Keith Primary celebrates playground improvements with fun community event
Keith Primary School was full of energy and excitement on Saturday 18 April as pupils, families and the local community came together to celebrate a range of new improvements to the school playground.
The event had a great atmosphere, with visitors enjoying tea and coffee, chatting with friends and exploring all the changes. A highlight of the morning was a lively performance from the Strathisla Pipe Band, followed by the official opening.
The improvements are the result of a fantastic team effort. In just over two weeks, the school community raised more than £25,000, topped up by a £7,800 grant from NFU Mutual and a £5,000 prize for winning the Cash for Kids Schools’ Challenge. Local groups, businesses and volunteers all played a part in bringing the project to life.
Thanks to support from Hill of Towie Wind Farm and Statkraft Greener Grids, the school now has a fully equipped outdoor classroom, creating a new space for outdoor learning. A pergola, donated and installed by OCS and Amber Infrastructure, adds another welcoming area for pupils to gather and learn.
Playtime has also been given a boost, with improved basketball stands, an upgraded climbing wall and a wide range of new toys and games. New equipment in both the top and bottom playgrounds was funded through the school’s successful Cash for Kids fundraising campaign.
The garden and pond area has been refreshed with plants donated by Simpsons, while colourful barrel lids from Oakwood Cooperage, decorated by each class, bring a creative and personal touch to the playground. Further volunteer help from Chivas supported the delivery of the improvements.
Keith Primary’s Head Teacher, Susan Buchan, commented: “It was such a lovely day and great to see so many people come along. These improvements will really brighten up playtimes and outdoor learning for our pupils, and we’re so thankful to everyone who helped.”
Vivienne Cross, Head of Education at Moray Council, added: “This is a great example of what can be achieved when a community works together. These improvements will make a real difference to pupils’ learning and play, and we’re delighted to see the impact at Keith Primary School.”
Visitors also had the chance to be shown around by senior pupils, who proudly shared the updated playground.