The Dyce Academy in Aberdeen has been awarded its first Green Flag from environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.

The Aberdeen City Council school achieved the internationally recognised designation after demonstrating their continued commitment to excellence in sustainable education.

They join 19 other schools across the city which have previously received the award.

In achieving a Green Flag, pupils had a choice to work on three of the Ten Topics, including energy, transport, litter, waste, and biodiversity, while also fulfilling criteria based on the seven core elements of the Eco-Schools programme.

Over the past year pupils at Dyce Academy have demonstrated their commitment to greener practises through a wide range of activities:

• Raising awareness on littering;

• Organised the instalment of new bins on the school grounds;


• Created an outdoor learning space which includes an orchard and a raised bed growing area;

• Planted a hedgerow to increase biodiversity and link the wildlife corridor from the River Don to the heart of the Dyce community.

Other initiatives included becoming a 'Cycle Friendly School' by encouraging pupils to walk and cycle to school where possible.

Councillor Martin Greig, convener of the education committee, said: "The Green Flag is a great achievement for the school and for the environment.

"Our lifestyles have to become more sustainable and more ecologically-friendly. The school community has put in a great deal of effort to reach this level. The students are really showing the way forward with greener solutions."

Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener of the education committee, said: "It is wonderful to see how staff and pupils have worked together to achieve their first Green Flag award for Dyce Academy.

"As we work towards our net zero targets our young people are our champions – leading the way to demonstrate that we all have to take action and work towards protecting our planet."

Dyce Academy headteacher Lesley Adam said: "We are immensely proud of the work the pupils have put in to achieving this award.

"Although challenging at times, the pupils feel that they can see the differences they have made and are keen to move forward and are already preparing for the next year.

"We hope to inspire more schools across the city to get involved with the Keep Scotland Beautiful Eco-schools programme."