Lisa Blair (17), a former pupil of Boclair Academy, was one of 14 pupils in Scotland to make it to the top 100 in this year's 'Young Brits at Art' competition.

This unique contest, run by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, is designed to encourage young people to explore their own identity and background, using self-portraiture or pictures to tell their own story about who they are, their communities, their differences, diversity and what makes them tick.

Lisa's painting of her friend with her head in a box with holes cut out for her eyes explores the theme of fear and identity and how people sometimes hide their true self from others.

Lisa, who hopes to go to university to study physics later this year, said: "My entry was a bit last minute so I was completely shocked when it did so well.

"I'm pleased that my teacher suggested that I put this picture in, it was part of my exam work for advanced higher.

"I think identity is an interesting issue and very relevant today."

Now the 100 most creative, thought provoking and most engaging submissions have been shortlisted and will be put before judges to decide the final top 10, which will be announced at an awards ceremony in London's South Bank Centre.

Morag Alexander, Commissioner for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Scotland, said: "Not only is the standard of work exceptionally high, the maturity of the young people shown is as inspiring as it is impressive.

"It is encouraging to know that Britain's youth is engaged, switched on and willing to stand up and be counted when it comes to expressing their opinions, their rights and their social or environmental concerns.