Forres Highland Games names James McPartlin and Amy McGhee (17) as junior chieftains
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TWO pupils from Forres Academy have been given the honour of acting as junior chieftains at the Forres Highland Games which takes place on July 2.
The organisers approached the school to request they choose the pupils for the role with the aim of attracting a younger audience to the traditional event.
Amy McGhee and James McPartlin (both 17) were nominated, and are now gearing up to spending the day at the event meeting competitors, stallholders and handing out trophies alongside George Alexander who is Chieftain for the day.
Amy, who is becoming an ambassador with the Holocaust Education Trust, and, James who volunteers for various organisations including Scotia Medical Group and Cathay Care Home, are both in the school's Altyre House team and were nominated by their guidance teacher.
Amy, who plans to be a criminal lawyer when she leaves school, said: "I am really chuffed!
"I didn’t expect to be nominated as there are lots of other pupils who could have been picked but I'm really looking forward to the day.
"I'm looking forward to working with George Alexander and learning from him."
James, who wants to become a doctor, added: "I enjoy the Highland Games and feel happy to have been nominated. I like the tug-of-war, the pipe bands and the atmosphere at Grant Park.
"My parents are proud but I would say that my nana is the most pleased!"
Amy and James have been loaned kilts by Forres and District Pipe Band so they look the part for the occasion.
Head teacher at Forres Academy, Jan Sinclair, said: "This is a great opportunity for young people of the school to participate in this significant community event.
"Amy and James are passionate about their school community, but their wider community as well. They are responsible, reliable and very keen to show a positive image of the school to the community."
Former teacher at the Academy, George Alexander is also looking forward to attending as Chieftain.
He said: "I'm delighted that Forres Highland Games is welcoming junior chieftains.
"Highland Games are an important part of our history and heritage and it’s important that we keep these traditions going by including our young people."
