Belmont Academy Celebrate First-Place Win in Sir Tom Hunter Challenge

Delighted Belmont Academy pupils recently celebrated their first-place win in the Sir Tom Hunter Challenge at County Buildings.

Young people were congratulated by South Ayrshire Council's Provost Iain Campbell in a short ceremony for their innovative business idea, 'Heart Hues - Jewellery with a purpose'.

The Sir Tom Hunter Challenge is an annual event designed to encourage young people to develop their entrepreneurial skills and help to make them 'business ready'. They are challenged to come up with ideas for products, innovations or businesses of the future. Four secondary schools from South Ayrshire took part in the competition earlier this year, with Ayr Academy and Belmont Academy making it through to the finals.

Belmont Academy scooped the top prize for their jewellery range, which is designed to be fashionable but also provide health and safety benefits to the wearer, including detecting if a drink has been spiked and monitoring health conditions.  

The award was presented at Centrestage in Kilmarnock by judges Sir Tom Hunter, Fiona McKenzie from Centrestage, and Gordon Rennie from Gro Coffee. Grange Academy in Kilmarnock took second place and Ayr Academy secured the third up spot.  

South Ayrshire Council Provost Iain Campbell said: "Well done to all of the young people that took part in this superb challenge, and a special congratulations to Belmont Academy for their win.

"I'd like to thank Sir Tom Hunter, the judges, and of course the teachers for encouraging young people to take part in the challenge. The winning business pitch was really thought provoking, and I'm sure all of our young people will take their newfound knowledge and put it to good use in the future."