Project brings Clyde to class

There was something fishy going on at Heathery Knowe Primary School.

But it was all in the name of education as youngsters raised, hatched and released trout into a nearby burn.

It is part of the Clyde in the Classroom project run by The Clyde River Foundation.

Acting head teacher, Wendy Gallacher, said: “The P5 children looked after the fish on a daily basis.

“The class were given the fish eggs in a hatchery and had to ensure that the conditions of the hatchery were correct for the eggs.

“They had to put frozen bottles of water in a section of the hatchery (separate to the fish) to ensure that the water temperature stayed at about nine degrees.

“At night they had to put in extra frozen water bottles - six of our P7 pupils were responsible for this to ensure that the temperature did not rise too much.

“The hatchery was attached to a system which continuously dechlorinated the water as well as a bucket of dechlorinated water that was used to clean out the tank.

“They had to check the eggs daily to ensure that no eggs had spoiled. If they spoil they infect others so therefore have to be removed.”

She added: “The project engaged the children in science, mathematics, literacy, health and well being and art.

“This was an amazing project and we are extremely proud of the way that our P5 pupils looked after the fish eggs.

“They demonstrated a caring, well organised and thoughtful plan and performed their duties with mature, responsible attitude.

“We loved seeing them grow and releasing them into the burn in Kelvin Road which will lead to the River Clyde.”