The Convener of South Ayrshire Council's Lifelong Learning Committee, Councillor Pam Paterson visited Girvan Academy, to learn about new Information Communication Technology (ICT) projects that are taking place within the school.

Local company William Grant and Sons presented a cheque to Girvan Academy for £50,000 as part of their ongoing support for the local community. The funds donated by the company have been used to support a range of ICT projects.

Speaking about the donation Councillor Paterson said: "The funds have enabled the staff and pupils to develop a number of exciting projects from which students will benefit now and in the future.

"I would like to acknowledge the generosity of William Grant and Sons and thank them for giving their continuing support to community projects and putting something back into the local area."

The funding has been used to support ICT developments in all departments of Girvan Academy which allows staff and pupils to have access to up to date ICT to support teaching and learning within the school.

The major part of the funding has been used to purchase:

•  PCs and related hardware
•  Interactive whiteboard systems
•  Laptops
•  Projectors
•  Video cameras
•  DVD players
•  Calculators.

After presenting the cheque Mr Con Lynch, Distillery Manager at William Grant and Sons in Girvan said: "It is my great pleasure to represent William Grant and Sons, and to present this cheque for £50,00 to Girvan Academy. We are delighted to be in a position to give the school money for the purchase of IT equipment, and general laboratory equipment, to facilitate the education of young people in the area. I feel that computer and technical skills are of distinct benefit to our company, and consequently we are delighted once more to help out in this area."

Joining Councillor Paterson at the school were members of the School Board, the school Captains, members of staff including the Head Teacher, local Councillors and the Council's Head of Educational Resources.

Councillor Paterson joins in the celebrations at Girvan Academy as the cheque for £50,000 is received from William Grant and Sons with thanks by members of the school and those who work on its behalf.

February 2006