Speyside school staff in fund-raising triathlon

Four members of staff at a Speyside school are to take part in a sponsored triathlon to help fund outdoor activities for pupils.

Craigellachie Primary head teacher Shiobhan Woolgar will be joined by fellow teachers Sharon Chambers and Eilidh McCook and support staff member Sarah Morrison in swimming, cycling and walking nearly 30 miles in a day.

On Saturday, September 12 they will start off by swimming a mile in the pool at Elgin before changing into their cycling gear and pedalling 19 miles to Archiestown via Dallas before completing the challenge by walking the 8.5 miles to Craigellachie along the Speyside Way.

Outdoor learning forms an important part of the curriculum at Craigellachie and the money the staff raise will help to fund the wide range of open air activities in which pupils regularly take part.

“We live in an environmentally stimulating part of the country and we place a strong emphasis on caring for and learning in our local environment,” said Shiobhan.

“Right the way through the school our pupils take part in forest schools, mountain biking, canoeing and surfing among other activities and these experiences give a good grounding for fitness and for a love and understanding of the environment.”

The school works closely with local groups such as Outfit Moray and Earth Time and Lossiemouth-based Bike Revolution has provided the four colleagues with a free bike maintenance course in case they encounter mechanical problems on the road.

Sponsorship forms for the triathlon are available in local hotels and shops in Craigellachie for anyone who would like to donate.

Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 92,500 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.

Headquartered in  Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.