Fife school pupils win award for therapy dog project

After completing a research project into the impact of animal companionship on mental wellbeing, the pair presented the idea of a full-time therapy dog to their high school senior leadership team.

Callum and Logan led the fundraising efforts for the school’s therapet, Bella, and are now committed to her training – allowing pupils and staff to benefit from the school’s new furry friend.

The annual Young Scot awards are now in their fifteenth year and aim to recognise and inspire the nation’s young people, celebrating their outstanding achievements across 13 categories including equality and diversity, entertainment, and the environment.

The winners were announced during a live online ceremony, with thousands of guests from across the country logging on to watch the virtual celebrations. Scottish TV Presenter Jean Johansson hosted the evening and was joined by famous faces including Gemma Cairney, Max George and Alesha Dixon to celebrate the nation’s young people in style.

This year’s award winners join an esteemed roll call of previous recipients including Sir Andy Murray, Olympian Laura Muir and Netflix star Ncuti Gatwa.

Callum said: “We’re both pleased to win the award and it feels really great to be recognised for our work with Bella. She’s made a huge difference to lots of young people and staff in the school.”

Louise Macdonald OBE, chief executive, Young Scot, said: “The quality of entries this year was absolutely outstanding, and we were blown away by the incredible stories of our nominees, finalists and winners and the impact they have had in their local communities across Scotland.

“This year’s online ceremony was a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Scotland’s young people, who have done so much to continue to inspire, support and motivate those around them despite the challenges of the past year.”