Cullivoe Primary School in Yell has won a national Sustainability Award after making environmental responsibility a central part of everyday life for its pupils and wider community.

The Shetland school was recognised at the Assist FM Awards, the national awards for facilities management in Scottish local authorities, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow on 14 May.

The Sustainability Award, sponsored by Müller Milk, celebrates organisations that demonstrate environmental best practice while creating positive benefits for their communities.

Cullivoe Primary School was selected for its commitment to embedding sustainability throughout school life, with pupils playing an active role in reducing waste, monitoring energy use and leading Eco Schools activities.

Environmental awareness has become a key part of the school’s culture, with children taking responsibility for projects that encourage sustainable habits both inside and outside the classroom.

A strong focus on the circular economy has also helped the school stand out.

Food waste is carefully monitored, reduced and composted, while produce grown by pupils is used in school meals and shared with members of the local community.

The approach helps pupils understand where food comes from while reinforcing the importance of reducing waste and making better use of resources.

Community involvement has played a major role in the school’s success.

Families regularly support growing, watering and harvesting activities, helping to build practical sustainability skills across the wider community as well as within the classroom.

The achievement is particularly notable given the school’s size.

Located in the village of Cullivoe on the island of Yell in the north of Shetland, the school currently has a roll of just eight pupils.

Despite its small size, the school impressed judges with its commitment to environmental action and its ability to involve the whole community in its sustainability journey.

Representatives from all 32 Scottish councils attended the awards ceremony, with Glasgow City Council also shortlisted in the same category.

Claire Lawson, Head Teacher at Cullivoe Primary School said:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this national award.

“Our pupils have taken real ownership of sustainability in our school, from growing food and reducing waste to making more environmentally friendly choices every day.

“This award reflects not only their enthusiasm and commitment, but also the support of families and the wider community, who play a vital role in everything we do.

“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved.”

The award provides national recognition for the work taking place in one of Scotland’s smallest schools and highlights how local communities can make a meaningful contribution to sustainability through practical action, teamwork and a shared commitment to protecting the environment.

For the pupils of Cullivoe Primary School, it is a reminder that even small schools can make a big impact.