TWO school pupils from Clackmannanshire have had their work published in an e-book created after Barack Obama’s trip to Scotland last May.

School students from across the country were invited to submit an essay or poem to be in with a chance of winning a table at the business dinner with the former US President.

Topics ranged from healthcare and education to international aid and equality.

The two chosen entries from the Wee County came from Aidan Briggs, who has just left Alva Academy, and Brogan McDade (pictured), from Alloa Academy.

The headteachers from Alva and Alloa have spoken of their pride and delight at the work being published.

Colin Bruce, headteacher of Alloa Academy: “I was delighted at the young people’s work. Alloa Academy submitted a number of entries and while we didn’t get to meet Barack Obama, I am extremely proud of Brogan McDade who has been chosen to feature in an e-book put together by The Hunter Foundation. Brogan has a bright future and is an outstanding role model to her classmates.”

Sharee MacKerron, headteacher at Alva, added: “We’re delighted to hear Aidan, a former pupil of Alva Academy, has had his essay featured in an e-book of poems and essays, compiled to celebrate Barack Obama’s visit to Scotland earlier this year.

“This is great coverage for Aidan’s talent, and he has clearly caught the publisher’s eye and it is pleasing to see his written skills and ideas being acknowledged and celebrated.

“Aidan is about to embark on a university career studying Law at Strathclyde University and we have every confidence that he will make his mark.”

The entries have been collated into a free to downloadable book which showcases the views of young people on as education, equality, healthcare and international aid.

An Evening with Barack Obama was held in May this year and raised over £670,000 for Scottish charities.

Around 1,200 people attended the event at the EICC, where Annie Lennox, Kevin Bridges and Texas appeared alongside keynote speaker Barack Obama.

Sir Tom Hunter, of The Hunter Foundation, said: “These essays and poems were humbling, uplifting, challenging and often seriously funny. They made me pause for thought and ask myself — do we really listen to the young voices of Scotland enough?”

“Through this e-book we hope that voice is heard and that all of Scotland listens, particularly our policy makers and politicians. Their voices tell us they care about our communities, our environment, equality for all, embracing our differences, caring for those who can’t care for themselves, mental health, ambition and reaching for the stars. And having a laugh.

“We are a small nation that can so easily punch above its weight, enabling young voices is one small way in which we will achieve so much more for Scotland.”

The e-book is available from thehunterfoundation.co.uk