Children and young people at Rothesay Joint Campus are growing their skills, confidence and knowledge through an innovative horticulture project recognised nationally at the Learning Places Scotland Awards 2026.
The campus was shortlisted in the Creating Space for Outdoor Learning and Play category after transforming an underused area into a thriving outdoor learning environment with three polytunnels, a greenhouse, raised growing beds and an off-grid outdoor classroom.
From nursery through to secondary school, pupils use the space to grow plants, explore biodiversity and develop practical skills in horticulture, STEM, sustainability and enterprise.
Primary pupils have grown plants from seeds and cuttings, while secondary learners can now work towards horticultural qualifications previously unavailable on the island. Pupils have also developed enterprise skills through the project’s first plant sale, raising more than £1,400 to reinvest in the garden.
Learning about sustainability is part of everyday activity in the space, with pupils involved in composting, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity projects and climate-conscious growing. A Wi-Fi-enabled weather station also enables them to collect and analyse real-time environmental data.
Councillor Kieron Green, Policy Lead for Education, said:
“This fantastic project shows the difference outdoor learning can make for children and young people. It gives pupils the chance to learn by doing, whether that is growing plants, exploring biodiversity, analysing weather data or developing enterprise skills.
“Just as importantly, young people are building confidence, working together and taking pride in something they have helped to create. These are valuable skills and experiences that will stay with them for the future. Well done to everyone at Rothesay Joint Campus.”
Support Assistant and Horticulture Project Manager Liam Dunnachie has worked alongside pupils to develop the project from an initial idea into a flourishing learning space, helping young people take ownership of the garden and shape its future.
Kirsty Campbell, Headteacher, Rothesay Joint Campus said:
“We are incredibly proud that Learning Places Scotland recognised our horticulture project. It has transformed not only an area of our campus, but also the experiences and opportunities available to our children and young people.
“It perfectly reflects our vision of Belong, Learn, Thrive and demonstrates the power of learner leadership and outdoor learning.
“I would like to pay tribute to Liam Dunnachie, whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in bringing the project to life. Most importantly, this recognition belongs to our children and young people, whose enthusiasm, creativity and hard work make this such a special place to learn.”
The project will continue to grow, giving children and young people more opportunities to learn outdoors, develop practical skills and build the confidence and environmental awareness they need for the future.
