A YOUNG student was flying high 10 years ago after winning a design competition to celebrate the opening of a multi-million pound airport extension. 

Talented Jonathan Deitz, from Houston, won a competition to mark the opening of Glasgow Airport’s £31million ‘skyhub’ extension. 

He designed a set of three colourful etchings that ‘perfectly captured’ the size and scope of the new development – one of the biggest investments made in Renfrewshire that year. 

The sixth-year pupil at Gryffe High School presented a framed picture of his winning design to Scotland’s then First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP, at the official launch of the terminal extension.

Delighted Jonathan said at the time: “I couldn’t believe I was chosen. 

“I’m really honoured that my work will be seen by so many people and totally amazed to have won.” 

Amanda McMillan, MD of Glasgow Airport, added: “Jonathan really impressed us with his designs. 

“They are very striking and perfectly capture the scale of our massive new investment. 

“The First Minister was very impressed with his work.” 

Fifty limited edition prints of the winning design were produced, and the lucky teen received a prize cheque for £500. 

Jonathan’s winning entry was displayed at the entrance to Glasgow Airport’s security search area.

One of the local councillors for Houston, Crosslee and Linwood, David Clews, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for a local boy and shows just how much artistic ability is alive and well in Renfrewshire.”