Jim McColl at our Awards Ceremony

Back row: Head boy Calum Cumming, Ross Watson, Jim McColl, Colin Stirling Head teacher Mrs Pauline Buchan, Head girl Libby Copeman

Front row: Ryan Ellington, Ethan Allen, Shane Manders

We were all thrilled to be able to host gardening guru and Beechgrove Garden TV presenter Jim McColl on Friday 21st September.  He came with Colin Stirling (our Grow and Learn course moderator) to present the Awards to our S4 pupils.

The weather was somewhat challenging but we didn't let the wind and rain dampen our spirits!  In fact we had a wonderful time.

We were very happy to be able to use the two polytunnels - one for serving soup and sandwiches and the other for the actual ceremony.

Thankfully, the rain stopped so Dougal, Lewis and Jacob joined Jim and Colin on the patio.

There was time for parents and other guests to view the garden and chat to folk.

It was lovely to have so many people in the garden for such a special occasion.

Jim was very interested in all that we have been doing and enjoyed chatting to the boys.  It was great to see Mr Wilson back from the technology department chatting to them all as well - thanks for coming Mr Wilson!

We moved into the new polytunnel and the ceremony began.  Miss Swallow gave a speech to congratulate individual pupils for making the garden such a special place.  She was very happy to celebrate the Grow & Learn and ASDAN awards - both of which involved working in the garden.

She handed over to head teacher Mrs Buchan to talk about the ASDAN award.

Ethan was presented with a food hygiene certificate along with the ASDAN award...

...then Ellie-Mae went up to collect her ASDAN certificate.

Next, Mr Jim McColl was introduced and stood to present the Grow & Learn awards.

Jim was very impressed by the RIDAN hot composter - Ross had talked him through it whilst touring the garden.  Here, Jim presents Ross with the award.

One by one, everyone got presented with the Grow and Learn Award.


Jim then gave a speech himself talking about the virtues of gardening and how useful the skills pupils have been learning will be.

He was very entertaining.

At the end of the ceremony, Jim looked through the folders of work.

We also had a photo session so each pupil has a record of the special occasion.

A proud smile from everyone!

A huge thank you to all those who attended the ceremony.  You helped to make it a very special occasion that these youngsters will remember for a long time!

Another special thank you to head boy Calum who helped level the ground to lay boards for guests to keep their feet clean when moving between the two polytunnels.

The S2 group helped...

...then carried the chairs across...

...to set up the rows...

...and test them out of course!

We also completed our new TEAM CG sign to welcome people to the garden.

We also put one on the gate of the walled area which we will be designing, building and planting next!  Watch this space!! :)