Excellent response at Nairn Academy to referendum on Scottish Independence
64% of pupils at Nairn Academy turned out to vote in a mock referendum on Scottish independence. 491 of the 770 pupils at the school cast their votes on Thursday and most turned out at the morning break today (Friday) to hear the result.
348 pupils (71%) voted “no” to the question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?”
139 voted “yes”.
Four papers were spoiled.
The result was announced by William Gilfillan, the Council’s Corporate Manager, who acted as the school referendum counting officer.
He thanked Head Teacher Julie Macdonald and Youth Development Officer, Christie Fullerton, for piloting the mock election and praised pupils for taking such an active participation in the process.
He said: “The process was designed to give young people a taste of what voting is all about and to encourage them to take a full part in the process. There has been a real buzz about the school over the past two days and the turn out of 64% is excellent. I am sure that the success of this event will encourage other secondary schools to organise a similar event.”
Head Teacher Julie Macdonald said: “This has been a very rewarding exercise. The pupils have played a prominent role at every stage of the process and many have told me they have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was well worth the effort and I can commend it to other secondary schools in Highland.”