School earns Holyrood praise

A school’s award-winning LGBT+ group has been praised in the Scottish Parliament for its work to tackle homophobia and prejudice.

The project at Kirkcaldy High School recently won an Excellence Award from Cosla, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities.

Both education secretary John Swinney and Kirkcaldy MSP David Torrance highlighted its achievement in Holyrood as proposals were outlined to provide a more inclusive education system for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex pupils.

Mr Swinney said winning the Cosla award was “very significant” and Kirkcaldy was one of many schools which are advancing the agenda far faster than the rest of society.

He said: “I unreservedly commend Kirkcaldy High School for its tremendous achievement.”

Mr Torrance added: “The work of Kirkcaldy High School’s LGBT+ group as they promote and campaign for equality and inclusiveness is a shining example to schools, not only in Fife but across Scotland.”

Established in 2015, the project has worked alongside organisations and campaigns such as Stonewall Scotland, “Respectme” and the Scottish Government.

The Scottish Government has worked with the Time for Inclusive Education campaign to promote inclusive sex and relationships education.