Golspie pupils master art of public speaking

Scotland and the natural world was the theme of Golpie High School’s seventh annual Pure Words public speaking event, held at Dunrobin Castle last Wednesday.

Pupils, assisted by geography teacher Sam Machin, organised the fundraising event which this year raised £230 for the Crocus Group.

The charity helps children and young people deal with bereavement.

Master of ceremonies for the evening was sixth year pupil Beth Gordon, who expertly ran the show, introducing and giving the context of each reading.

Eleven pupils gave poetry and prose readings before an 80-strong audience.

One of the readers opted for a monologue by Shakespeare.

There was a 20 minute interval in the middle of the readings in which guests were served refreshments, prepared by pupils.

S6 pupil Kathleen Kelly, who helped organise the event, said everything had gone smoothly on the night.

“Each student read with passion,” she said.

“The aim of the event is not about judging who is the most natural performer, but more about enabling pupils to gain confidence in their own abilities.”

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