Young Designer’s Powerful Rhino Pendant Unveiled at Edinburgh Zoo to Support Conservation

A striking new jewellery design created by a young Scottish student has been officially unveiled at Edinburgh Zoo, marking Endangered Species Day and the launch of the exclusive pendant for public sale.

Scott Bannister, an S2 pupil at Eastwood High School, was named the winner of the National Secondary Schools Jewellery Design Competition, run annually by the Craft & Design department at City of Glasgow College. His thought-provoking design – a rhino delicately balanced on its own horn – powerfully symbolises the fragility of the species and the existential threats it faces due to poaching and habitat loss.

Scott’s winning piece was selected from more than 800 entries submitted by secondary school pupils across Scotland. The judging panel included Sandra Gunn, Chair of Craft Scotland and Trustee of the Goldsmiths’ Craft and Design Council, alongside leading jewellers Maeve Gillies and Ebba Goring.

The design was brought to life using CAD technology and cast in AgAIN Silver – a sustainable material reclaimed from discarded NHS X-rays – by VIPA Designs Ltd. The pendant is now available to purchase via Edinburgh Zoo’s online shop, with all proceeds supporting the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and its vital conservation efforts.

Scott, accompanied by his family, teacher, and representatives from City of Glasgow College, presented the first pendant to the Zoo during a special visit. A photo of the presentation, taken at the Zoo, captures the moment the young designer shared his creation with the RZSS team.

Lisa McGovern, Curriculum Head of Craft & Design at City of Glasgow College, said: “Scott’s design is not only visually stunning but carries a deeply meaningful message about the precarious future of endangered species. At City of Glasgow College, we believe in the power of design to spark conversation and inspire change, and this project is a brilliant example of young talent doing just that. We’re incredibly proud to see Scott’s idea come to life and support such an important cause through creativity.”

Chris O’ Connor, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland retail operations manager, commented: “Congratulations to Scott who has done an amazing job in creating a stunning and unique piece of jewellery, which is sure to get people thinking about the perilous state of nature and what needs to be done to help it. We are very proud and grateful to be able to make his pendant available for purchase in our online shop, with all proceeds going towards the conservation of animals.” 

The National Secondary Schools Jewellery Design Competition is part of City of Glasgow College’s wider commitment to nurturing young creative talent and raising awareness of global issues through innovative design.