Thurso students' festive craft fayre raises almost £500 and provides financial boost for Dunnet Forestry Trust
A FESTIVE craft fayre – organised by the Thurso students on the Life and Work Skills programme at UHI North, West and Hebrides – raised a total of almost £500.
The students showed their commitment to community and environmental causes by donating £200 to the Dunnet Forestry Trust. The rest of the money will go towards a trip.
The funds were generated during their annual Christmas craft fayre, where the students showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit and raised £495.55.
The fayre served as a dual-purpose platform for the students allowing them to exhibit their handmade gifts and crafts while also raising awareness about the important work carried out by the Dunnet Forestry Trust.
Denise Brown, Life and Work Skills lecturer said: "We wanted to do a project on the local environment, but on a very small, local level. During our research, we came across the Great Yellow Bumblebee and The Small Blue Butterfly, both endangered species habitually found in Caithness."
During a talk on the Small Blue Task Force initiative, the students welcomed Louise Senior, People Engagement Officer at Species on the Edge, North Coast. In this session, the students committed to supporting the Dunnet Forest Trust's efforts, particularly in the planting of kidney vetch to provide essential caterpillar food for the small blue butterfly.
Jane MacIntosh, Curriculum Lead said: "The Life and Work Skills course at UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso allows students to develop a broad range of practical skills, including cookery, computing, communications, and vocational skills, alongside personal and social development. As part of their academic journey, students are equipped not only with essential life skills but also a strong sense of community responsibility."
The funds raised from the Christmas Craft Fayre have been dedicated to supporting the Dunnet Forestry Commission's initiatives, and the remainder earmarked for funding a student experience trip.
Garance Warburton, Forest Development Officeat the Dunnet Forestry Trust visited the Thurso campus to receive the cheque from Senior Phase pupils, Erland Taylor, Dakota Hamilton, and Elle Boulton.
UHI North, West and Hebrides has launched its January start offer, with more than 100 courses to choose from.
With a range of full-time and part-time courses at further education, higher education and postgraduate level, there’s options for people looking to leave school, get back into work, change careers or learn new skills.
The Life and Works course starts again in January. For more information contact info.nwh@uhi.ac.uk or go online: January Starts - UHI North, West and Hebrides.
