Building Bridges to Schools
Primary school pupils from Hamilton are being given the chance to build their own bridge this week under supervision of some of the region's Civil Engineers.
Dressed in engineer's safety clothing - hard hat and fluorescent jacket - the primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils from Woodhead Primary School will construct a 12 metre-long cable-stayed bridge that they will be able to walk across once they've built it.
The Bridges to Schools programme is being brought to Hamilton by ICE Scotland. The activities aim to raise the awareness of civil engineering among young people and to encourage some to see it as a possible future career.
"The programme is intended to give pupils an early insight into the challenges of civil engineering whilst having some fun along the way", said Hazel Wilson, who is the Pre-19 Events Co-ordinator for ICE in the West of Scotland.
"Working with volunteer civil engineers, the pupils consider all the aspects of the project, from why bridges are needed in the first place, through the planning stage to materials, construction and health and safety.
"To do this, they have to listen, focus and work together. We believe it helps build their confidence and adds another dimension to their learning".