TWELVE primary schools across Dumbarton and the Vale are now proud owners of a sportscotland award.

Braehead Primary and Cardross Primary have won gold 2019-2022 School Sport Awards.

Meanwhile, Christie Park and St Patrick’s have received a gold 2017-2020 award.

Aitkenbar, Bonhill, Gartocharn, Knoxland, Lennox, Renton, St Michael’s, and St Ronan’s primaries have all achieved a silver award.

The sportscotland awards are a national initiative designed to encourage schools to continuously improve physical education (PE) and school sport opportunities.

The award puts young people at the forefront of the decision making and planning of PE and sport in their school and helps schools to put PE and school sport at the heart of their planning, practice and ethos.

Sportscotland announced that a record 747 schools now hold an award across the country, with the number of schools holding the highest gold award also setting a new record at 399.

Jackie Baillie MSP praised the work of all the schools, pupils and staff.

She told the Reporter: “I am delighted that 12 primary schools across my constituency are now the proud owners of a prestigious sportsscotland award.

“The hard work and dedication that these schools have put in by placing the importance of physical education at the forefront of these pupils education is evident.

“Allowing pupils to lead on the decision making process surrounding their physical education allows them to understand the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and they will reap the benefits of this award and the ethos surrounding it for years to come. Congratulations to all involved.”