School pupils deliver surprise treats to senior citizens in Loch Ness area
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Elderly residents in the Loch Ness area received a delightful surprise when local school pupils pulled out all the stops to deliver special festive treats.
Glen Urquhart High School was unable to host its annual senior citizen’s Christmas party this year – for the first time in 20 years – due to coronavirus restrictions.
Determined not to see older people in Balnain, Cannich and Drumnadrochit go entirely without, however, school pupils teamed up with staff and community volunteers to organise deliveries of afternoon tea instead.
With enough to put together 80 boxes, the school accepted nominations for the special parcels, which were quickly snapped up.
Cakes were made by the school’s home economics classes, with school staff in charge of the sandwiches.
The boxes were decorated by S1 and S2 students,
And as well as tasty treats they each contained one of a range of gifts donated by parents of pupils.
Senior pupils packed the boxes in advance before volunteer drivers Brenda Seatter, Val Cooper and Mark Macfarlane took students David Seatter, Abi Stoddart, Emma Urwin, Fintan Grant and Melissa Mack around the community to make the actual deliveries.
School clerical assistant, Louise Power, said: "The initiative went really well.
"Those who received the deliveries were delighted to get the surprise boxes.
"We have had phone calls from a couple of the senior citizens who were very grateful and touched by our deliveries.
"We also had £100 donated towards gifts from Janet Turnbull, who arranged a raffle with a prize donated by another local resident."
One of the lucky recipients of the cake boxes, John Perkins, said: "What a surprise it was! I thought it was very good, especially to have cakes. Such a kind thought."
