Pupil Owen MacKenzie is a Highland Hero as he scoops top award
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Depute head boy Owen MacKenzie may have his sights set on a career in cyber security but his own ambitions do not stop him thinking of others as he goes.
The 17-year-old is currently a sixth year pupil at Portree High School on Skye and was already a hero to many before lifting the secondary pupil of the year award at this year's Highland Heroes ceremony.
His run of charitable activity for one so young is impressive to say the least, and it all began close to home.
"My family has been involved in the fire brigade for quite some time and it was through them that I learned about its Family Support Trust which helps firefighters as well as retired members and their families," he said.
"When I heard about it I knew I wanted to do something for it."
Throughout lockdown Owen raised more than £5000 for the trust with a range of events including gala day fun, car washes and online crowdfunding.
In addition – and while continuing to study hard – he is also a member of his school's charities committee which raises money for charities around Skye and its partner school in Zambia.
"The charity work has given me a lot of insight and experiences that will be very valuable I think," he said.
"It's also good just to know that you are doing your bit to help people who need it."
