Buckie High pupils explore planning issues in video production project

SENIOR Buckie High pupils have produced a film to explain planning issues their peers will experience in the coming years.

Produced over two months, geography and modern studies pupils Beth, Marcus, Anastasia, Stella, Kadie and Jack have addressed the issues important to them, including affordable housing and public transport. The film, which is being shown at a series of exhibitions Moray Council is hosting during a 12-week public consultation of its Main Issues Report, features images and photos captured by the pupils, and drone footage from Buckie-based Slater Sports.

Creation of the video was overseen by geography teacher Kate Murray, and the pupils were briefed on the Local Development Plan beforehand by Moray Council planning officers, Darren and Eily.

Speaking in the video, the pupils talk about changing the opinion that young people don’t want to stay in Moray.

“We want Moray to be able to give younger people the right opportunity to stay here, for people to thrive instead of moving away. This Local Development Plan is giving us a voice in regards to how we want to change where we live for the better.”

Moray Council’s Chair of Planning and Regulatory Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, praised the pupils’ efforts in helping to create the video.

“What we’re discussing right now is the future of Moray and how it will look in 10-15 years. It’s so important that all age groups get involved in having a say on what they want to see happen in Moray, so I’m delighted to see our school pupils leading the way.”

The video is available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzOr00-xymM and at the planning exhibitions being held across Moray until the end of March. The next event takes place on 31 January at the Fisherman’s Hall in Buckie, from 2 - 8pm.