Catering Scotland

A tourism charity has launched an interactive, virtual discovery trail as part of the Tourism Skills Challenge programme, organised by Skills Development Scotland.

Springboard, which supports young, unemployed and disadvantaged people into employment in the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry, has collaborated with online learning provider Upskill People to produce a free, entertaining learning resource for schools.

Teachers and students are guided through the imaginary, mythical village of Nairnfeldy in the Highlands by Back-Pack Mac and his faithful dog, Haggis (pictured).

Containing interactive quizzes for students, the modules integrate with the aims of the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland. With content suitable for S1 and S2 students, it can be used to enhance learning, as well as promoting awareness of a career in hospitality and tourism.

Teachers will be able to access a series of modules which highlight cross-curricula themes such as numeracy, literacy, communication, history and heritage/culture, as well as food safety, first aid and general health and safety tips. Schools can access the materials at www.upskillwithedscot.co.uk.

Meanwhile, as part of their commitment to support schools, Springboard developed a school competition to sit alongside the Nairnfeldy Trail resource. ‘Discover MY Scotland’ encouraged individual students or groups to devise a trail for their own special part of Scotland and market it to potential visitors. The winning entries can be found at www.discovermyscotland.resource-gateway.co.uk.