AN EAST Lothian teenager has scooped a top prize for an environmentally friendly piece of artwork.

Hector MacRae, 14, a pupil at Loretto School in Musselburgh, created ‘Clarence the crab’ from cans, pen lids and rope from fishermen’s nets.

His marine design was awarded a special merit prize for S1-3 pupils in the ‘Climate Change’ category of the National Galleries of Scotland competition and is being exhibited at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh.

Hector was inspired by a sustainability project devised by art teacher Heather Manson for a school activity week, which looked at using art to raise awareness of climate change and everyone’s responsibility as global citizens.

Pupils engaged in discussions and worked out ways to slow down global warming. They looked at the scientific properties of everyday domestic products, their recyclability, biodegradability and effect on the marine environment.

Using objects that they would find washed up on beaches, the pupils created works to raise awareness of their harm to marine life.

Ann Buchanan, Loretto’s head of art and history of art, said: “We are thrilled that Hector was awarded one of the seven special merit prizes for S1-3 pupils in Scotland.”