Crafty Carnoustie pupils land national award

The Burnside pupils are pictured with their products at the Social Enterprise Academy Awards.

The 15th annual Social Enterprise Academy Awards, held in the Church of Scotland Assembly Rooms, celebrate pupil-run social enterprises from across Scotland, and which this year involved 56 schools which had established social enterprise projects.

Burnside Primary School and Panbride School, along with Colliston and Rosemount Primary School in Hillside were among those listed for the success of their projects.

Established in partnership with The Scottish Government in 2007, Social Enterprise Schools aims to enable every young person to step up, realise their potential and create the change they want to see in the world through purpose-driven businesses.

Twenty five of the schools showcased their enterprise at a special social enterprise marketplace on the day.

Burnside Primary School’s stall highlighted ‘Burnside Kraft Creations’, set up by pupils make and sell handcrafted gifts and products to help people affected by the war in Ukraine.

Maggie Hoggan, Burnside head teacher, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for the school’s commitment to social enterprise at the Social Enterprise Academy Awards.

"Social Enterprise plays an important role in the development of our pupils and it is wonderful to see them channel their social channels and create the change they want to see in the world. Congratulations to all of the schools recognised.”

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, joined the celebration to congratulate the youngsters on their success.

She said: “By establishing a social enterprise, pupils are engaging in the practical and creative skills required to run a business while making a difference to causes they truly care about. They are gaining in confidence and improving their own well-being as well as that of their peers and local community.

Neil McLean, Social Enterprise Academy CEO, said: “By giving young people a real-life experience of running their own social enterprise, our programme delivers transformational learning which impacts them and their community."