THE RITA COTTER PRIZE

This trophy was given to the club by past club member and  children’s illustrator, Rita Cotter.

Rita was born in Glasgow but grew up in Troon after her father Tom Miller became Managing Director of Ailsa Shipyard.

In 1939 she married Scottish Rugby International, James Cotter, who was then minister of Troon Parish Church.

A keen member of the Art Club, her many paintings illustrated versions of traditional and Scottish nursery rhymes which she referred to as her “little people.”

The prize was ‘lost’ for several years but was resurrected several years ago and is awarded to the school whose pupil paints the best picture (to a given, topical theme).  The children’s entries are all displayed at the club’s Summer Exhibition.