Fife school pupils praised after Greenland expedition postponed

The students have been preparing for the challenge since last summer.

Students from the school have been taking part in intense training in preparation for the Polar Academy expedition to Greenland, and were due to set off later this month.

However, Craig Matheson, who runs the scheme, said that the trip would have to be postponed because of the disease.

The pupils will instead continue with their training and go on the expedition next year, where they will take part in a self- guided 10-day challenge.

However, he paid tribute to the pupils, who turned up for training on West Sands on Saturday morning, despite being told the day before about the postponement.

“Even though I had the difficult job of informing the pupils and parents on Friday, I’m so proud of their reaction,” Craig wrote on social media.

“Absolutely everyone still turned up for a tyre-hauling session first thing on Saturday morning.

“I’ve also received so many kind and supportive messages from the parents of these incredible children following my decision that it’s really touched my heart – thank you all.”

The Bell Baxter High School Facebook page commented on the post, saying: “The fact that our Bell Baxter High School Polar Academy team still did their tyre haul on St Andrews beach over the weekend, despite knowing their trip to Greenland has been cancelled, shows dedication we can all aspire to. So proud.”