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Pupils at Culloden Academy in Inverness are boxing clever with new green business idea as part of Young Enterprise's latest Highland contest


By Ian Duncan

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Young entrepreneurs and Culloden Academy - On The Box...(back, left to right) Gary MacLennan, Craig Weir, Dominika Styczen, Jamal Qureshi, (front, left to right) Danielle McLennand, Abi McLelland, Fin Russell, Niall Fyfe,..Picture: Callum Mackay..
Young entrepreneurs and Culloden Academy - On The Box...(back, left to right) Gary MacLennan, Craig Weir, Dominika Styczen, Jamal Qureshi, (front, left to right) Danielle McLennand, Abi McLelland, Fin Russell, Niall Fyfe,..Picture: Callum Mackay..

GREEN-minded sixth year students from Culloden Academy have launched a new business venture which is already expanding its product range.

The group of eight 17-year-olds, known as On The Box, is taking part in the Young Enterprise competition which has a regional Highlands final in March.

Managing director Abi McLelland said the contest was aimed at everyone their age who wanted to run their own businesses and added: “You just have to make your own product from scratch.”

Originally they produced a “Little Green Box” – which is filled with sustainable items such as a metal straw and cleaner, produce bag, recycled pen, bamboo toothbrush and ear buds, and Scots pine seeds in a tin.

And they have also recently introduced a “Little Xmas Box” filled with festive eco-treats such as: wooden baubles, a Christmas cracker, biodegradable glitter, Christmas tree seeds and robin food.

Abi said both boxes included tree seeds and added: “The idea is to encourage people to plant trees rather than bring them down.”

The group has sourced packaging from nearby Blackpark Farm, near the battlefield, which is run by the family of marketing director Niall Fyfe, who said: “I think sourcing from the local area cuts down on emissions and gives back to the local community.”

Operations director Jamal Qureshi said the venture had helped him build up his confidence, in terms of approaching customers, and added: “This is especially for those who want to be more sustainable.”

Dominika Styczen, the group’s sustainable director, said: “I definitely think it’s good experience and I really enjoy participating in the whole thing and just taking on a role.”

n Email to onthebox7705@gmail.com or go to tomorrow’s Christmas market in Inverness.


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