What talented young people we have here in Midlothian. Budding new artists and designers showed their skills at the Ingingerness workshops. With support from Midfest and the primary schools involved (St Davids, Mayfield, St Margarets and Cuiken) children were able to design their own gym bags, t-shirts, photo panels and mugs. The designs are based on the children's good qualities, their strengths and the things they like about themselves. I loved seeing the big smiles and excitement when they see their designs as a finished product. Midlothian is oozing with talent, so what's next?

How do we harness that talent? When you're young, you're told that you might be something when you grow up. With technology and a bunch of clued up young people I don't think they have to wait. Young people are quite capable of designing now and with some support they could even sell their designs.

What I would love to see is a design group for young people. Facilitated by practicing designers and artist so that the young people could benefit from their real life experience. Developing young people's artistic skills and taking it to the next level. This way they learn about working in a team, budgeting, business, fundraising, networking, writing, computers, and of course design. Seeing a project through and having something to show at the end gives young people a real sense of achievement. This helps them to have the confidence and skills to try new and more ambitious things.

So what do you think? Should we start something like this up in Midlothian? Can we support young people to take part in festivals such as Midfest in a meaningful way? Your ideas and feedback are much appreciated. Please leave comments and any ideas you have. If you know people with children in Lothian please share this blog on your social media pages so I can get lots of feedback before planning something. Feedback from young people is very much encouraged.

Lastly I'd like to say a special thanks to all the children involved who were so welcoming, polite and a joy to work with.