Highland Heroes 2025: Primary pupil shortlist revealed – VOTE NOW!
VOTE for your primary pupil of the year by midnight on Monday, February 10!
Cory Mackay, Miller Academy, Thurso
When a school trip to Loch Insh was announced for P7s at Miller Academy, Thurso, wee Cory Mackay sprung into action to help raise funds to ensure all of his school friends could enjoy the four-day adventure in April.
Cory, who has just turned 11, organised a Christmas fayre and personally contacted his local businesses with a hand-written note to see if they would be willing to donate raffle prizes. He also had a table in his local supermarkets and attended car boot sales selling raffle tickets and other fundraisers.
He raised an amazing £1500 through his efforts
A nomination said: “He organised a Christmas fayre to raise funds and on the night he greeted the stall holders, showed them where their tables were and helped them carry their stock to the tables to set up.
“He raised a fantastic £1500 which will help to bring down the total cost for everyone to attend the trip as he knows some of his friends may not afford it without the fundraising. He is currently writing thank you cards for all the local businesses who donated to him.”
Mum, Courtney, was delighted Cory had been shortlisted: “We’re so incredibly proud of him. He tried so hard to do as much as could. When we got the call I was nearly in tears!”
Angus MacDonald, Lochardil Primary
He may only be 10 but Lochardil primary pupil, Angus MacDonald, is mature beyond his years and shows all the compassion, dedication and teamwork any grown-up would be proud to possess.
A nomination praised the pupil: “Angus has got star of the week from his school on numerous occasions for always being kind and helpful to others. He often gets player of the week at Highland Rugby Club for his team spirit, hard work and determination. “Angus is 10 years old but has a maturity; he senses people’s feelings and goes beyond to care and be there for them.”
Mum Lauren was delighted Angus has been shortlisted for a Heroes award: “We were very surprised and it’s nice for him to be recognised. He was delighted!
“He is a very empathetic person. He does have really good social skills and understands cues. He always tries his hardest and is outgoing, he likes to try new things. He likes to get stuck in and when things don’t go his way, he doesn’t take it badly, he just resets himself and learns from mistakes. He has a motto from his great-granny ‘stick in until you stick out’.
She added: We’re so proud of him. His teachers have always commented on how polite and well-mannered he is and that’s a really nice thing to hear; these soft skills are so important.”
Louise Cooper, Bridgend Primary, Alness
Despite her young age, 10-year-old Louise Cooper has a nurturing spirit at her heart.
She just loves to help those around her, whether it’s her own family or fellow pupils at Bridgend Primary, Alness.
Proud mum, Kirsty, said: “She does a lot! She helps me a lot around the house and helps care for her brother (8) who’s disabled.
Louise volunteers on a Monday to help the P1-P3 after school club which she has done for the past two years. She helps run the group, comes up with warm-up games, helps to lead them, and tidy up afterwards. She also does Highland dancing, badminton, a DNA dance class and theatre club!
“She’s a wee human dynamo! She’s always loved helping people from a very young age. She was one-and-half when her brother was born and she just jumped right into mummy mode, wanting to help. In school, she was buddied up with a classmate who was struggling.
“She’s always been that kind, caring person who wants to help. I’m unbelievably proud of her. She makes me proud every day and I’d be lost without her.
Kirsty added she was delighted Louise has been shortlisted: "I'm over the moon. It’s nice for her to get something in her own right and recognition for the awesome kid she is.”
The primary pupil of the year is sponsored by Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
Alli Vass, PowerHouse manager for Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, said: "Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is delighted to sponsor the Highland Heroes primary pupil category. Primary school provides the foundational skills and opportunities for our young people to develop and become outstanding citizens. As part of our Next Energy Workforce initiative, we want to develop our future workforce; this includes celebrating and supporting our successful young people."
