Keeping fit is not ‘monkey-business’ for Black Isle pupils

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Munlochy Primary School pupils invited their local Councillors to school to thank them for part funding new outdoor exercise and fitness equipment at their school from the Black Isle Ward discretionary budget.

Cllr Isobel McCallum said: “All Black Isle Ward Members David Alston, Jennifer Barclay, Craig Fraser and myself were delighted to be able to support this important investment into the future health and fitness of Munlochy pupils. We hope that the children learn to love exercise as a habit that they take forward with them into adulthood.”

The pupils demonstrated the wood and rope combination equipment from Wicksteed Playscapes, which includes bongos and chimes, log weaver, walk and stretch posts, ‘monkey bars’, roll over bars and a wobbly plank.

Principal Teacher, Ben Sharp said: “It has long been an aim of the school to provide and outdoor exercise and fitness area for the children of Munlochy Primary School. We worked with the pupils and parents to choose appropriate equipment and safety features that will benefit the school and community.”

Emma Patience Parent Council Chair added: “We wanted to do more to help keep our children stay fit and healthy in an enjoyable and fun way through physical activity. As part of a wider Eco Schools project - to support the improvement of the school grounds - the new Trim Trail provides a huge boost to the ethos of healthy living already supported at the school.”

The four pupil House Captains said:

• Stroma Fraser - “Our new play equipment has made playtime very exciting””
• Heather Gillman - “Everyone enjoys the trim trail and loves the variety of activities we have.”
• Elizabeth McLennan - “The younger pupils have great fun on the musical instruments and weaving logs, while the older pupils really enjoy practising their gymnastic skills on the roll over bars.”
• Eilidh Telfer - “We hate it when it’s icy weather and can’t play on the equipment for safety. Bring on the summer!”

The total cost of the new play equipment was £10,000 - part funded by The Highland Council’s Black Isle Ward Discretionary Budget and Big Lottery Fund Awards for All Scotland.