WATCH Edinburgh schoolchildren enjoy 'epic day out' in Pentland Hills

Bonaly Scout Centre next to the Pentland Hills was turned into a huge outdoor adventure arena for thousands of city schoolchildren as part of a special day out.
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More than 3,000 Primary 7 pupils descended on the site and into the Pentland Hills Regional Park for an innovative project run by the Outdoor Learning Team at Edinburgh City Council.

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During the pandemic, and in line with Scottish government guidance, there have been no P7 residential trips to outdoor learning centres at Lagganlia and Benmore.

Pupils take part in a variety of activities: hillwalking, climbing wall, crate- stack, nightline and low ropes course. Sighthill Primary P7 pupils taking part in hillwalking.Pupils take part in a variety of activities: hillwalking, climbing wall, crate- stack, nightline and low ropes course. Sighthill Primary P7 pupils taking part in hillwalking.
Pupils take part in a variety of activities: hillwalking, climbing wall, crate- stack, nightline and low ropes course. Sighthill Primary P7 pupils taking part in hillwalking.

The team decided to bring the outdoor activities to the city and provide a taste of the full residential experience in one extended "Epic Day" out.

The day was packed full of activities including hillwalking in nearby Pentland hills, archery, climbing wall, bushcraft, crate-stack, nightline and a low ropes course.

Parent Catherine Heymans said her son had "the most epic of all epic days" and came home on a complete high.

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Peter Casebow, chair of the Bonaly Scout Centre, said: "It's been fantastic over the last few weeks to see and hear Bonaly Scout Centre full of young people having fun and learning again.

All activities were followed by an al fresco hot meal, games and making a camp fire.

Councillor Ian Perry, convener for Education, Children and Families at the council said: "It's been an amazing effort by our Outdoor Learning Team and everyone else involved to pull all this together." " Headteacher of Trinity Primary School Jacqueline Scott said: "A huge thanks to everyone for providing such a memorable day."

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