By Dave Lord

JUST TWO years after being engulfed in a bullying crisis that had spiralled out of control, Blairgowrie High School has been prestigiously recognised as a “School of Ambition.”

The accolade marks a remarkable turnaround for the once-troubled school, which is also celebrating a positive report from education inspectors.

The Schools of Ambition programme, devised by the Scottish Executive, has aimed to identify schools who demonstrate the will and vision to transform their performance in a variety of areas such as sport, music and the performing arts.

And Blairgowrie’s phoenix-style transition was last night warmly welcomed by North Tayside MSP John Swinney.

Thanks to its official dubbing as a school of ambition, Blairgowrie High will receive £100,000 worth of extra educational resources.

“I am delighted to hear that Blairgowrie High school has been chosen as one of the 20 secondary schools in Scotland to become a School of Ambition,” Mr Swinney said.

“The award of the extra resources will enable Rector John Fyffe to continue to make progress with the school following previous difficulties.

“It is fitting that the announcement comes at the same time as the publication of the HM Inspectorate of Education follow-up report on Blairgowrie High,” the MSP continued.

“The report points to a number of positive areas including the increased number of students gaining awards in standard grade and higher exams.

“In addition, the report also recognises the work undertaken by Mr Fyffe and his staff to build a more positive ethos and bring about improvements to the quality of learning, teaching and attainment.”

Mr Swinney is looking forward to a positive future for the school.

“I think that the resources gained from being a School of Ambition will allow Blairgowrie High to build on the progress made so far,” he said.

“It will ensure that the school continues to thrive.”

Blairgowrie High headteacher John Fyffe was understandably thrilled.

“I am absolutely delighted that our project has been approved for inclusion in the Schools of Ambition project,” he told The Courier.

“A great deal of time and effort has gone into developing the Blairgowrie High school campus project.

“The extra money will allow us to implement our plans for the development of vocational courses and an inclusive education centre somewhere in the town.”

Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser was similarly pleased.

“The rector has shown great vision and drive since coming to the school,” he said.

“Blairgowrie High has had an ongoing issue of bullying and this extra funding and new emphasis of transforming the school will help in combating the problem.”