Primary pupils to brave the chill

Pupils at a Perthshire primary school are leaving the comfort of their homes to take part in this year’s Wee Sleep Out for Social Bite.

Sixteen P6 and P7 pupils from Auchtergaven Primary and three members of staff are planning to spend tonight (Friday) in their unheated school.

The hardy youngsters have already raised around £700 and are aiming to reach £1000 for homeless charity Social Bite.

The aim of the Wee Sleep Out is to raise awareness and help Scotland’s homeless.

Wee Sleep Outs are taking place all over the country on or in the lead up to December 7.

Principal teacher Beverly McNab said:“During the evening the kids will be taking part in games, art and craft activities, activities to help raise their awareness of homelessness in Scotland, toast marshmallows and den building.

“Children are planning to sleep in the school hall in the dens that they build. Hopefully these will give a bit of warmth in our stone building, as the heating will be off by then. We’re in no doubt that, despite sleeping inside, it’s going to be chilly.”

The idea was sparked by head teacher Catharine Findlay and Mrs McNab when they spotted a leaflet about the event encouraging youngsters under 18 to take part.

The local community has got behind the kindhearted schoolchildren.

Nisa Local in Bankfoot and Tayside Contracts have donated food and Caledonia Removals are providing cardboard boxes for den building.

Anyone wanting to sponsor the children can do so at: www. virginmoneygiving.com/ Auchtergaven