Longhaven Pupils Honoured by MP at Commons Visit

Pupils from Longhaven School were honoured by local MP Eilidh Whiteford at the House of Commons this week.

The small rural school which has only 15 pupils beat off stiff competition to become the award winners for the whole of Scotland.

As Scottish champions, the children of Longhaven School attended the award ceremony at London Zoo yesterday to receive their certificate and £1000 cheque.  The children were joined by pupils from England and Wales to find out won the title of overall UK Champions for 2012, which was awarded to an English school.

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford invited the school pupils to the House of Commons during their visit to London.  The MP has also tabled a Motion in Parliament congratulating the children on their huge achievement.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“I’m so thrilled for the children.  This is a magnificent achievement, particularly in light of the fact that the 15 pupils at Longhaven School have triumphed in an all-Scotland competition.

“It says much about the quality of education at the school and the commitment of the teaching staff that a small rural school like Longhaven has won this prestigious award.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Westminster and I was pleased to be able to host their visit and celebrate their achievement by tabling a Motion in Parliament."

Meanwhile, Peterhead South & Cruden councillor Stephen Smith has proposed the school be given a ‘Pride of Buchan’ award for their achievement.  The awards, which are made by Aberdeenshire Council’s Buchan Area Committee, are to recognise regional or national achievements.

Commenting, Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“This is tremendous news for the school.  When you consider that Aberdeenshire Council wanted to close the school back in 2005 in the face of massive community opposition, to have come from that position to a point where the school is winning national awards it really tells us something about the standard of teaching which children can receive in our small rural schools.

“The award is well-deserved and I send my congratulations to the pupils and their Headteacher, Mr Loney."

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MP & Councillors Hail Leviathan As 'Absolutely Fantastic'

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford and Peterhead South & Cruden SNP councillors Stephen Smith and Stuart Pratt have hailed Friday night’s street performance in Peterhead of ‘’Leviathan’ as ‘absolutely fantastic’.

Around 600 young people took part in the colourful parade which was watched by a crowd of several thousand people as it wound its way around Peterhead town centre. Dr Whiteford and Councillors Smith and Pratt were among the crowd to see the parade start off from Peterhead Community Centre.

Commenting, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“This was a wonderful spectacle to witness. A huge amount of work had obviously been put in by the young people to their costumes, the floats and the music.

“The efforts of the performers were clearly appreciated by those who turned out to see the parade.”

Councillor Stephen Smith commented:

“This was a very colourful display and also highly reflective of Peterhead’s whaling heritage.

“I’m delighted for the young people involved that they received such strong support from the townspeople of the Peterhead for their efforts.”

Councillor Stuart Pratt added:

“The turnout tonight was an absolutely fantastic achievement and all those involved in making this event such a success deserve our congratulations.”

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