Pupils at an Inverness secondary school are hoping to reap the rewards of their hard work studying the importance of mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic.

A total of 79 students at Millburn Academy have been studying the level five mental health and wellbeing course through the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Their work was broken down into three units – understanding mental health, influences on mental health and coping strategies and building resilience.

The results are due to be confirmed next month.

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Psychology teacher Marina Finlayson said the Covid-19 pandemic had made mental health something even more important than ever to think about.

"I really wanted to focus on supporting the students’ mental health from May 2020 and so decided to give over one period a week so that I could do the mental health and wellbeing award level five with them," she said.

Ms Finlayson found herself with 5000 extra pieces of work to mark but believes it was well worth it.

"This course has allowed the students to learn and talk about their own mental health," she said.

"I have an area in my classroom where they can come if they need to talk."

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