Orkney School Pupils Demonstrate Tidal Energy Expertise

A group of Orkney school pupils have proved they have what it takes to become renewable energy experts of the future.

Sanday Community School claimed the top prize in the S1 to S3 category of the 2014 Junior Saltire Awards for their tidal powered generator.

The competition is managed by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), in partnership with Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) and backed by the Scottish Government.

SDS project manager Diane Hill congratulated the winning teams and said: “The standard of entries this year has been fantastic and this group of pupils should be extremely proud of their design.

“They managed to combine tremendous insight, inventiveness and imagination and hopefully this experience will encourage them to explore career options in the renewable energy industry.”

Alasdair Allan, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, said: “Events like this, and the work done by Young Engineers and Science Clubs (YESC) from all over Scotland, have the power to inspire creative and innovative ideas from our young people.

“This event highlights the high standard of our young scientists and engineers and these awards will nurture their entrepreneurial skills and confidence to help them advance in the future. All of those taking part are role models to their classmates. I would like to congratulate all of those involved.”

Teams were shortlisted after building a tidal powered generator suitable for Scottish waters, and were at Edinburgh University’s brand new FloWave facility to test out their creations alongside their competitors.

Ross Martin, chief executive of SCDI, said: “As Scotland continues to develop our capability to maximise the use of renewables, the focus on marine and tidal energy increases.

“The Junior Saltire Award recognises the role which today’s young people are playing, and will increasingly play, in the development of these emerging technologies, with our extensive network of YESC clubs providing an early platform for them to engage with this exciting sector.”