A RURAL Perthshire primary school is forging links with partner schools in Finland, Estonia, Iceland and Catalonia thanks to funding from the British Council.

The project chosen by Glendelvine School at Caputh and the other participating schools is Culture Connects Children, which is aimed at realising the many positive benefits to learning and teaching through active citizenship.

Representatives from the schools have already met in Estonia and Finland where each school was presented with a teaching pack from Scotland which gave them a flavour of Perthshire.

In addition to pictures and information, the Scottish pack included Perthshire Amber CDs donated by singer-songwriter Dougie McLean and also thistles, the Scottish emblem, which were donated by Dobbies Garden Centre, Perth. The Black Watch provided some traditional bagpipe music.

“We are very grateful for the help and support from local business, whether in small ways or for their significant input of skill and time,” head teacher Lorna Sabbagh said.

As part of the project a successful Family Fun In Finland evening was held recently and nearly all families from the school were represented.

Pupils are involved with a television production company in Stanley, Speakeasy Productions, preparing for filming a traditional dance and game which would then be sent to their partner schools.

Managing director Jim Anderson and head of production Jeremy Hewitt visited the school and preparations are under way for the next stages of filming.

As the project progresses, Glendelvine pupils will contribute to a joint website designed by the school in Iceland which can be visited at www.klebergsskoli. is/comenius/index.htm.