Lochaber Children’s Summer Playscheme Attracts record numbers

A summer playscheme for children in the Lochaber area has attracted tremendous uptake in its first week at the Nevis Centre in Fort William.

Organised by the Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service as part of the Community Learning and Leisure Summer Activities Programme, the first of the two activity weeks (11th – 22nd July 2005) has attracted full numbers with over 80 children attending each day.

The initiative which includes four playschemes throughout Lochaber, in Fort William, Mallaig, Ardnamuchan and Kinlochleven has been very well received by families in the area.

In the Nevis Centre, Fort William the children have been engaging in activities which include gymnastics, rugby, shinty, visual art, craft, dance, drama, Highland Council Ranger’s activities, basketball, trampoline, football, golf, badminton and games. The Playscheme activities have been enjoyed by all participants of primary age from the Fort William area.

The Playscheme initiative has been successful in attracting funding from the Lochaber Childcare and Family Resource Partnership and has benefited from the partnership working of Community Learning and Leisure and the Social Work and Health Services in Lochaber and the Highland Council Rangers, Planning and Development Service.

Ali MacDonald, Highland Council Arts Development Officer said: "The 2005 Summer Playscheme Activity Weeks have been booked well in advance and Highland Council is looking at ways to expand the programme further next year. Over the past few years the Summer Activities Programme has proven to be a vital service delivered by the Highland Council which will continue to develop and respond to the needs of the Lochaber community.

"Highland Council wishes to thank all the volunteers and staff who have helped during the week and to the funding bodies who have helped to make this years programme so successful."