A group of Angus school pupils are toasting success in a national heritage contest after going hi-tech to draw more folk to ancient Arbroath Abbey.
The 1,2 History Crew from the town’s Academy topped a category of the 2018 Scottish Heritage Angel Awards by creating a geocache style trail aimed at encouraging young folk to learn more about the historic monument and Arbroath’s wider heritage.
Winners of five categories were announced at a Glasgow City Chambers ceremony and the Arbroath youngsters took the accolade for the best contribution to a heritage project by young people.
They now go forward to compete against winners from across the UK in a London ceremony next month.
The Arbroath Abbey Trail was a joint project between Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and Scotland’s Urban Past, a project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and led by HES.
The Academy pupils researched an aspect of local heritage that they were interested in, then used that information to create a geocache style trail so that other young people could learn about Arbroath’s history.
Geocaching uses GPS technology to guide folk in hide and seek hunt for hidden containers.
Fiona Davidson, learning officer at HES who worked with the pupils on the project, said: “It’s great to see the efforts of the young people who were involved in the project recognised, and I’m sure they will be delighted that their local heritage is being recognised nationally.
“The project had so many terrific outcomes, but some of the most valuable were the confidence and skills the young people developed during their involvement.”
Launched in 2014 and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with HES and Archaeology Scotland, the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards aim to celebrate groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and rescue Scotland’s heritage.
Scottish Civic Trust director Susan O’Connor said: “In their comments, the judges commended the innovation, perseverance, dedication and vision of those involved in these projects, and they all deserve huge praise for their achievements.
“I’d like to again congratulate all of this year’s shortlisted projects, and in particular our worthy winners.”
The Scottish competition is aligned with Angel Awards in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and the 1,2 History Crew will now compete for overall honours in London on November 27.
