Netherthird Primary School and Early Childhood Centre has been named as one of three East Ayrshire schools to be awarded an Eco Schools Green Flag.

The award, from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, also went to Darvel Primary School and Onthank Primary School and Early Childhood Centre.

Netherthird pupils took part in a variety of fantastic litter-busting and climate action activities including litter picks, litter surveys, recycling and community clean ups.

To complete the Green Flag journey each school has a choice of ten topics to engage with, from climate action, to food and the environment, to litter, to energy.

The schools also choose one of the 17 United Nations sustainable development goals to link their Eco-Schools work to.

The Green Flag programme aims to make action to tackle climate change and environmental awareness an intrinsic part of the life and ethos of schools, for both pupils and for staff.

It provides a framework to engage the wider school community in climate action aligned with the purposes of Curriculum for Excellence and Learning for Sustainability.

Head Teacher Jemma Donnelly said: “We were all absolutely delighted to receive our Eco Schools Green Flag.

"The Eco Committee led on this project but the whole school participated, working hard on litter picks at school, undertaking litter surveys, encouraging recycling in school and at home and taking part in community clean ups.

“It is essential that we help our children and young people to understand the importance of taking positive action to protect the environment and to ensure that they are part of the journey towards Net Zero.

"I am very proud of our children and young people and I know that they will continue to speak up and encourage positive change in their community.”

Catherine Gee, deputy chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “I’d like to congratulate the Eco-Committee, pupils and staff at each of these schools, who have stepped up to play their part in combatting climate change and achieve their Green Flag Award.

"It’s great to hear about the progress schools have made towards their Green Flags. Across Scotland, educators, young people and children are doing amazing work in their schools and communities to combat climate change – from planting for nature and biodiversity, to cutting energy consumption, reducing water usage, and tackling litter and reducing waste. 

“Keep Scotland Beautiful is committed to supporting all our children, young people and educators through the Eco-Schools programme, part of our recently announced Climate Action Schools framework, designed to develop the capacities, skills and attributes required to protect our planet and work towards our goal of a Net Zero future.”