Gordon Castle in Huntly hosts Moray Primary Schools cross country event run by Active Schools in partnership with sportscotland and Moray Council

Published: 15:28, 16 April 2025

There was an iconic backdrop to a popular schools running event.

Gordon Castle played host to the Moray primary schools cross country event, organised by Active Schools in partnership with sportscotland and Moray Council.

The grounds of Gordon Castle provided a testing route. Picture: Eilidh Hay

The cross country festival drew big crowds to Fochabers. Picture: Eilidh Hay

A push for first place with the castle in the background. Picture: Eilidh Hay

Milne's Primary pupils on the run. Picture: Eilidh Hay

The individual race winners at the cross country festival. Picture: Eilidh Hay

The flagship event on the Active Schools calendar, it is one of the largest sporting participation events of the year.

This year’s races attracted around 600 runners and 1,000 spectators, and included a fun run for P1-3 pupils.

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people enjoy this event, which I hope will not only encourage them to keep active; but help them develop a lifelong passion for sport,” said Cllr Kathleen Robertson, chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Leisure Services Committee.

Individual and team prizes were handed out in the P4-5 and P6-7 age groups.

Being almost on home ground, Fochabers’ Milne’s Primary were well supported and claimed the large school team award for both P4-5 girls and P6-7 boys.

Dyke Primary boys who win the small schools’ team prize. Picture: Eilidh Hay

Racing for glory at Gordon Castle. Picture: Eilidh Hay

The younger girls' event was keenly contested. Picture: Eilidh Hay

Medals handed out for Mosstowie Primary pupils. Picture: Eilidh Hay

More than 600 primary youngsters raced at Gordon Castle. Picture: Eilidh Hay

Elgin’s Bishopmill Primary won best large school for P4-5 boys and were runners-up in P4-5 girls, as well as winning the P6-7 girls team award.

Results:

Primary 4/5 girls

1: Skye Hughes (4.02 mins)

2: Heather Cook (4.09)

3: Isla Harrison (4.13)

Large School Team: 1 – Milne’s (28 points); 2 - Bishopmill (52 points); 3 – West End (53 points)

Small School Team: 1 - Mosstowie (52 points); 2 - Dallas (60 points); 3 - Hopeman (103 points)

Primary 4/5 boys

1: Luca Jones (3.56)

2: Harris Hepburn (3.59)

3: Finn Anderson (4.00)

Large School Team: 1 - Bishopmill (17 points); 2 - Applegrove (46 points); 3 - Kinloss (57 points)

Small School Team: 1 - Dyke (16 points); 2 - Rothes (106 points); 3 - Mosstowie (109 points)

Primary 6/7 girls

1: Henriikka Blunden (8.46)

2: Ava Gourlay (9.03)

3: Nina Wilkinson (9.04)

Large School Team: 1 - Bishopmill (23 points); 2 – St Gerardine (54 points); 3 - Kinloss (58 points)

Small School Team: 1 - Gordonstoun (84 points); 2 - Portessie (100 points); 3 - Mosstowie (115 points)

Primary 6/7 boys

1: Roger Long (7.40 mins)

2: Hugo McPherson (8.15 mins)

3: Jacob Forgood (8.15 mins)

Large School Team: 1 – Milne’s (28 points); 2 – New Elgin (31 points); 3 – West End (48 points)

Small School Team: 1- Knockando (65 points); 2 - Portessie (95 points); 3 - Lhanbryde (113 points)

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