Edinburgh students presented with tourism prize at Stirling Castle

Five students from Wester Hailes School in Edinburgh were today announced as the winners of the 2013 Keys to the Castle Challenge, and were presented with a trophy to mark their achievement at a special ceremony at Stirling Castle.

The competition is a joint venture between Historic Scotland and Springboard Scotland and is designed to inspire young people to consider a career in tourism in Scotland. The winning team worked together to answer a series of questions about Scotland’s history and culture.

Billie Leigh Taylor, Tommy Kivlin, Vicky Soutar, Ryan Walker and Michael Singh were presented with their trophy as part of a VIP visit to Stirling Castle for themselves plus six of their classmates. They were given the opportunity to meet characters from history during a tour of the recently refurbished James V Palace and took part in a fun, interactive learning experience drawing on different aspects of Stirling Castle.

Entries are now being invited for the 2014 Keys to the Castle Challenge.

Liz Grant, Commercial Business Manager at Stirling Castle said: “Scotland enjoys a thriving tourism industry, and as the biggest operator of visitor attractions in the country, we were delighted to team up with Springboard Scotland on this exciting project. Working in tourism can be incredibly rewarding, and I hope that spending the day at Stirling Castle might encourage some of these young people to consider pursuing a career in this diverse and challenging industry.”

Amanda McDade from Springboard Scotland said: “This competition is a brilliant opportunity for young people across Scotland to gain an understanding and insight into Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry. Through industry visits and master classes and a year-long relationship with Historic Scotland, the competition affords young people the opportunity to explore tourism as a thriving industry with a wealth of career opportunities open to them.  With the Year of Homecoming, Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved!”

Entries for the 2014 Keys to the Castle Challenge are being invited at www.careerscope.uk.net/events-activities/scottish-tourism-careers-festival/keys-to-the-castle