Diageo has invested in the next generation as part of a community outreach project by upgrading a Clackmannanshire school’s playground and setting up STEM workshops.
The school’s surroundings will be transformed to include a climbing area, football pitch and sand pit with a series of sustainably sourced enhancements.
The upgrade to the school’s playground was started on Thursday by Morrison Construction to implement these features.
The climbing wall will be made from upcycled wooden pallets and old car tyres.
Last May Diageo submitted plans for a new centre of excellence at its existing site in Menstrie, Clackmannanshire to meet the ongoing global demand for innovation in Scotch whisky.
Teaming up with Morrison Construction for part of their outreach programme – the lead contractor behind the new £6.4 million Diageo Menstrie Centre of Excellence development – the group started work to upgrade the Primary School’s play facilities.
While pupils from Tillicoultry Primary School in Clackmannanshire were treated to a Harry Potter themed potions and spells masterclass on Thursday to encourage them to consider a STEM ( Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) career.
Twelve sensory science sessions, led by local Diageo employees, showcased the skillset involved in mixing potions with magical effect to children aged nine to 12, as part of a community outreach day coordinated by the team at Menstrie.
All 40 employees at Diageo’s Menstrie Brand Technical Centre have worked together to organise a calendar of events aimed at improving the skillset and materials available to the local community.
Tillicoultry Primary School headteacher Linda Coutts, said: “I would like to thank Diageo and Morrison Construction for the work they have done at Tillicoultry Primary School. Thanks to them, the children will now have more opportunities for active engagement in the playground. They have done a great job.
“I’d also like to thank the staff from Diageo for delivering science lessons in the upper school and promoting STEM as a career path for our young people. The sessions support the development of skills for learning, life and work, and we hope this positive partnership will continue to grow as we move forward.”
Alan Kennedy, Science and Technology Director of the Diageo International Supply Centre, said: “The STEM industry is one of the most impactful and exciting in Scotland today, encompassing a whole series of skills which helps shape our daily lives.
Morrison Construction Community Skills Manager, Caitlin Quinn, said: “It’s been great working with Diageo on this project and I’m thrilled to see the playground come to life. It’s a fantastic facility for all age groups and will improve health, fitness and wellbeing.
“I am sure pupils will enjoy these play facilities for many years to come.”
