Feet first across Scotland for city pupils

The Parent Council of St Joseph's RC Primary School in Inverness organised a very successful 'sponsored walk along the length of Scotland last week -without leaving the city.

The children, along with some parents and the staff of the school, covered the 360 miles from John O'Groats to Gretna Green by walking and running laps of the Northern Meeting Park, Inverness. All completed laps counted towards the overall distance and progress was recorded on a huge map of Scotland made by one of the parents. 

The course was set up by parent volunteer Kenny Riddle, assisted by his friend Paul Rodden. He marked out a loop of the park using props he had made – a Loch Ness Monster, a castle, a Highland cow and thistles marking
the way for the walkers.

Head Teacher Christine Cameron led the children onto the course to start the walk with some of the walkers wearing tartan, others carried Scottish flags and lots with saltires painted on their faces.

The walkers were motivated on their journey through Scotland by some VIPs to add to the excitement. Olympic Curler Ewan MacDonald walked some of the distance and Sandra Watson, manager of Bank of Scotland, also came along to offer some encouragement to the pupils and to talk about her work as an ambassador for London 2012 Olympic Torch relay team.

This creative sponsored walk venture was supported by local businesses with Walkers of Aberlour, Belladrum, CK events, Tesco, Lifescan, Macrae and Dick, Lidl and Heavenly Nails all donated raffle prizes. The Army careers office and Bank of Scotland donated spot prizes for all the children who took part.

Julie Riddle from the schools’ Parent Council said:  “There was a fantastic atmosphere on the day with music and regular mileage updates announced by Robert and Rebecca from PSD discos. This certainly added to the fun and kept everyone's spirits up. It was so encouraging to see so the children so motivated and keen. They were so happy with huge smiles on their faces as they passed the lap counters. They just wanted to keep going and going!

So far the sponsored walk has raised just under £1500 for school funds with money still coming in.  The next event the whole school is looking forward to is a Teddy Bear’s picnic next Friday in the grounds of St Ninian’s church.