Students from a former school of the King have embarked on a unique adventure, living off-grid on an uninhabited Scottish island to assist in restoring its infrastructure. Sixth form students from Gordonstoun in Elgin, Moray, spent over a week residing in an abandoned house on Swona Island located in the Pentland Firth between Orkney and Caithness.
The students undertook a 10-hour journey by bus, ferry, and boat to reach the island, carrying essential supplies like food, sleeping bags, and building materials. Their sole companions during the eight-day stay were a small herd of feral cattle, as the island had been uninhabited since 1974. Working alongside the Annal family, descendants of the last inhabitants, the students and two school staff members contributed to various restoration projects on the island.
Swona Island boasts a rich history dating back to 2000 BC, with Viking farms, Neolithic tombs, and a Medieval chapel. Designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its diverse flora and fauna, the island serves as a breeding ground for puffins, arctic terns, and other wildlife. Previously home to 47 residents from nine families in the 1880s, the island held its own school until 1920, with the last inhabitants departing in 1974.
During their stay in June, the school group engaged in activities such as fishing off the North Head, baking bread over an open fire, and drawing water from a 1,000-year-old well. William Annal praised the students for their hard work in revitalizing both the built and natural heritage of Swona, bringing renewed vitality to the island after decades of neglect.
Student Hope Flemington described the experience as life-changing, highlighting the opportunity to acquire new life skills in a remote setting while forging lasting friendships. The trip not only fostered camaraderie among the students but also instilled a sense of accomplishment in serving the local community. Reflecting on the adventure, Dan McLean, a houseparent at Gordonstoun, emphasized the students’ resilience and the historic significance of their return to the island after 50 years.
Principal Peter Green commended the students for embracing the challenges of a prolonged stay on one of the country’s most remote locations, underscoring the school’s commitment to holistic education and service to others. By venturing outside their comfort zones, the students honed essential life skills and character attributes championed by the school’s founder, Kurt Hahn.
In summary, the students from Gordonstoun School displayed remarkable dedication and adaptability during their expedition to Swona Island, contributing to the restoration of its infrastructure and historical sites while immersing themselves in a unique learning environment. The project not only bridged the gap between past and present but also exemplified the school’s ethos of experiential learning and community engagement.