PUPILS at Portessie Primary have been enjoying a busy time on the fundraising front. The school recently held a bring and buy sale which proved a highly popular event with the youngsters. A wide range of stalls were to be found in the school hall, including ones offering cake and candy, toys and face painting. One of those delighted with the event was head teacher Alison Vass. She said: “It was organised by the primary 6/7 class to raise funds for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) Scotland. “The pupils in the P6/7 class had been studying the deep sea and particularly were focussing how polluted our seas have become. “The pupils, along with their teacher, Mrs Lees, organised and ran the whole event.” At the time of writing the total amount raised from the event was still being totted up. The proceeds are set to provide a timely boost to the charity’s coffers. WDC works throughout Scotland, campaigning for greater protection of Scotland’s
whales and dolphins. They conduct field research, train local community groups, assist with strandings and run education initiatives from their centres at Spey Bay and North Kessock. The Spey Bay centre is now open longer than ever before this winter, not due to close its doors until mid-December.
The centre is based in an 18th century salmon fishing station and has a fascinating history in its own right. Among the many activities on offer at Spey Bay are tours which include a chance to see the centre’s collection of whale bones and experience the nature and wildlife around and below the River Spey. Check
with the centre for winter tour times. More than 20 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise are found in the waters around Scotland and it is the best place in the UK to see a number of our whales and dolphins. To find out more about WDC Scotland, visit their website at www.uk.whales.org