Fortrose Academy Students Explore Construction and Heritage at Pat Munro Homes' Greenside Development

Introduction

Pupils from Fortrose Academy recently had the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom with a visit to Pat Munro Homes' Greenside development in Rosemarkie. The visit, led by Hamish Little from Pat Munro Homes, provided students with valuable insights into modern construction techniques, home design, and potential career opportunities in the building sector. The visit also enhanced the students' classroom studies, which focus on construction methods and sustainability.

Exploring the Site: Construction Meets Heritage

The tour began with a guided walk around the site, where students learned about the key features that made the location suitable for new homes, including the integration of modern houses with the surrounding environment. They also explored the historical significance of the site, which includes the discovery of Bronze Age roundhouses and artefacts during the development process.

"This visit is part of a broader project to engage the school with the fascinating history of the site," said Wendy Hennem, DYW School Coordinator leading on this project. "It was fantastic to see the pupils so engaged - whether they were guessing home prices or discussing the design features and how they harmonize with the existing architecture in Rosemarkie."

Touring the Show Homes and Careers in Construction

The second part of the tour included a visit to one of the new homes, where students explored different house types and layouts. A lively discussion followed about the variety of roles involved in homebuilding, from technical positions such as design engineers and civil engineers to construction roles like roofers and site managers.

Hamish Little from Pat Munro Homes, said, "It’s great to see the pupils engage with the construction industry in such a hands-on way. We were able to show them everything from the practical aspects of building homes to the wider environmental considerations, and how we blend the development with the natural surroundings. It’s a wonderful opportunity to inspire young people about the diverse career paths in construction and design."

Next Steps: Creative Engagement with Archaeology

The next phase of the project will focus on the students' creative involvement in the site’s archaeological discoveries. Fortrose Academy students will work across disciplines - including history, art, and design technology—to create information boards that highlight the Bronze Age findings at the site. These boards will be placed at the development to share the rich history with the local community.

In addition, the students will design jewellery inspired by the archaeological artefacts, with guidance from local artists and archaeologists. This initiative not only connects students with real-world skills and experiences but also celebrates the community’s heritage and fosters future career opportunities in construction and heritage sectors.

Conclusion

This collaboration between Pat Munro Homes and Fortrose Academy is a prime example of how businesses can partner with schools to provide young people with engaging, real-world learning experiences. Thanks to Pat Munro Homes and Hamish Little for making this opportunity possible!

Follow DYWICH for updates on the next phase of this exciting project and other initiatives aimed at developing the young workforce in Inverness and Central Highland.