Learning all of the time

Youngsters at Morrison’s Academy have been learning from some of the biggest names in British sport during lockdown.

The sports department at the Crieff school arranged weekly question and answer sessions with major sporting personalities after the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to many activities.

As well as inspiring the pupils, the virtual meetings have provided them with another opportunity to connect with their friends and feel connected to the wider world.

Most recently more than 50 families‘met’ Gregor Townsend, head coach of the Scottish rugby team.

Townsend explained:“Part of the role of coach for me is to do more than just coach the team. My role is to reach out to as many people as possible.”

In addition to Townsend the roll of honour has so far included former Scotland rugby captain Greig Laidlaw, as well as Nick Grigg, who plays for Glasgow Warriors, and Kenny Murray, a coach with Grigg’s side.

Athletes Lynsey Sharp and Andy

Butchart have also passed on their expertise, as has sprinter Alisha Rees, British indoor champion and Scottish women’s indoor 60m record holder.

Hockey players Susannah Townsend, Charlotte Watson and Kaz Cuthbert have also taken part, as has Chemmy Alcott, a four-time Olympian and Great Britain’s most successful female skier.

Other highlights included appearances on screen by Scott Meenagh, a Paralympic skier and three-time gold medallist at the Invictus Games, and Mollie Hughes who has climbed Everest twice.

Scott Weston, director of sport, said:“We were very keen to stay connected with the pupils and, while we couldn’t deliver sports sessions in person, we thought this would be a great way to engage and inspire the pupils throughout the term.

“The guests have been brilliant and responded well to the variety of questions from pupils.”