Ben Lomond walk

The weather forecast was typically Scottish - rain, hail, and lightning with sunny intervals. The group however set off with gusto as they all attempted their first ascent of a Munro. The weather was initially fine, the group were cheery and the prospects of an excellent day were ahead of us. It was an early start and after some banter with fellow walkers in the car park the group were ready to go.

The challenge was taken up by some of the Duke of Edinburgh and John Muir award participants. The walking practice was the objective of the Duke of Edinburgh Award group and the experience of the National Park was the objective of the John Muir participants.

 It was a challenge for all involved. However after 4 hours of ascending the Munro the group reached the summit. The views were spectacular and the feeling of achievement rippled through the group.

Well done to Sophie, Morgan, Sarah, Kayleigh, Callum and Jason who took part in this challenge and who were positive and determined to succeed throughout. Despite the late appearance of the forecast hail storm the drenched walkers were still in high spirits upon completion of their epic adventure.

The day’s events were summed up by Sophie who stated that she preferred going up rather than down, "I found it harder going up because you had to really push yourself to get there".

Group at the summit of Ben Lomond.

John Muir

The John Muir Award group have been working in partnership with the Forestry Commission to plant new community woodland. The Forestry Commission have been gifted land on Mains Hill facing the town of Dalmellington for the purpose of benefiting the local community. The group of S3 student helpers have been involved in the initial planting of the woodland. Thanks to the Woodlands Trust for the donation of birch, rowan, cherry and oak saplings. The planning process is still developing and the group recently met with the Forestry Commissions planner and submitted ideas for the layout of the woodland. The group have also presented plans for the proposal of a woodland walk, picnic area and camping area which they hope the planners will be able to accommodate.

John Muir Discovery Award

Congratulations to S5/6 pupils Kevin Meechan, William Steele, Stuart Steele, Jamie Conway, David Thirtle, Ian Weir, Daniel Carroll, Jack White, Megan Freel, Stephen Robertson and Frazer Bunyan who achieved their John Muir Discovery Award for the gardening scheme they completed with the Zone project.

John Muir Award

S2 pupils Megan Kennedy and Abbey McRobert are taking part in the John Muir Award Scheme at Dumfries House. Good Luck to both of them.