School sport awards in Highland have more than doubled over past year
Highland schools are showing their passion for sport and physical activity, with more than 60 of them now proud recipients of a SportScotland School Sport Award.
In just a year, the region has more than doubled the number of schools that have achieved bronze, silver or gold status, going from 30 schools in July 2024 to 66 now.
Councillor John Finlayson, chairman of Highland Council’s education committee, said: “This success is all credit to the teaching staff, the pupils and the many High Life Highland active schools coordinators that are working right across the region.
“Almost 40 per cent of our schools now have a SportScotland School Sport Award – a jump from 14 per cent last year. It’s just fantastic and we know there is more to come.”
Within the Highland Council area, 13 schools have the highest accolade – gold – with a further 11 gold awards pending. The list includes recent gold recipients Reay and Halkirk.
As well as the gold achievements, there are 28 schools with silver awards and 14 with bronze.

Darren Reid, head of sport development at High Life Highland, said: “Every school that has gone through the SportScotland School Sport Award process shows a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of their school community.
“Our active schools team have been delighted to support schools through the process, but huge credit sits with the school staff and pupils who have achieved this success.
“The number of schools in Highland that have achieved gold status or are progressing towards this demonstrates how well we do in Highland to put sport and physical activity at the heart of pupils’ wellbeing.
“With more and more schools gaining a School Sport Award, it is very encouraging to see the process being valued. We look forward to supporting more schools through the process in the new academic year.”
SportScotland chief executive Forbes Dunlop said: “The importance of sport in school life cannot be underestimated and being awarded a gold SportScotland School Sport Award is testament to the hard work and effort of pupils, teachers and volunteers across a school.
“The number of schools now engaged in the award is a true reflection of the value that sport has in school life, and it is fantastic to see this number grow and grow each year.
“As the national agency, working with our partners in local authorities and governing bodies of sport, we are continuing to strengthen the links between school sport, club sport and physical education, which not only benefits young people by providing more opportunities but also helps schools continuously improve and celebrate the successful school sport models.”