Two West Dunbartonshire schools are heading to COP26 this week to present its climate-focussed social enterprise business idea Dragons's Den style.

Gavinburn Primary in Old Kilpatrick and Our Lady & St Patrick High in Dumbarton are two out of 19 schools across Scotland heading to the city to present their business idea to industry experts in Glasgow’s Strathclyde Union after reaching the finals of a national COP26 themed Dragons’ Den competition.

Pupils across the country were challenged to create a social enterprise concept that is climate smart and future first and the pupils from Our Lady & St Patricks High are presenting their ‘App to Educate’ concept to a panel of experts which would use social media to educate the school and local community about the small steps they can take to reduce climate change.

Christopher Smith, headteacher at Our Lady & St Patricks High, said: “We are delighted to be able to participate in this exciting opportunity especially at a time when we are slowly but surely coming out of the challenges presented as a result of the pandemic.

"We have been working hard to ensure thar all of our young people have a clear understanding of the implications of the COP26 conference and all of our staff are making a clear commitment to this as well. As ever, we are incredibly proud of the efforts of our staff and pupils and we wish our team every success with their pitch and ideas."

Gavinburn Primary are aiming the reduce CO2 emissions by developing an area of the school garden to grow food.

The food grown would be used in the school canteen and would reduce the number of deliveries to the schools. The school would sell excess fruit and veg to the local community.

Headteacher, Marie Wilson, said: “Gavinburn pupil representatives have been researching and practicing as much as they can during school days and at home. They are passionate about their chosen subject and eager to share their ideas and opinions. Fever pitch excitement may well have been reached by the day of the event!”

The event is being delivered as part of the "After the Pandemic" COP26 programme and is one of a number of events taking place at Strathclyde Union during the COP26 climate conference this month.

 The Dragons’ Den event in particular is being organised by Social Enterprise Academy, which since 2007 has delivered Social Enterprise Schools, innovated in partnership with the Scottish Government. 

Emily Mnyayi, head of education at Social Enterprise Academy, said: “Our Climate Change Dragons' Den is a truly fantastic opportunity for young people in Scotland to be a part of this moment in history and take action against climate change.

"We are always fascinated to see the innovative ideas and this event will once again highlight how important social enterprise is in schools to embrace our young people as future change makers.”