Students from King’s former school live off-grid on uninhabited Scots island to help restore infrastructure

Students from Gordonstoun, King’s former school, have embarked on a unique project by living off-grid on an uninhabited Scottish island to help restore its infrastructure, which was abandoned 50 years ago. The sixth formers spent over a week on Swona, an island situated in the Pentland Firth between Orkney and Caithness, camping out in an abandoned house. This initiative marked the first time in half a century that people had stayed on the island, which has a history dating back 5,000 years.

The students, accompanied by two school staff members, undertook a 10-hour journey by bus, ferry, and boat to reach Swona, bringing along food, sleeping bags, and building materials. During their stay, they worked with the Annal family, descendants of the island’s last inhabitants, to undertake various restoration projects. This included building a toilet, repairing slate paths and stone dykes, concreteing the old pier, and refurbishing the former croft cottage.

Swona, with a rich heritage dating back to 2000 BC, features Viking farms, Neolithic tombs, and a Medieval chapel. The island is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its diverse flora and fauna, including puffins, arctic terns, razorbills, and various species of whales. In the late 19th century, Swona was home to 47 residents from nine families, with its own school until 1920, before the last inhabitants, James and Violet Rosie, left in 1974.

The students engaged in activities such as fishing, baking bread over an open fire, and drawing water from a 1,000-year-old well, immersing themselves in the island’s natural environment and cultural history. Their presence and hard work were greatly appreciated by the island community, with William Annal noting the positive impact they had in restoring the infrastructure and revitalising the island’s spirit.

Reflecting on their experience, student Hope Flemington described the trip as life-changing, offering valuable opportunities to learn new skills in a remote setting while fostering camaraderie and a sense of accomplishment. Principal Peter Green highlighted Gordonstoun’s commitment to providing students with challenging experiences outside the classroom, promoting resilience, fortitude, and important life skills.

The project on Swona exemplifies a holistic approach to education, combining academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences that contribute positively to the community and the environment. It serves as a testament to the power of experiential learning in fostering personal growth, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for heritage and conservation efforts.