Bishopmill pupils hop on board ‘walking bus’
Around 150 pupils from Bishopmill Primary School took to their feet to walk to school together as part of a special ‘walking bus’ event.
Pupils, parents and teachers gathered to take advantage of upgraded paths on Morriston Road; making the mile-long journey from the Eight Acres Hotel to the School itself.
Along the way, pupils took part in a game of ‘street bingo’ where they learned about different road signs and markings. After arriving at the school, the children were treated to a healthy breakfast.
Joseph, from P7, said: “I enjoyed walking in the fresh air and eating a good healthy breakfast at the end. I also enjoyed the bingo!”
Abby, from P5, added: “I cycled to school as part of the walking bus and I had fun!”
The event was organised in partnership with walking charity Living Streets Scotland, as part of their Walk to School Challenge.
Upgrades to the paths were made possible through the Active Travel Infrastructure fund from Transport Scotland.
Pupils record their journey to school on an interactive tracker and get rewarded for walking, wheeling, cycling or scooting to school with special badges.
Chris Thompson, co-director of Living Streets said: “Bishopmill Primary is in the top ten for Scotland in our travel tracker, which is an amazing achievement and shows how the children have embraced walking.
“The children were smiling, skipping and chatting during the walk – all of the things that you’d want them to be doing. It was great to see them having so much fun.”
Irma Westwood, Depute Head Teacher at Bishopmill Primary School, said the pupils were very involved: “Our junior road safety officers actually designed the bingo cards the children used in the walk, it was their idea – and this was very well received.
“We’re trying to encourage more children to walk to school – it’s healthy and gets them active in the morning and it also helps reduce the traffic and congestion around the school, which improves safety.”
Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “Bishopmill Primary School has set a great example of something that I’m sure will inspire and motivate other schools across Moray.
"Initiatives like this not only promote physical activity and health among children; they also nurture a strong sense of community. The involvement of family members in the walking bus is a great example of this – and I understand the atmosphere was extremely positive and encouraging.”
Elgin City North representatives Cllr Sandy Keith and Cllr Jérémie Fernandes joined the children on the walk.
Cllr Keith remarked: “I’ve been involved with the Walk to School initiative for a number of years now, and it was great to see not only the pupils get involved, but also a high number of parents and carers.
“The enthusiasm of the children was great to see, and I’m sure this will only encourage them to walk more, helping them enjoy the benefits of regular exercise.”
Cllr Fernandes said: “It was fantastic to see so many children and families taking part in such a positive and healthy initiative.
“The turnout was wonderful, and I was heartened by just how much the children enjoyed themselves.”