Gallery1

GREEN-minded pupils at an Inverness school donned their wellies and set to work as part of a tree-planting project.

The P1 pupils at Balloch Primary helped to plant 33 trees – one for each pupil – in the playing fields next to their school and local hall.

They were joined by Culloden and Ardersier councillors Trish Robertson and Roddy Balfour.

Cllr Robertson, who is also the vice-chairwoman of Highland Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee, said it was part of an environmental project to plant 147 trees at the five primary schools in her ward.

“We are planting one for every child who started P1 this year,” she said. “Hopefully, by the time they reach P7 the trees will be of a reasonable size and they can see it makes a difference.”

The project, prompted by the surge in climate protests around the world, aims to raise awareness about making changes to help the environment.

The cost of the trees, which are native species such as beech, oak and willow, has been met from the ward budget and Cllr Robertson hopes other councillors across the Highlands will follow her lead.

So far, 11 trees have been planted at Croy Primary while further sessions will take place at Duncan Forbes, Ardersier and Smithton Primary Schools.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.