Victoria’s app helping to put Kirrie on map

A TEENAGER was inspired by Pokemon Go to create a mobile phone app to help people explore her home town.

Victoria Johnston, a sixth-year pupil at Webster’s High School, suggested the idea when she participated i n t he Kirriemuir charrette workshop last year.

She then produced the concept of an app with a tourist trail of historic and interesting aspects of the town.

She was awarded funding by the Kirriemuir Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (Cars) to develop her idea.

It is now hoped tourists will come to the town to follow two trails that are listed on the Global Treasure app.

Victoria said: “I thought of the idea slightly accidentally about September time last year.

“I was inspired by Pokemon Go, which was viral at the time, and wanted people to be allowed to explore the town at their own pace.

“After a lot of meetings it was decided to create a trail using Global Treasure Apps.

“This whole adventure was kindly sponsored by Cars and helped along by various members across Kirrie’s community.”

Other Webster’s pupils helped to develop the app with help from computer science teacher Rachel Malecki.

Communities youth work officer Angie Doig also helped to see Victoria’s dream through to reality.

She said: “Partnership working with all involved has encouraged community engagement and enabled an app which promotes Kirriemuir.

“Well done especially to the school pupils who were a pleasure to work with.”

Additional knowledge and information was provided by Rachel Jackson of the Gateway to the Glens Museum and local historian David Orr.