Salmond praises link with pupils in Ireland

partnership between Peterhead Academy and Dublin school hailed

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A NORTH-EAST school’s long-standing link-up with pupils in Ireland has been praised by First Minister Alex Salmond.

The SNP leader hailed a partnership between Peterhead Academy and St Tiernan’s Community School in Dublin as a “glowing example of international co-operation at its best”.

Mr Salmond’s words of support come as Peterhead pupils welcome youngsters from Ireland for the fourth time.

A group of 15 pupils and four teaching staff from St Tiernan’s arrived on Sunday for a month-long visit to the north-east. To welcome the guests, the pupils will team up for a traditional evening of music, this year with a Homecoming theme.

In a letter to the Buchan secondary students, Mr Salmond said: “I fondly remember my previous visits to concerts in Dublin in 2002 and 2004 and I am sure this week’s event will be equally as enjoyable.”

Both schools are members of the European Schools’ Association that boasts 10 members throughout the continent.

Peterhead deputy head teacher Michael Doig said: “I am delighted to welcome our friends from Dublin. Both sets of students have been rehearsing enthusiastically over the last few months and I am sure that the concert will, once again, be an outstanding success.”

The Homecoming-theme concert takes place at Peterhead’s Community Centre theatre on Thursday from 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 for adults and £2 concessions. For details call 01779 472231.