Great escape reaches UK awards final

Eco-friendly entrepreneurs at Stirling High scooped a national prize and are in the running for a UK-wide award.

A conservation-themed escape room company Timescape created by six pupils was crowned Scottish company of the year at the Young Enterprise Scotland (Yes) Festival of Youth Awards.

Along with beating 14 other finalists to the top gong, Stirling High’s talented team also won the most innovative company accolade.

The team of Hope Wandless, Rebecca Mason, Kirsten McNaughton, Comhnall Ferguson, Olivia Thompson and Hannah McKenzie will represent Scotland at the Young Enterprise UK finals today (Wednesday).

Stirling Council’s children and young people convener Susan McGill said the award was recognition of the team’s hard work, planning and innovation.

The pupils were supported by link teacher Natalie Campbell and business advisor Ian Wandless, who was named business advisor of the year at the national awards.

Headteacher Paul Cassidy said: “Hope, Rebecca, Kirsten, Comhnall, Olivia and Hannah are amazing ambassadors for our school community.

“They have demonstrated innovative thinking, excellent communication skills and entrepreneurial excellence.”

He added: “Ian Wandless has been our school’s Yes business advisor for over eight years.

“Ian has given so much time and energy to our young people over the years. It is great to see him awarded Yes business advisor of the year.”