Historic Environment Scotland and The Springboard Charity, have officially unveiled the winners of this year’s, ‘Keys to the Castle’ competition at Glasgow City Chambers, as Charlie Davidson from Rosshall Academy and Eilidh McDade from Hyndland Secondary.
The competition, which is in its fourth year, is one of many events Springboard runs throughout March as part of its 5th Scottish Tourism Careers Festival, where 1500 ambassadors from over 100 businesses promote work in the tourism, hospitality and leisure industry not only to young people but also parents, job seekers, and careers advisors.
This year they worked with a record number of 160 schools across Scotland running everything from cooking demonstrations to open days and marketing competitions to hotel takeovers.
The Keys to the Castle competition saw secondary school pupils across the country challenged to explore and engage with their local heritage attractions to develop a new digital marketing tool.
The winners, Charlie Davidson from Rosshall Academy and Eilidh McDade from Hyndland Secondary, submitted a vlog on the history and stunning features at Glasgow Cathedral.
Alison Muir, Learning Services Manager at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “The joint winning project by Charlie and Eilidh was fantastic. They really wowed us with their creative approach and interpretation of one of Glasgow’s most iconic and architecturally significant buildings. The pupils also highlighted themes taken from Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, which was really impressive.
“The project offers a real insight into Scotland’s diverse tourism sector and as the biggest operator of visitor attractions, we hope that it encourages younger people to consider a career in the sector.”
The two winning pupils were invited to Glasgow City Chambers to receive their certificates and whilst there they also took part in the Glasgow Tourism Trail with over 100 pupils form five schools across Glasgow; St Mungos Academy, Hyndland Secondary, Smithycroft Secondary School, Rosshall Academy and Drumchapel High School.
The Trail is designed to highlight the tourism offering in the city centre of Glasgow and showcase the wide spread of jobs available in the industry. Pupils took part in a banqueting challenge at Glasgow City Chambers and guided tours of The Gallery of Modern Art and Citizen M Hotel.
Councillor Archie Graham, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The Gallery of Modern Art was proud to take part in the Glasgow Tourism Trail again this year.
“At Glasgow Museums we understand the importance of supporting and engaging with the city’s young people, they are our future after all. The Trail is a wonderful way to open up new and exciting opportunities around potential future careers to young people.”
Kelly Johnstone, Scotland Director at The Springboard Charity & Springboard UK, said: “Our thanks and appreciation go to all of the businesses and schools who took part in this year’s Scottish Tourism Careers Festival, which has been a great success.
“We’ve reached out to so many youngsters and people interested in a career in the tourism and hospitality industry and have been blown away with the enthusiasm, ambition and excitement when learning more about the diverse and dynamic range of opportunities that are available. Once again we’ve identified a lot of rising stars who will definitely go far in the industry.”
Other events during the Festival this month included a FutureChef Academy Day at the Apex Waterloo Place, Edinburgh where over 40 pupils from Craigroyston Community High School took part in a Saturday Kitchen style cook-off. Pupils also had the chance to learn more about work placements and apprenticeships and hear stories from head chef, Vladdimir Krass who has worked for many famous people including the Royal Family, Renaldo and Messi.
Additionally pupils at Lochend Secondary, Whitehill Secondary and the learned more about housekeeping, the kitchen and the spa and gym in a ‘hotel takeover’ at the Village Hotel in Glasgow.
For more information on the 5th Scottish Tourism Careers Festival 2016 click here
For more information about Village Hotels click here