IT was a textile class with a twist for these Glasgow school pupils.

Third year youngsters from John Paul Academy were given the chance to visit Prince Charles's Dumfries House estate and learn to make tote bags.

The trip was part of the royal estate's Future Textiles project, which has seen more than 2500 pupils from across Scotland visit the Palladian country house's attic workshop.

The group, led by teacher Justene Strzelecki, used appliqué decoration skills and attached straps to their completed bags, which they took home.

Pupils practised measuring, sewing straight seams, overlocking and top stitching during the specialist class.

Ms Strzelecki said: “We had a fabulous time down at Dumfries House.

"The Future Textiles staff shared their expertise with our pupils and taught them skills that will enhance their work in class.

"The children really enjoyed the workshop and can’t wait to return to Dumfries House to learn more about designing and manufacturing textiles.”

Dumfries House Future Textiles forms a key element of the vision of the Duke of Rothesay, who used £20million of his charitable foundation’s money in 2007 to secure the future of Dumfries House.

He planned to use the estate to help people engage in learning experiences that promote confidence and personal development as well as offer training in real-life skills.

Pupils who show a particular aptitude and interest in textiles can enrol on a more advanced, certificated course in The Atelier to increase their chances of gaining a place in further education and, later, employment.

Karen McFarlane, who helps run Dumfries House Future Textiles, said: “Pupils have the opportunity to build on what they are taught at school by learning from specialists at Dumfries House.

"Those who really embrace the experience of producing garments and products from scratch can then enrol on the Future 30 programme, which is a five-day course of 30 hours of learning where pupils are challenged to make products using increasingly high levels of skill.

“We were delighted to host the pupils from John Paul Academy, who, despite having never sewn before, showed fantastic creativity and skill to produce some wonderful designs.

"Some found the workshop quite challenging but enjoyed the experience and were proud of themselves when they left with their finished decorated tote bags.”

School visits to Dumfries House can be arranged by emailing EducationAdmin@dumfries-house.org.uk