Pupils from Dornoch Primary School had a day to remember at the East Sutherland School Sports Association (ESSSA) Cross Country Championships, picking up top honours across multiple categories. High Life Highland's Active Schools team organised the annual event, which took place at Bonar Bridge/Ardgay Golf Club on Friday 24 April.
A big turnout on a sunny spring day
Ninety-three runners from schools across East Sutherland lined up to compete, joined by schools from North West Sutherland and Gledfield Primary. Each school could enter up to six boys and six girls in the P4–5 and P6–7 age groups.
The boys raced first, followed by the girls, with everyone taking on a mile-long course around the golf club grounds. The route finished with a downhill sprint into the funnel — and the noise from classmates, staff and parents cheering the runners home made for a brilliant atmosphere.
Medals went to the top three finishers in every race, with times recorded for all competitors. East Sutherland schools also competed for team awards across small and large school categories, split by age group and gender.
The atmosphere was positive and supportive throughout, especially at the finish line.
Active Schools Co-ordinator, High Life Highland
Dornoch dominate the team awards
It was a standout day for Dornoch Primary, who took first place in four of the six team categories. Golspie Primary were consistent runners-up in the large school categories, while Bonar Bridge Primary and Helmsdale Primary claimed the small school honours.
Overall team winners
Small schools, girls P6–7: 1st Bonar Bridge PS, 2nd Lairg PS Small schools, boys P6–7: 1st Helmsdale PS, 2nd Bonar Bridge PS Large schools, girls P6–7: 1st Dornoch PS, 2nd Golspie PS Large schools, boys P6–7: 1st Dornoch PS, 2nd Golspie PS Girls team P4–5: 1st Dornoch PS, 2nd Golspie PS Boys team P4–5: 1st Dornoch PS, 2nd Brora PS
Individual results
- P4–5 girls 1st – Beau (Golspie PS) 6:59 | 2nd – Millie (Dornoch PS) 7:10 | 3rd – Rebecca (Dornoch PS) 7:11
- P4–5 boys 1st – Bjorn (Golspie PS) 6:40 | 2nd – Harris (Dornoch PS) 6:41 | 3rd – Archie (Dornoch PS) 6:49
- P6–7 girls 1st – Olivia (Dornoch PS) 7:02 | 2nd – Maisie (Bonar Bridge PS) 7:07 | 3rd – Bella (Golspie PS) 7:08
- P6–7 boys 1st – Calvin (Dornoch PS) 5:52 | 2nd – Sholto (Helmsdale PS) 5:57 | 3rd – Rory (Brora PS) 6:00
Younger runners steal the show too
One of the highlights of the day was seeing younger pupils stepping up to race alongside the older age groups. Primary 2 pupils Skye and Rose, and Primary 3 pupil Quinn from Rosehall, took part alongside Lexi and Sevi from Rogart Primary and Iona from North West Sutherland Schools — a great sign of the enthusiasm for active sport across the region.
Proud to support young athletes
Our Active Schools Co-ordinator Elissa Stevenson, who organised the event, said: "It was fantastic to see so many keen pupils representing their schools and giving their all on the course. The atmosphere was positive and supportive throughout, especially at the finish line.
"The runners produced some excellent times, but the most important thing was that they enjoyed the experience and felt proud to run for their school. Events like this give children valuable experience of competition while providing a great opportunity to socialise and meet pupils from other schools."
Elissa thanked Bonar Bridge/Ardgay Golf Club for hosting, along with the school staff and volunteers who helped with marshalling and finish-line duties. Medals and trophies were presented by Valerie Graham, High Life Highland Trading Board Member.
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