Conservation school awarded ambassador status by COAST

“Sunnysiders don’t need to be inspired. They are already at that stage of forming opinions and pressing for change. We have now worked with the award-winning ocean defenders for eight years to help drive change, including linking them up with schools on Arran to push forward their #NaeStrawAtAw campaign. The pupils’ determination and drive to take their future into their own hands is truly inspirational and we can’t think of more worthy recipients for COAST ambassador status.”

To mark the ambassadorship, a group of Sunnyside’s ocean defenders visited Arran and were treated to a day of fun and learning with the COAST team. The pupils took a trip on board RV COAST Explorer, the charity’s research vessel, and spent time in the COAST discovery centre.

On board the RV Explorer, pupils conducted surveys of maerl beds with a drop-down camera and completed a plankton haul, the finds of which they took back to the discovery centre to look at under the microscope. 

After spending time marvelling at the creatures in the marine tanks and studying the beach art at the discovery centre, the pupils were surprised on the beach with certificates awarding them with their official ambassador status.

Since beginning their conservation journey in 2014, Sunnyside has looked to Arran as a place to learn all about establishing a community-led marine reserve to protect our seas.

Miss Lisa Perrie, principal teacher of conservation, said “It is an absolute honour to be asked to be COAST ambassadors. We became aware of the amazing achievements of COAST early on in our journey to become a school of conservation and have followed in its wake since. 

“Its example of bringing the community together to bring about positive change has been one that we have tried to emulate in our campaigns. We’re chuffed and humbled to be asked to be ambassadors for such an inspiring organisation.”

COAST will continue to work and support Sunnyside, as well as expand its connections with schools on the island.

“We’ve so enjoyed reconnecting with schools over the last couple of years,” added Jenny Crockett.

“We’ve loved being back on the shore with the island children who are so knowledgeable about what is on their doorstep. And we’re delighted to have been able to organise trips onboard RV COAST Explorer for P4-P7 students who have now conducted citizen science in Arran’s seas.”