Pupils strike a chord

North and north-east school pupils were celebrating at the weekend after triumphing at the Scottish finals of the prestigious Rock Challenge.

The annual project encourages young people from across the country to choreograph and star in short musicals about making positive life choices.

More than 1,700 people attended the finals at the Caird Hall in Dundee, with Dingwall Academy emerging in top spot for its Day of the Dead piece, “Dia de los Muertos”.

Invergordon Academy pupils’ performance “Still in Chains” secured third spot for the school, while Mackie Academy was fourth with its “Mei Ming” piece, and Alness Academy was fifth with “Trapped”.

Ten schools from across Aberdeenshire, Kinrossshire, Angus, Inverness and Ross-shire competed in the finals, coming up with eight-minute performances through music, movement and dance to tell a story.

Bill Alexander, director of care and learning at Highland Council, said: “The final of Rock Challenge is a wonderful event.

“It’s the combination of months and months of activity for all the young people. They have been working hard at this all throughout the year and it’s just wonderful that they get to enjoy it so much in front of a sold-out crowd at the Caird Hall.”

Vincent Docherty, head of secondary education and additional support at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “I thought, as usual, it is absolutely outstanding.

“I really enjoy it and I just love the way the youngsters are beaming on that stage and it is clear they are all enjoying it too.”

Last year, Alness Academy pupils triumphed at the Scottish finals, with Fraserburgh Academy finishing runner-up.

STORY TO TELL: Mackie Academy, Stonehaven, performed Mei Ming and were placed fourth