Highland pupils shortlisted for Junior Saltire Awards after wave powered generator design impresses judges
Ullapool High School, Alness Academy and Aldourie Primary School have made it to the final of a renewable energy award after beating competition from the country’s brightest and best young designers.
The 2013 Junior Saltire Awards saw record entries from schools across Scotland who were asked to create, design, build and test a wave powered generator which would be suitable for Scottish waters.
The schools shortlisted will test their models in the Test Tank at the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at Strathclyde University on Thursday, June 13, with the winners being announced the following day at the SECC Glasgow during the Celebration of Engineering and Science event at Big Bang Scotland.
Finalists for the award, managed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) in partnership with Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), include:
• S4 to S6 ¬– Ullapool High School, Trinity Academy from Edinburgh and St Ninian’s High School from Giffnock
• S1 to S3 – Alness Academy, Douglas Academy from Milngavie, Turnbull High School from Bishopbriggs and Sanday Community Junior High School from Orkney
• P5 to P7 - Port Ellen Primary from Islay, Evie Primary from Orkney, Olnafirth Primary from Shetland and Aldourie Primary from Inverness
Professor Sandy Day, Director of Laboratory and Infrastructure at the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at Strathclyde University who was on the judging panel said: Young people are environmentally aware and we need to encourage them to see engineering as a modern, high-tech industry which can make a positive contribution to protecting the environment, that’s good for the industry, and for the whole of Scotland.”
Rob Orr, Energy Sector Manager from SDS said, The Junior Saltire Award helps to develop an awareness of marine renewables and encourages young people to explore careers and investigate the skills that are required to work in this industry.”
Jane Martin, Programme Director - Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland o SCDI added: This award generates considerable interest every year and we are delighted to work in partnership with SDS to raise awareness of marine renewables to a new generation of young people.”