ELGIN Academy’s Christmas market – run by second year pupils – was a big success.

After many weeks of preparation for pupils, the school hosted the market on Thursday, December 15, from 10am until 2.30pm.

The event was organised by the Home Economics department, with second year pupils running and working on stalls.

HE principal Karen Ainslie helped organise the event – which also had more than 20 stalls run by businesses from the local community.

"The market was part of our Farm to Fork initiative," she said.

"Pupils made and marketed their own produce. They came up with all of their own ideas and worked on it throughout the term. Some made jams, some kids did crafts and some made soaps.

"Pupils could apply to be 'market managers' in charge of a stall, with all pupils appointed to a table dealing with customers and stock rotation in a real life situation.

"They really enjoyed being in the working atmosphere."

As well as stalls from various school departments, there were live performances from the music department and a visit from Elgin Library.

Feedback from fellow stallholders and members of the community was extremely positive.

"They all said how polite and good the pupils were, saying they were a credit to the school," Ms Ainslie.

"It was great to see how many people turned out given the weather. We were constantly busy even when we were putting tables away."

Jeanette Summers, former depute head teacher at Hythehill Primary School in Lossiemouth, said: "It was a great day and I was so impressed with the pupils. They were polite and helpful.

"It was super well-organised and I’d love to take part again."

Karen Delaney, director at Elgin Youth Café, added: "We really enjoyed our day and were mega impressed by the organisation and the proactive role of the great market managing team."

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