Tuesday, 29 April 2008 10:58

A teacher and pupil from Lochgilphead High School have just returned from the journey of a lifetime when they headed for the cooler climes of the Arctic.

Science teacher Helen Mackie and sixth year pupil David MacFadyen were chosen to help international researchers examine the impact of environmental change on Canada's coastal Arctic as part of the University of Manitoba's Schools on Board programme.

Lochgilphead High School was encouraged to apply for the programme by the Scottish Association of Marine Science in Dunstaffnage and was the only school invited to go on the expedition from throughout the UK.

During their time, David and Helen were joined by other teachers and pupils from all over the world and spent much of their two-week adventure creating exciting field opportunities onboard CCGS Amundsen - Canada's state-of-the-art research icebreaker.

Councillor Isobel Strong, the Council's Education Spokesperson, said: "What a wonderful and exciting opportunity this is for David and Helen. To be the only school chosen from the UK to go on this trip is a great honour for Lochgilphead High .

"This is a once in a lifetime adventure that will inspire the next generation of Arctic scientists and I hope that it encourages more children to stick in and do well in their studies."

David was chosen to attend the trip after submitting a written essay and following an interview process at the school.