging was very difficult due to the quality and quantity of art received this year so huge congratulations go to the winner from the Scottish Borders.

“Tesco Bank is committed to widening access to the Competition and creating lasting positive memories.”