A CASTLEMILK schoolgirl has created the first autism-friendly logo for the city.

Nicola Johnston, a primary 7 pupil at St John Paul II Primary, who has autism, was picked from over 180 entries from schools across Glasgow.

Glasgow City Council have been working with a range of partner organisations over the past year to make the city centre the first autism-friendly city centre in the UK.

Nicola's logo will identify locations across the city which are autism-friendly as well as going on display at the Gallery of Modern Art.

The winning design will now become the ‘go-to’ sign for visitors who may require additional support while enjoying Glasgow city centre.

The logo will be given to all participating businesses and used in a variety of ways including being displayed in the form of window stickers to show autism-aware venues, and as badges for their nominated champions or trained staff.

Nicola said: “Well, I felt quite happy when I found out I had won and felt quite proud as well. It will be awesome to know that people will understand autism more.”

The exhibition of the logo designs will be on display at the Gallery of Modern Art’s Gallery Four from February 2 to 11.

Nicola’s logo was selected by a panel which included Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convenor for Education, Skills and Early Years at Glasgow City Council, Lynsey Stewart from Autism Network Scotland, Anne Ledgerwood, Chair of the City Centre Retail Association, Janice Fisher, Joint Chair of Greater Glasgow Hoteliers Association and Jody Wilkinson, Public Engagement Coordinator at Glasgow Film Theatre.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and the City Convener for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: “I am delighted that Nicola’s fantastic design has been selected as the Autism-Friendly logo for Glasgow.

"It is a logo that everyone can recognise, and will help to ensure that the attractions of our city centre are accessible for everyone in Glasgow and our visitors.”

Lynsey Stewart, Autism Improvement Officer at Autism Network Scotland, said: “The logo competition has been a fantastic opportunity to engage with school children of all ages and their participation in the project has been fantastic.

"The level of creativity shown was wonderful and the winning logo is clear, recognisable and will be a real asset to local businesses and venues in highlighting their autism awareness as we continue making Glasgow an Autism-Friendly City Centre.”