THE future of science, technology, engineering and maths in Peebles is looking strong as pupils from Priorsford Primary School cracked a few STEM challenges in Glasgow.

A special event organised by Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland (YESC) saw Priorsford pupils, amongst over 500 young people from 50 schools across the country, descend on the Glasgow Science Centre for the annual ‘Celebration of STEM - science, technology, engineering and maths’ event last week.

The event gave young people a chance to showcase their own science projects, and offered opportunities to take part in challenges against the clock.

The Peebles pupils put their engineering skills to the test in a challenge set by leading national water retailer Anglian Water Business.

Working as a team, they successfully set up a water infrastructure network in just three minutes, managing to reach key locations and keep within a specific budget.

An impressed Tony March from Anglian Water Business said: "Congratulations to the pupils from Priorsford Primary School on working so well together and cracking our water related STEM challenge.

"This event has been a great opportunity to show these talented young people the wide variety of careers open to those with STEM qualifications and get them excited about their future job prospects.”

Celebration of STEM is a project of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).

Anglian Water Business was just one of 20 industry partners in attendance this year.

Mr March added: "Within the water industry, we are continually looking for people with a STEM background as it is these people who are integral in our day-to-day operations.

"This is why Anglian Water Business is committed to working with partners such as SCDI to help inform young people of the many different STEM career paths they can follow.”

At the event, primary and secondary schools from all over Scotland competed for a range of prizes, including Club of the Year 2017 which went to Mearns Primary School in East Renfrewshire and Monifieth High School in Angus.

Jane Martin, programme director of YESC, commented: “YESC’s ambition is to grow interest and spark enthusiasm in STEM subjects by encouraging young people to get involved in exciting activities and challenges.

“The Celebration of STEM event is a fantastic way for pupils to engage with businesses that rely on these skills and see the many different careers that are open to them. I’d like to thank all our partner organisations for helping to make this event such a success.”