THREE pupils from St Patrick’s Primary in Glasgow were given the chance to help switch on the festive lights at the Central Quay site after winning GRAHAM’s Christmas poster drawing competition.
GRAHAM was appointed main contractor for Unite Students’ £124.5 million Central Quay development earlier this year. Construction is underway on the 934-bed student accommodation project, which is due to open for the 2027/28 academic year.
Over 60 pupils from the local primary school took part in a competition, which saw them create posters themed around construction at Christmastime, with judges noting the creativity and imagination of the pupils who displayed their own personalities and sense of humour in their designs.
The winners – Alia Akhtar (9), Eason Wei (8), and Katie Kelekhsashvili (9) – joined GRAHAM representatives to officially switch on the Christmas lights at an event on 26 November.
Mary Moore, headteacher at St Patrick’s Primary, said, “The children have been incredibly excited to participate in this competition. Being able to switch on the Christmas lights that they will see each day leading up to Christmas is a truly memorable experience for them. We are very grateful to GRAHAM for connecting with us, facilitating this opportunity, and making such a positive impact on these young people. Thank you for helping to create a moment they are unlikely to forget.”
Suzanne Stevenson, social impact manager at GRAHAM Building North, added, “It was a joy to welcome the pupils to the Central Quay site – they are talented young artists in the making who brought a brilliant sense of excitement to the switch-on. Engaging with local schools like this helps strengthen our connection with the community, inspire the next generation, and deliver a lasting positive impact by celebrating the creativity at the heart of the areas where we work.”
