Fife teenagers whose life-changing expedition has fallen foul of the coronavirus crisis have shown their spirit of resilience.
Despite learning just hours earlier that their Greenland trek had been called off, the Bell Baxter High School squad gritted their teeth and continued training.
A 10-strong team of S3 and S4 pupils were due to embark on their Polar Academy challenge on March 31, but learned on Friday they will have to wait another year to go.
On Saturday they dragged tyres on a St Andrews beach as their intensive physical training regime continued.
Teacher Kirsty Simcock, who will accompany the team, said: “Their resilience has definitely shone through.”
The Cupar high school was one of two in Scotland selected for the Polar Academy, described as Europe’s toughest youth training programme
Ten youngsters are to walk for 10 days in eastern Greenland, hauling their own 45kg sledge, navigating, camping and cooking in temperatures as low as minus 30C.
The programme for 13 to 16 year olds is designed to boost leadership skills and push youngsters beyond their limits, with part of their training including standing in a fridge to learn about the cold.
Kirsty said pupils were heartbroken to learn of the postponement but quickly bounced back and pledged to continue their tough training programme, which includes regular tyre hauls and gruelling fitness classes.
She said: “It is very physical training and we were all ready to go in 17 days.
“The plan is to continue our training and go next Easter. We will keep going and our bonds will be even stronger for next year. We will be super fit.”
She said spirits were high when the pupils gathered to train on the West Sands at the weekend.
“They were all there with their positivity and resilience suits on. We are very proud of them.”
