The adventurous Arctic pursuits of Bo’ness Academy are to be recognised by the Scottish Parliament as they take on what is believed to be the biggest Polar Expedition to leave Scotland since 1904.
The group of youngsters along with pupils from Stranraer Academy in Ayrshire set off on their journey to Greenland on March 24, with local explorer, Craig Matheson.
A motion supporting their challenge has been lodged Falkirk East MSP Michelle Thomson who praised the team of "intrepid explorers".
A fundraiser set up for the group reached a £20,000 target just hours before they set off - something they had been working towards since started 2019 when Craig announced the school had been selected to take part in the experience of a lifetime.
A total of 10 pupils and one teacher are taking part in the adventure.
The motion stares: "That the Parliament wishes the team of intrepid explorers from Bo’ness Academy well on their expedition across the Arctic pole with Craig Mathieson’s Polar Academy; understands that the team of ten pupils and one teacher left Bo’ness on 24 March 2022 on the first leg of their journey to Iceland, before leaving for Greenland to finally embark on their adventure across the Arctic.
"(It) notes that the Polar Academy was founded by Craig Mathieson, explorer in residence at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and committee member of The Explorers' Club Great Britain and Ireland Chapter, to inspire the next generation of leaders and explorers; understands that he uses his own experience of "inspiration through exploration" to do so; believes that the Polar Academy works with children and young people who have been the victims of bullying, abuse, and those lacking in self-esteem and confidence, and aims to help build them into leaders and role models, enabling them to inspire other young people to reach their full potential.
"(It) looks forward to seeing the team from Bo’ness Academy, which, it believes, is the largest polar expedition to leave Scotland since 1904, completing their expedition, and welcoming them back to Scotland to hear of their adventures and experiences."
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