Anders Holch Povlsen and building contractor join forces to fund new library at Tongue Primary School
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Pupils at Tongue Primary will have access to a comprehensive new reading scheme after the summer holidays, as well as hundreds of new books in the school’s library, thanks to funding from neighbouring landowner Anders Holch Povlsen and a building contractor.
The joint donation of £11,000 from Mr Povlsen's land conservation and tourism business Wildland Limited and building company 3b Construction, has enabled new resources to be purchased, and has been warmly welcomed by teachers, who have been campaigning for funds.
With the new books set to arrive later this summer, the pupils are already engaged in a project to design a logo for the newly named Hope Library.
Tongue primary teacher Christine Stokes said: “Pupils, staff and parents are delighted that in the coming school year P1-P7 will have access to a brand new comprehensive reading programme and upper primary library.
Both have been priorities for investment to ensure the brilliant young minds at our school have the knowledge resources they need to learn and thrive now and in the future.
“We cannot thank Wildland and 3b enough for their kind contribution to our school and look forward to welcoming them for a visit to the new Hope Library in the new academic year.”
Tim Kirkwood, chief executive of Wildland Limited which manages the Hope Estate close to Tongue, as well as a number of other local businesses said:“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to help Tongue Primary to invest in the future of local children in this way and we’re delighted at the choice of name for the new library.
"At a time when educational resources have been stretched by the pandemic, it’s hugely important that pupils have access to the learning tools they need to thrive.”
Stuart Barr, director of 3b Construction, which is the main building contractor for the extensive restoration and large scale extension of Hope Lodge and ancillary buildings, said: “This was a great chance for us to show our gratitude to the local community for their kindness in making our teams very welcome, even as major construction projects have been happening in their midst.
"We’re delighted to support the children with their learning and very much look forward to seeing them enjoy their new facility, the Hope library, in the new term.”
It is the latest donation by Mr Povlsen in the Far North.
He gave £100,000 to help young people hit hard by the effects of the pandemic in the region - including to budding entrepreneurs hoping to follow in his wealthy footsteps.
The handouts came just days after Wildland came to the aid of an independent group of lifesavers in the North by buying them a new lifeboat.
It gave almost £250,000 to purchase and equip the new vessel which left volunteers at East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) "speechless".
Mr Povlsen, who is also Scotland's largest landowner with over 220,000 acres, says investment in sustainable and thriving local communities also lie at the heart of his vision as well as rewilding the land.
The Danish clothing billionaire is said by Forbes to be now worth £9.8bn - though estimates of his wealth vary. He inherited a Danish fashion empire from his parents at 28 and has major stakes in Asos and Bestseller.
It is believed Wildland Ltd, has now invested more than £150m in Scottish estates and land.
In 2017 Mr Povlsen bought the Jenners building on Princes Street in Edinburgh, reportedly for £53 million. He previously announced plans to renovate the building, including a hotel and rooftop restaurant.
Mr Povlsen has emphasised his environmental credentials, pointing out that since 2006 more than 1,200 acres of mature woodlands, including Caledonian pine, has been regenerated at Glenfeshie.
