Dornoch Derby Nears Completion

Sutherland school Dornoch Academy is completing preparations for the up-coming Dornoch Derby and Garden Party.

To be held on the 28th February, the school’s pupils have worked tirelessly both in and out of the classroom to create a whole host of activities for visitors.

As guests come to the school they will be able to meet multiple steeplechase winner, JEFERTITI and be served their afternoon tea by pupils dressed in actual jockey silks, both kindly donated by William Powrie, Chairman of the Parent Council. They will also be able to see scarecrows made of recycled materials created by the 4th year pupils.

Local MSPs Jamie Stone and Lord Thurso have already confirmed their attendance at the day which will begin at 3pm. In addition to the tea, visitors will be able to see a fashion show, where the pupils will model their hats made from recycled materials – a message which ties in with the school’s status as the first school in the Highlands to be awarded the coveted Green Flag award for outstanding work in the Eco Schools projects.

The children have written to and visited many local producers and retailers to secure the food which will make up the sumptuous 4 course high tea.
 
The series of Dornoch Derby horse races will also take place with people urging their horses on.

The culmination of the day will be the prestigious auction where kindly donated celebrity merchandise will be on offer to bidders. This ranges from signed football photographs of Sir Alex Ferguson to generously donated materials such as doodles and t-shirts by other luminaries as Ally McCoist, Sir Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart and Robbie Coltraine.

The auction catalogue is available from both Ruth Gagan on 01862 810246 and the school’s website, www.dornochacademy.org.

The Dornoch Derby and Garden Party is being held as a way of raising funds for the purchase of people carrier to allow children of this remote Highland the school the chance to take educational trips farther afield.