Pupils stepped back in time this week as they began their new roles as junior guides at one of Orkney’s most iconic historical attractions.
The Glaitness Primary School pupils – all Primary 6 – are taking part in Historic Scotland’s Junior Guides scheme at the Bishops and Earl’s Palace in Kirkwall.
The scheme aims to give pupils the opportunity to learn more about their local heritage by becoming costumed guides at sites across Scotland.
The pupils go through a period of two months of training where they learn more about the site and its history, as well as incorporating skills in areas such as performance and drama.
They are then assigned a historical character from the palace’s past, who they play on special tours for other school children who visit the site, helping to bring history to life.
The pupils performed their tours for the first time to an audience of friends and family at the palace this week before they begin taking tours for other schools across Scotland.
Sylvie Clarke, learning development officer for Historic Scotland said: “The pupils have been rehearsing extremely hard for their new roles as junior guides at the palace.
“It’s fantastic to see them take on their inaugural tour and they really do add something special for other young visitors to the site.
“None of this is possible however without the hard work of the teachers in helping to bring the scheme to life and I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a big thank you to all those involved.”
Glaitness teacher Anne McRae said: “The Historic Scotland tour guiding scheme is a very valuable learning experience for the pupils.
“They enjoy learning about the local history and sharing their knowledge with others through drama.
“They are also learning respect for historical buildings and finding out about the importance of looking after them for future generations.”
The Glaitness pupils will be offering tours to other school groups from now until the end of June and again at the start of the new school term.