Volunteers have transformed a Rutherglen school’s garden just in time for pupils returning. 

Rutherglen High School’s facilities are managed by SPIE, the council’s partner in the public-private partnership (PPP), who found that the school’s garden was no longer fit for purpose during routine inspections. 

The garden area doesn’t fall under SPIE’s responsibility, but they were still keen to give the pupils a garden that they could enjoy and benefit from.

They enlisted the help of their partners and suppliers, and the work was carried out over the school summer holidays. 

Around a dozen volunteers from the three partners – South Lanarkshire Council, SPIE and InspirED – gave up their time for a full day of work to help ensure all was ready for the pupils’ return. 

Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, Chair of Educational Resources visited the team and was amazed by the effort being put in. 

She said: “This is going to be such a great facility for the school, and for the work to be done at all to let the pupils get the utmost from this resource would be wonderful enough to see, but it is even more delightful to see the commitment from people from all three partners in giving up their own time and putting in such hard work.

“The garden was looking glorious and I wish the pupils and their teachers many happy hours making the most of the transformation that has been carried out here.”

Ross Mitchell, Facilities Director from SPIE, said: “The garden area had been highlighted on a number of occasions during walk-rounds and we wanted to bring it up to a reasonable standard for the pupils at Rutherglen High and make it will be easier for it to be maintained in the future.  “Two of our contractors, SGS and Bells, have also played a big part. SGS installed new sleepers and planters and extended the single path between the bedding areas to a double path that can now accommodate wheelchair users.

“To enable us to carry out the volunteer day, SGS also donated stones and potting plants for planting and Bells donated coloured wood stain, preservative, paint brushes and rollers.

“Our fabric team are building a new potting table over two levels to let it accommodate wheelchair users and the facilities technicians based at the school have been instrumental in making this project happen.”

Glasgow Times:

Stewart Currie, who is the eco lead teacher at Rutherglen HS, was involved in the plans for the garden and was thrilled with the end result.

He said: “This development of the school garden will ensure it is fully accessible to all our pupils for curricular activities and leisure time, which is invaluable because engaging with the natural environment has huge benefits in terms of improving overall health and well-being.

“The school will benefit from having an area specifically designed to meet the needs of all our learners, where pupils can engage in physical activities, learn skills for life and work, engage in sensory activities and have a place for rest and relaxation.

“The garden is absolutely amazing and both staff and pupils had a lovely surprise waiting for them on their return to school. Thank you to everyone involved – it really is greatly appreciated by us all.”