A group of 5 S4 pupils won this years ‘Keys to the Castle’ competition organised by Historic Scotland and Springboard UK (a travel and tourism industry charity).

About 50 groups from across Scotland entered and we were fortunate enough to provide the winning team.  Tommy Kivlin, Michael Singh, Vicki Soutar, Billie Leigh Taylor and Ryan Walker came up with some very good ideas for improving visitor services at Historic Scotland visitor attractions such as Edinburgh Castle.

The winning team along with the rest of the Nat 4 Geography class were invited to and attended a VIP visit to Stirling castle.  They were presented with their trophy and treated to a fantastic day out and lunch at the castle.  The pupils met characters from history during their tour of the newly refurbished James V Palace. They dressed up in costumes and had the opportunity to handle authentic replicas of important historical artefacts (up close and personal). In the afternoon, they made mini catapults which ended up being great fun for all.  Castle staff also explained the range of careers associated with running a castle and looking after the nations historical treasures.  They are keen to enter the competition again this summer term. Fingers crossed the trophy will be coming back to WHEC in 2015!