The SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, Christina McKelvie MSP, has applauded the work of high school pupils in her constituency and across South Lanarkshire.

Christina McKelvie MSP visited the South Lanarkshire Industrial Cadet Bronze Project Graduation, ran by Energy Development Scotland.

Here, S1 and S2 pupils were presenting their projects which had a STEM focus, and covered four themes: Healthy Minds (whereby pupils designed an app to promote positive mental health), Future Proof (which saw pupils design a building), Our Green Garden (a garden design), and Zero Waste World (which saw pupils investigate the circular economy and suggest and design practical changes that could be made in their community).

Two schools that lie within Christina McKelvie’s Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency were present: St John Ogilvie High School and Hamilton Grammar School.

Commenting, Christina McKelvie MSP said:

“Wow, what an afternoon! It was a privilege to attend the South Lanarkshire Industrial Cadet Bronze Project graduation, ran by Energy Development Scotland.

“It was a privilege to see the work of pupils from St John Ogilvie High School, who had created an app to assist in promoting positive mental health! A seriously good bit of kit, and all 165 lines of code was produced by the pupils!

“And, a heartfelt congratulations goes to Hamilton Grammar School who had two teams in the competition. Team two came up with a fantastic reverse vending machine which would promote the circular economy, receiving the Pupils' Choice Award.

“But the gold medal was reserved for Team One from Hamilton Grammar School, who won the Best Overall project, as judged by a team of industry professionals. They decided to create a concept that would future proof buildings. They now progress to the National Finals, held in June of this year.

“I am so proud of them all. Further, thank you so much to the brilliant teachers at both St James Ogilvie High School and Hamilton Grammar School who are really making a difference to so many children’s lives.”