Provost chooses winners of her Christmas card competition

Winner of the provost's 2025 Christmas card competition

Provost Debbi McCall thanked the winners and entrants of her digital Christmas card competition for “kickstarting Christmas in the most magical way”.

Perks of the job

At a special presentation in the council headquarters in Dalkeith recently, Provost McCall said she loved choosing the finalists from entries from primary school pupils across the county.

Festive spirit

She explained: “Just seeing so many imaginative Christmas-inspired artwork from our talented pupils really gets me in the festive spirit. I can’t wait to share the winning entry as an e-card for my corporate colleagues and friends. Many thanks to everyone who entered for kickstarting Christmas in the most magical way.”

Top prize

She eventually narrowed it down to four, with P5A King’s Park pupil, Aoife Ormiston and her brightly robin abreast holly and Christmas baubles. taking the top prize.

Runners-up

P7 pupil Lexi-Mae Bathgate from Cuiken Primary, who drew baubles and gifts and P7 Mayfield Primary pupil, Kallie Black with her recycling inspired ‘Santa’s naughty’ list were runners-up.

Difficult to choose

The provost was also taken with the drawing by St David’s P7 pupil Reilly Hogg. Reilly’s vibrant moonlit sky with Santa’s sleigh will become the council’s ‘corporate’ Xmas e-card for senior council officials, including Chief Executive Dr Grace Vickers.

Conjured up Christmas

The provost said of the winning entry: “Aoife’s drawing was so vibrant and included all the key elements I associate with Christmas. I just loved it.”

Added elements

Aoife said she was delighted to win. Her drawing has since been turned into an e-card that snows and wishes recipients a “Merry Christmas”.

Imaginative

Provost McCall also praised Lexi-Mae, Kallie and Reilly’s art. She said: “Very creative with fun messages and lots of imagination.”

Helping spread joy

The provost, who wore her special festive dress and chain of office for the photo with the children, said the winning cards will help spread joy during the festive season.

In the picture

With the provost are from left to right standing, Lexi-Mae Bathgate and Aoife Ormiston. Kneeling on left is Kallie Black and next to her on right is Reilly Hogg.

1 Dec 2025