SSE donates £10,000 to Abbotsford and Bowhill Schools Education Programme

SSE, the company behind the development of the Langhope Rig wind farm near Hawick, has donated £10,000 to help fund the joint schools education programme established between the Abbotsford Trust and the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust in the Scottish Borders.

The much needed funding will go towards subsidising travel costs for local schools to visit both of the historic estates at Abbotsford, former home of renowned writer Sir Walter Scott and Bowhill, a family home of the Duke of Buccleuch.

The Abbotsford and Bowhill education programmes offer learning opportunities for primary and secondary school groups linked to the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. All site sessions are delivered by professional learning staff with the emphasis on discovery, fun and active learning.

Schools can choose from a range of activities including interactive tours of these amazing historical buildings, object handling sessions, creative workshops and outdoor learning opportunities taking place within beautiful formal gardens and woodlands. Schools can also take their exploration of Sir Walter Scott’s world further with a visit to both sites in one day.

Helen Currie from the Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust at Bowhill stated:

“We would like to thank SSE for their kind donation to help facilitate the joint education programme that Abbotsford and Bowhill are running.  It is exciting to be able to welcome so many children to both Estates to appreciate their rich history and importance not only to the past but also to the present and future.  We are very grateful for SSE for helping to make this possible.”

Dr Sandra Mackenzie from the Abbotsford Trust stated:

“The Abbotsford Trust is delighted that SSE has made such a generous donation to our education programme, giving local school children the opportunity to visit the Estates of Abbotsford and Bowhill. A major inhibitor for schools undertaking visits to museums, heritage and cultural centres is the cost of transport so we are grateful that SSE has kindly donated £10,000 to the programme to help subsidise travel costs to our educational facility for schools.”

Kirstanne McDowall from SSE stated:

“As a responsible developer, SSE is proud to support local projects within the communities in which we live and work and we are pleased that we are able to support the Abbotsford Trust and Buccleuch Heritage Trust’s aspirations for their education programme at both historical estates.

“We hope the £10,000 donation will be welcomed by local schools to help towards travel costs which can be a barrier for many educational trips.”