Fort William primary pupils build cultural bridges

THE cultural diversity of Lochaber has been put under the spotlight by youngsters from a Fort William school.

And yesterday, the work of the pupils from Fort William RC Primary School on the Cultural Bridges project went on display at the town’s Lime Tree Gallery.

Pupils have been working with visual artist Fetina Faye MacKenzie and film-maker Roz Newman to create collages and a film exploring the theme of cultural diversity.

Spanish, Latvian, Polish, Gaelic and English-speaking pupils and parents have also been involved in the project over the past few weeks.

The documentary-style film shows the children taking part in activities aimed at developing understanding between the different nationalities who attend the primary school alongside interviews and songs with the children.

It has been led by community language assistant Magda Kruk and Lochaber and Black Isle schools cultural co-ordinator Helen Michie.

Ms Michie said: “This project has been very successful with the after-school sessions giving children a chance to share their skills and experiences through dance, cooking and song.

“Following on from those sessions this project — with the artist workshops, exhibition and film — have captured the children’s sense of identity and shows that what really matters in life is the same for everyone.”

The exhibition opened yesterday and continues until June 10. The film is being shown daily at 4pm.