Pupils are natural choice for prize

PUPILS from high schools in south Edinburgh have been presented with John Muir Awards by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill after successfully completing a course in nature education.

A group of seven first-year pupils from Liberton and Gracemount high schools have been attending Holyrood Park and other locations in and around the Capital to learn about the natural environment and citizenship.

Police officers from the Liberton and Gilmerton safer neighbourhood team started the project in a bid to engage young people in outdoor activities. The pupils handed over bird boxes made during the project to the council’s community safety team for distribution in the local area. A display of photographs and artwork created by the participants will also remain at the library on Captain’s Road.

Pc Graeme Stewart said: “The young people who have completed this award should be rightfully very proud of their achievements.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the organisations and agencies who worked together to make this project possible.”