Bakkafrost helps fund school pupils' adventure trip

More than 50 pupils from Stornoway Primary School enjoyed a two-night stay at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre near Aviemore, supported in part by Bakkafrost Scotland’s Community Fund.

The trip gave 54 Primary 7s the chance to try activities including skiing, archery, sailing and cycling, many for the first time. With no overnight activity centre currently available on the Isle of Lewis, and limited options on Harris, the children had faced missing out on this experience, Bakkafrost said.

Bakkafrost Scotland Safety Health and Environment Partner Murdo Frame, whose daughter Cerys was among the pupils to benefit, said: “This was the first chance for most of these children to go away without their parents. They not only got to enjoy the activities on offer, they also experienced a level of independence for the first time.

“Their experience will have helped promote their confidence ahead of their step up to secondary school. “It also provided a real adventure for the youngsters, including the ferry ride there and back and the chance to be on the mainland.”

Mairi Macleod, who helped organise the trip on behalf of the school, said: “We have seen first-hand how pupils blossom during outdoor activities and find strength and determination within themselves that they didn’t know existed. Shy, introverted pupils who detested PE are suddenly scrambling up gorges.

“The challenge of being away from home and without their parents helps our pupils to become more independent, more resilient and to gain confidence in their abilities.”