Primary and secondary school pupils from across Edinburgh were acknowledged in three award categories: Proud to be me, How prejudice makes me feel and Artivism.

This year more than 250 pupils were involved in submitting a creative entry.

The awards invited nominations from schools highlighting work in any art form, from the written word to film or animation, inspired by the themes of equality, inclusion and diversity.
Head teachers were also encouraged to nominate a staff team from their school for their creative and collaborative work around equalities.

Winners of the 2026 Saroj Lal awards. © Supplied

The list of winners was as follows:

  • Proud to be me – primary schools’ category: Nika Roi – P5 Bruntsfield Primary School
  • Proud to be me – secondary schools’ category: “This is Me!” and Choir – Pilrig Park School – a whole school project 
  • How prejudice makes me feel – primary schools’ category: Lexi Armstrong – P7 Star of the Sea RC Primary School
  • How Prejudice makes me feel – secondary schools’ category: “Nothing About Us Without Us” – Kaimes School – Kaimes Media Class.
  • Artivism – primary schools’ category: “Roots to Rhythm” – Prestonfield Primary School – a whole school project 
  • Artivism : secondary schools’ category: Salma Hassan – S2 Boroughmuir High School

Staff Awards 

  • Currie Primary School – Emma Boag McGlynn and Frances Jack
  • Prestonfield Primary School – The Equalities Leadership Team 
  • Bruntsfield Primary School – Donna English and Gillian Knust
  • Boroughmuir Secondary School – Erin Cowan

Saroj Lal was one of the first Asian women to teach in a Scottish primary school when she began her role at South Morningside Primary School in 1970. Among her works included being at the forefront of race relations, delivering anti-racism training and starting the first local authority interpreting and translating service in Edinburgh.

Following her death in 2020, Saroj’s achievements in equality, women’s rights, education, and community work have been formally recognised in the city.

Cllr James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, hosted the awards and said:  “Saroj Lal was a true inspiration, both in her trailblazing role at South Morningside Primary School and as a renowned campaigner for race relations and equality, and I’m delighted that her legacy lives on.

“Entries to this year’s awards demonstrate real creativity and feeling around the themes of equality, inclusion and diversity, and the calibre was extremely high. Well done to the winners and all those who submitted an entry.”

Mrs Lal’s son, Vineet Lal, said: “Once again, the calibre and creativity of entries has been incredible, with so much thought and consideration put into submissions. My thanks to all those who have got involved this year in creating artwork that challenges inequality. 

“Saroj would be proud to see that the awards are now in their fourth year with even more children and young people getting involved. She was a pioneer in so many ways and we can all learn from how she stood up for what is right and championed inclusion, equality and anti-racism.”

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