Highland School Highly Commended at Junior Saltire Awards
Daviot Primary competed in final of renewable energy competition
A group of Highland primary school pupils have proved they have what it takes to become Scotland’s renewable energy experts of the future.
Daviot Primary’s team were highly commended in the P5 to P7
category of the 2014 Junior Saltire Awards for their tidal powered generator.
The competition is managed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), in partnership with Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) and backed by the Scottish Government.
Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, said: “Events like this, and the work done by Young Engineers and Science Clubs (YESC) from all over Scotland have the power to inspire creative and innovative ideas from our young people.
“This event highlights the high standard of our young scientists and engineers and these awards will nurture their entrepreneurial skills and confidence to help them advance in the future. All of those taking part are role models to their classmates and show why it is important that we continue to support the YESC, the Junior Saltire Prize and the promotion of STEM subjects throughout our schools, colleges and universities and I would like to congratulate all of those involved.”
Teams were shortlisted after building a tidal powered generator suitable for Scottish waters, and were at Edinburgh University’s brand new FloWave facility on June 4 to test out their creations alongside their competitors.
The winners were announced yesterday June 5 at the Celebration of Engineering and Science at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh, to coincide with the FloWave facility’s official launch. School prizes of up to £750 and medals were up for grabs.
SDS Project Manager, Diane Hill, congratulated the winning teams and explained: “The standard of entries this year has been fantastic and this group of pupils should be extremely proud of their design. They managed to combine tremendous insight, inventiveness and imagination and hopefully this experience will encourage them to explore career options in the renewable energy industry.”
Ross Martin, Chief Executive SCDI, said: “As Scotland continues to develop our capability to maximise the use of renewables the focus on marine and tidal energy increases.
“The Junior Saltire Award recognises the role which today's young people are playing, and will increasingly play, in the development of these emerging technologies, with our extensive network of YESC clubs providing an early platform for them to engage with this exciting sector.”
Stuart Brown, Chief Executive at FloWave, added: “It’s been excellent to have the opportunity to work with SDS and to host the testing of this year’s entries for the Junior Saltire Prize. We hope that the experience of testing their devices in FloWave’s world class research facility inspires the pupils to continue their interest in marine renewable energies.”
ENDS