A talented pupil from Johnstone High School had the honour of piping in front of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Patron of Columba 1400.
Kaitlyn McCurday performed for guests arriving at the event held in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh to mark 25 years of the Scottish charity and social enterprise.
She was joined by former Gryffe High pupil, Arran, who played a snare drum to accompany the piping. Both pupils were one of several young people from across Scotland who attended the event.
Columba 1400 works with schools, councils and community groups and delivers values-based leadership academies. It aims to empower young people to lead lives filled with purpose, meaning and contribution and build confidence in young people.
Kaitlyn is a graduate of the charity’s Young People’s Leadership Academy, which included spending a week on the Isle of Skye. Since completing the programme, Kaitlyn has been working with a group to make positive changes within the Johnstone community.
Talking about the event, Kaitlyn said:
It was an honour to perform in front of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and Patron of Columba 1400. Their leadership academy has helped me develop confidence and leadership skills that I want to use to make my community better.
Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, added:
Kaitlyn has done her school, her community and herself proud. Getting to perform at this special celebration is an amazing opportunity.
Ensuring our young people have opportunities that empower and support them to grow and make positive changes to the world around them is hugely important. I am proud of Kaitlyn’s ambitions and the leadership skills she’s developed as part of this programme.