THE first Stirling school to receive a prestigious Green Flag Award has celebrated earning its sixth such accolade in just 15 years.

Gartmore Primary School were presented with their first Green Flag by environmental charity, Keep Scotland Beautiful, in March 2004.

And the school’s continued commitment to the environment and sustainability over the past two years saw it recognised once again with the top award from the Eco-Schools programme.

Gartmore Primary School Headteacher, Fiona Buchanan, said: “The whole school community is delighted that the children of Gartmore Primary School have been awarded their sixth Eco Flag and have been recognised as responsible global citizens.

“The school was the first educational establishment to be awarded a Green Flag in Stirling back in March 2004.

“Through the curriculum and with the support of community volunteers, parents and staff, our ongoing commitment to sustainability will continue.”

The school, which is located in the rural village of Gartmore, focused on three topics – litter, grounds and food and the environment - to achieve the accolade from Eco-Schools, the largest sustainable schools programme in the world.

Pupils and staff carried out a wide range of projects, including a litter survey in the school and grounds, an annual village litter hunt and using wooden beds, car and tractor tyres to plant a range of vegetables.

Kevin Kelman, Stirling Council’s Chief Education Officer, said: “Congratulations to pupils, staff and the wider school community at Gartmore Primary on achieving Green Flag Award status for the sixth time.

“For the school to consistently achieve excellence in this area demonstrates its fantastic work in protecting and improving the environment, and highlights our commitment to Learning for Sustainability.”

The Eco-Schools Scotland programme is made up of a set of seven elements that are used to plan action on environmental issues and form the criteria for the Green Flag Award.

To earn a Green Flag Award, schools need to follow these elements, ensuring that Eco-Schools is pupil-led, linked to the curriculum and involves the whole school and wider community.