Six pupils from Drumchapel High School in Glasgow have taken part in the Tall Ships’ Race 2008 from Liverpool to Norway with the help of Scottish Water.

The 15 to 17-year-old pupils wore clothing donated by Scottish Water Waste Services as they sailed in the Clyde Challenger, a 35-tonne, 60ft clipper, and competed against about 100 other vessels.
During the 11-day-long race, the pupils were accompanied by principal teacher Martin McGovern and Carol Taylor, the recently retired deputy head of the school.

The Drumchapel High pupils ¬¬Colin McCrann, Danielle Benson, Amy Auld, Danielle Weir, Stephanie Spence and Stuart Carroll – were part of a team of about 14 on board the Clyde Challenger, which has completed four round-the-world races.

Their trip, which is sponsored by Glasgow City Council and has been supported by several businesses that Scottish Water deals with, is designed to help build the pupils’ character and expand their horizons.

Speaking as the pupils were presented with their sweatshirts and tee shirts by Scottish Water, Mr McGovern said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to experience something completely new to them. They will be able to test themselves in a way they have never been tested before and I am sure they will come up trumps. We are very grateful to Scottish Water for donating the clothing and for helping secure support from other companies.”

Colin McCrann said: “We are really looking forward to the race. We will do our best but, no matter how well we do, I am sure we will all enjoy it and learn a lot.”

Gordon Bell, Scottish Water’s operations team manager for Clyde region, said: “We are delighted to be able to help the pupils in this way. Scottish Water is very aware of our corporate responsibility and we are trying to help give the pupils an experience outwith normal school life which broadens their horizons, helps build their confidence and self-esteem and allows them to develop team-building skills which will be of great use when they leave school.”