Ferry exciting! Salmon farmer funds mainland adventure for Lewis pupils

More than 50 pupils from Stornoway Primary School on the Isle of Lewis enjoyed a two-night stay at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre near Aviemore, supported in part by west coast and Hebrides salmon farmer Bakkafrost Scotland’s Community Fund.

The trip gave 54 pupils in Primary 7 – the last year in primary school - the chance to try activities including skiing, archery, sailing, and cycling, many for the first time. With no overnight activity centre currently available on Lewis, and limited options on Harris, the children may otherwise have missed out on the experience.

Their journey involved a three-hour ferry crossing to the mainland followed by a two-hour bus ride, adding to the sense of adventure and independence.

Promoting confidence

Bakkafrost Scotland safety, health and environment partner Murdo Frame, whose daughter Cerys was among the pupils to benefit, said: “This was the first chance for most of these children to go away without their parents. They not only got to enjoy the activities on offer, they also experienced a level of independence for the first time.

“Their experience will have helped promote their confidence ahead of their step up to secondary school. It also provided a real adventure for the youngsters, including the ferry ride there and back and the chance to be on the mainland.”

Strength and determination

Mairi Macleod, who helped organise the trip on behalf of the school, said: “We have seen first-hand how pupils blossom during outdoor activities and find strength and determination within themselves that they didn’t know existed. Shy, introverted pupils who detested PE are suddenly scrambling up gorges.

“The challenge of being away from home and without their parents helps our pupils to become more independent, more resilient, and to gain confidence in their abilities.”