East Sutherland pupils ‘score high’ at basketball tournament

Eight female basketball players with one holding the winners shield. All are wearing red tops, black shorts and red socks.
News and blogs
26th Nov 2025
Last update 20th Feb 2026

There were hoops galore at last week’s East Sutherland Schools Sports Association (ESSSA) basketball competition.  With seven schools and just under 100 pupils taking part, the gym hall at Golspie High School was buzzing!

A total of 13 teams made up of P6 and P7 pupils entered the tournament – six boys, four girls and three mixed teams – with each category played in a round robin competition. The event was supported by Young Leaders from Golspie High School and Dornoch Academy who refereed and scored games, assisted by school staff and volunteers.

Six young male basketball players each with medals and holding the winning shield. They are in dark tops and dark shorts.
Helmsdale Primary School boys basketball team

Elissa Stevenson, High Life Highland Active Schools Co-ordinator commented: “A special thanks to all the volunteers, PE and school staff and young leaders who have been leading sessions allowing the pupils to practice for this tournament. It’s great to see the teams enjoying their games, supporting their school and it’s a great opportunity for parents, carers and friends to watch the children compete.

“The tournament always has such a positive and pretty noisy buzz, it’s great to see the pupils enjoying sport, being part of their school team as well as mixing with other schools. Active Schools is about getting more children, more active, more often and these tournaments directly support that aim.”

Trophies were awarded to the schools coming first in the Small Schools, Big Schools and Mixed categories, as well as each pupil receiving a medal for first and second place. Councillor Richard Gale was on hand to present the trophies.

A group of seven boys each with medals and holding the winners shield. They are wearing blue and white tops and blue shorts.
Golspie Primary School boys basketball team

The results:

Small Schools – Girls
First – Lairg Primary School

Small Schools – Boys
First – Helmsdale Primary School
Second – Bonar Bridge Primary School

Big Schools – Girls
First – Dornoch Primary School
Second – Golspie Primary School

Big Schools – Boys
First – Golspie Primary School
Second – Dornoch Primary School

Mixed Teams
First – Bonar Bridge Primary School
Second – Rogart Primary School

A group of six school pupils with medals and holding up the winners shield. They are wearing blue and red tops and dark coloured shorts.
Bonar Bridge Primary School mixed basketball team

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