MP Hails Fraserburgh Winners of Technology Challenge

Youngsters from local academies excelled themselves on Friday, at the final of Banff and Buchan College’s S2 Technology Challenge.

Teams representing schools in Mintlaw, Oldmeldrum, Banff, Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Turriff took part in the event, which tested the technological, scientific and mathematical skills of participants.

Dr Eilidh Whiteford, MP for Banff & Buchan, spoke at the event to congratulate youngsters, and to present prizes to the top three teams.

Winners on the day were Fraserburgh Academy’s Rhys Buchan and Emily Duthie. They were followed by Ian Buchan and Kimberly Wilson of Peterhead, and Scott Millar and Rhianne Bathgate from Banff.

Speaking after the event, Dr Whiteford said that it was encouraging to see pupils engaging with science and technology at an early age.

She said:

“Engineering is a hugely important subject, and it is great to see how many talented young people are engaging with STEM subjects. My congratulations go to Rhys and Emily of Fraserburgh for their victory, and to all those who took part.

“There are always secure, well-paid job openings in engineering, especially in the north-east where our energy technologies continue to demand young people with the relevant skill sets. It was especially gratifying to see so many girls getting involved, when they have traditionally been under-represented in the engineering sector.

“It is testimony to Banff and Buchan’s foresight that the college is engaging with pupils at this early stage, to cultivate an interest before they go on to their Highers. Hopefully, the youngsters I met today have bright futures ahead - as the engineers of tomorrow.“