Pupils flying green flag with real pride

Jan 29 2009 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON Grammar has become one of Britain’s most environmentally-conscious schools.

They are one of only a handful of UK schools to gain three Green Flag awards under the Eco-School programme.

The scheme is an international initiative designed to encourage pupils to clean up their environment and become more environmentally aware.

Hamilton Grammar were awarded their first Green Flag in 2003 and a second in 2005.

Now they have picked up their third thanks to the work of the school’s 40-strong Eco-Group.

They had to complete units of work that included reducing litter and the use of energy within the school, conservation of water, and improvements to the grounds.

In addition, they worked with primary schools and churches on their own conservation projects and raised funds for an orphanage in Ghana.

Group members also created a conservation area with 250 plants.

Among the leading members of the group are Stuart Bence (S6), Eilidh Hume (S6), Dawn Swinton (S6), Jamie Fraser (S5), Euan Kerr (S6) and Susan Douglas (S5).

Stuart, aged 17, who has been singled out for his work on the Eco flags projects, leaves the school in June.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the school in all our projects over the years and hope to continue and come back to help with ongoing work within the group.”