PRIZE pupils have been crowned in East Ayrshire's annual history challenge.
A powerful presentation that connected the past to the present helped secure this year’s top award.
Grange Academy took home the trophy at the 2026 challenge, held at St Joseph’s Campus in Kilmarnock, with a winning presentation that impressed judges with its depth and storytelling.
Pupils from across East Ayrshire, including teams from Robert Burns Academy, Doon Academy, Loudoun Academy, Kilmarnock Academy and Stewarton Academy, explored the impact of the Second World War on their communities through research displays and presentations.
Provost Claire Leitch said: "The enthusiasm in the room was incredible.
"The young people had taken this challenge with both hands and had done some wonderful research into the impact of the Second World War on their communities.
"The young people had found items from family members, including medals, a helmet, and an air raid warning device that was unbelievably loud."
Entries included a range of creative displays, with The Robert Burns Academy team constructing models of air raid shelters and Kilmarnock Academy displaying a Lego Spitfire and model tanks.
The provost said: "The judging was so close – there was literally one point between the top teams, but we felt that Grange Academy had delivered an exceptional presentation and had included video from local historian Shona Lawson, which really added an additional dimension and brought the stories of local people to life."
Pupils interviewed family members, consulted local historians, and learned about evacuees who arrived in East Ayrshire during the war.
Councillor Elaine Cowan, spokesperson for education and children and young people, and Linda McAulay-Griffiths, director of education and skills, also helped judge the competition, which was organised by St Joseph’s Academy history teacher Mr Marr.
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