Pupils help shape new Inverness play area

The pupils, who planned and designed the project and decided the equipment they wanted to provide, are delighted that all their hard work has finally paid off and now the fun can start! 

The main features of the play area are a cable ride, high nest swing, rope net pyramid, roundabout, small trampoline, clamber stack and teen shelter.

The pupils are giving a massive thanks to the Big Lottery Fund Scotland that provided a grant of £139,639 for the work from its Community Spaces programme and to local councillors who also provided funding from their Ward Discretionary budget.  

George Glass, Head Teacher at Cauldeen Primary School said: “This is a great achievement for our pupils and it has definitely helped them gain a greater understanding of the world of work, what is needed to plan and deliver a project of this size and how to overcome the difficulties and hurdles that inevitably arise.  It has truly been a lesson in life.”

Margaret Lisle, Acting Head Teacher at Hilton Primary School, said: “One of the most exciting things for the teachers has been to see how the children have responded positively to the many challenges they faced and it is great that they now have a fantastic facility to show for their efforts.”

The pupils are very grateful for all the help that they received from Alan Jones Associates who helped to manage the project, Brandon Landscaping Ltd and Sutcliffe Play (Scotland) Ltd which provided the play equipment.

The play area will be opened officially on Friday (7 March) by Councillor Alasdair Christie, the Chair of The Highland Council’s Adult and Children’s Services Committee who said: “This is an excellent example of how young people have taken the lead to develop a play area fit for the 21st Century that improves local amenities and benefits all local residents.”

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