A group of talented pupils from Fortrose Academy have taken the world of youth enterprise by storm.
Team Solasta have won two major titles in just a fortnight, putting the Highlands at the heart of the UK’s enterprise success story.
First, they were crowned Scottish Company of the Year at the Young Enterprise Scotland Awards in Glasgow.
Then they travelled to Manchester, where they won the UK Company of the Year final on 4 June.
Their winning idea was a beautifully designed intergenerational journal, helping families to share stories and record treasured memories together.
The judges praised the team for their creativity, business acumen and the thoughtful purpose behind their product.
Now they will represent the UK at the Junior Achievement European Awards in Athens, taking place from 1 to 3 July.
The European finals are widely regarded as the Oscars of youth entrepreneurship.
Councillor John Finlayson, chair of Highland Council’s education committee, said he was delighted by the team’s success.
He has long championed the importance of enterprise education across Highland schools.
He praised both the pupils and the staff at Fortrose Academy, and wished them well as they prepare to take their business to Europe.
The Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme offers 15 to 19-year-olds the chance to run a real business over the course of a year.
They design products, market them, and manage their finances while gaining valuable business skills.
Each team is supported by teachers, volunteer business advisers and the Young Enterprise Scotland area team.
Team Solasta is made up of S6 pupils Amy MacRae, Natasha Browne, Imogen Geddes, Imogen Maclarty, Roisin Beattie, Abbie Harper, Freya Campbell and Keira Chisholm.
Their inspiration came from Fortrose Academy’s long-standing partnerships with community groups Black Isle Cares and Eilean Dubh Care Home.
Keira Lyall, Head of Business Studies at Fortrose Academy, said the team are still buzzing from their incredible achievements.
She thanked the sponsors who quickly stepped in to fund the trip to Manchester.
With Athens now on the horizon, she warmly invited local businesses to help support the team’s journey to the European finals.
Linda Thomas, Chair of Young Enterprise Highland and Moray, said she was absolutely delighted but not surprised by Solasta’s success.
She praised their hard work, creativity and determination, calling them a credit to the Highlands.
Their victory marks the tenth time in 18 years that a Highland or Moray team has won Scotland’s top Young Enterprise award.
It is yet more proof that the Highlands is bursting with talent and ambition.
Fortrose Academy has a proud tradition of enterprise excellence, having also won the UK title back in 2008.
Now, once again, Fortrose’s young entrepreneurs are showing that the Highlands belongs on the biggest stage.
