For one Inverness primary school, democracy wasn’t just something in a textbook it became a day they’ll never forget.
Pupils from Cauldeen Primary were invited to 10 Downing Street last Friday, stepping into the heart of British politics for a front-row seat to history.
They were taking part in the Lessons at 10 project, a scheme run by the Prime Minister’s office to welcome children from across the UK into Downing Street for a very special kind of class.
The idea is simple but powerful, give young people a sense of ownership over the future by letting them see where decisions are made.
Cauldeen’s head teacher, Allison Howie, said the experience opened the children’s eyes to how our democracy really works.
They explored Number 10, wandered through rooms filled with stories and artefacts, and learned about the people and events that have shaped the country.
Then, in the garden, came a moment the children will be talking about for years.
They were joined by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who chatted with them over lunch, asked what they’d learned, and listened to their ideas about what they would change in the country if they were in charge.
Afterwards, the group headed to Westminster and it turned out to be a day when Parliament was buzzing.
MPs were debating the Assisted Dying Bill, and the pupils saw the democratic process up close, from peaceful protests outside to the press pack chasing the story, and the sound of the division bells summoning MPs to vote.
It was a day packed with moments that brought politics to life.
The visit came about thanks to Inverness MP Angus MacDonald, who welcomed the group and took time to chat with the children during their tour.
Mrs Howie couldn’t have been prouder of her pupils.
“Our Cauldeen children were beautifully behaved and an absolute credit to themselves and their school,” she said.
“They asked some cracking questions and it was wonderful to see their confidence shine through.
“What a day, what an experience.”
She also thanked everyone involved in making the visit run so smoothly, adding that the whole thing went without a hitch.
For a group of young Highlanders, it was a day that turned lessons into something real, a chance to see, question and imagine the future from inside the very heart of power.
