A racing success for the kids

Nov 27 2009 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

KIDS have been learning all about racing pigeons in a Doo the Right Thing project.

Three pairs of stock pigeons were gifted to a Maybole school, and adopted by the pupils.

Red Star Lofts, a company in Wales who makes pigeon training trailers, heard about the South Ayrshire Community Safety Partnership project.

For it was given publicity in a national racing pigeon magazine, and Red Star Lofts kindly donated the birds, each worth between £100 and £300.

Councillor Nan McFarlane chairs the safety project. And she said: “This has been a very successful project that has brought people of all ages together.

“Young people from Cairn Primary School took part and were allocated a pigeon to monitor its progress throughout the year.

“Youngsters were involved in feeding, cleaning and assisting in training – indeed all aspects of maintaining a healthy pigeon loft.

“Members of the established pigeon racing club in Maybole worked with the young people and members of the partnership to teach the young people new skills.”

Councillor McFarlane added: “We in the partnership have been very pleased with the success of our project this year and we hope to run similar projects in two local primary schools next year.

“This project would not have been possible without the help of ADAT (Ayrshire and Arran Alcohol and Drug Action Team), Cashback for Communities, Community Safety, Cairn Primary School, Carrick and District Homing Society and of course all of the young people involved.”

Earlier this year, the partnership received funding under the Scottish Government CashBack scheme.

The funding was used to support a pilot project, to provide a diversionary and educational activity to encourage young people to be involved in positive projects in their community.

Additional funding was received from the ADAT Innovation fund to extend the project.

Speaking about their donation, Alun Jones from Red Star Lofts said: “I was very pleased to support a scheme which contributes to the community and introduces young people to the sport of pigeon racing.”