Rare gold pink stained-glass project shines a light on creativity at Wiston Primary School

Pupils at one of the UK’s smallest primary schools are set to leave a lasting artistic legacy thanks to the installation of new stained-glass windows they helped design. 

The pupils at Wiston Primary School, which currently has just three children on its roll, worked with local stained-glass artist Fiona Foley to design and create the bespoke stained-glass panels which will be installed at the entrance of the school building. 

Included in the final panels is a sheet of rare and beautiful gold pink, acquired from the stock of local man Crear McCartney who was one of Scotland’s most celebrated 20th-century stained-glass artists. Over his career, he created over 100 striking religious and public windows across the UK. 

The project was made possible thanks to a grant of almost £10,000 using funds from OnPath Energy’s Middle Muir Wind Farm through South Lanarkshire Council’s Renewable Energy Fund (REF). REF is backed by OnPath’s nearby Kype Muir and Middle Muir Wind Farms supporting initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities. 

Over a six-month period, pupils have taken part in storytelling, design and hands-on creative workshops, learning about the history of the village of Wiston, nature and the traditional craft of stained glass making while contributing directly to the final artwork. 

As part of the programme, pupils have been involved in every stage of the creative process, from developing ideas and themes through to helping produce the finished panels which will remain part of the school for years to come. 

Wiston Primary School’s headteacher Laura Forde said: “The whole school was directly involved throughout, from initially researching and investigating the school’s natural surroundings to cutting sections of the window. They all became project ambassadors, sharing their new skills with parents and neighbours.  

“The children were amazed and awestruck when they saw the windows finally installed. It has been a privilege to see this project come to life from start to finish. Our entire school community is thrilled with the final stained-glass pieces, which has beautifully transformed our reception into a bright and welcoming space.” 

Aileen McCreadie, community and partnerships manager at OnPath Energy, said: “Projects like this demonstrate the important role community funding can play in supporting creativity, education,local heritage and creating stronger communities 

It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm shown by the pupils at Wiston Primary School throughout the project and the stained-glass panels will leave a legacy for both the school and wider community.”

Aileen McCreadie, Community and partnerships manager at OnPath Energy

“At OnPath Energy, we are committed to ensuring that our renewable energy developments deliver meaningful benefits for local people and we are proud to have supported such an imaginative and inspiring initiative.” 

Artist Fiona Foley, who led the workshops and creation of the panels, has produced work for the likes of Gloucester Cathedral, Motherwell Cathedral and Rolls Royce, said she was impressed by the pupils’ commitment.  

“Over the whole year’s span of the project the children delighted me with their enthusiasm and breadth of ideas and design concepts for the window. Their ideas were well researched and their choice of characters, creatures and text for the window fully reasoned and beautifully embodied the overall theme.  

“The house adjacent to the school was owned by the McCartney family where Crear had his studio. Through his daughter, Ilene, l was incredibly honoured to acquire some of Crear’s personal stock of glass including a sheet of rare and beautiful gold pink. I just had to include this in the Wiston panels to acknowledge his connection to the school and in some small way honour his talent and artistic legacy. 

“The finished window completely captures what is so important about Wiston school, the connection it has with the village, its natural environment and the esteem the pupils hold for the nature that surrounds them daily. What better classroom than the natural world.” 

The REF can fund capital and revenue for up to three years for projects that deliver on seven rural priorities, one of which is recreation and community facilities.

The council’s Head of Enterprise and Sustainable Development, Alison Brown, said: “The Renewable Energy Fund is about more than just providing financial support, it’s about creating long-term benefits for local communities, and this funding for Wiston Primary’s stained-glass window is a perfect example of that.

“Not only has Fiona’s work on it given the three children currently at the school an opportunity they might otherwise never have had to experience and learn about such a fascinating subject, but it has also created a striking and unique feature that generations of pupils to come will associate with their schooldays.

“It really is a case of establishing a legacy that will have a lasting and meaningful effect on the community in the present and long into the future.”