THEATRE in Schools Scotland took to Tillicoultry Primary last week (Tuesday, June 13) for the launch of a new national tour for 2017/18.

There was fun and props galore as youngsters and headteacher Linda Coutts met with actors Daniel Campbell and Amy McGregor, along with marketing director at The Scottish Salmon Company, Gerry Corish, in the Hillfoots.

The initiative, which was set-up to support the development and provision of theatre in schools, is now in its second year and will take four shows on the road throughout autumn and spring.

The tour is presented by National Theatre of Scotland and Imaginate in partnership with Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, Starcatchers and Visible Fictions, with support from the Scottish Salmon Company.

Paul Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Imaginate and Theatre in Schools Scotland spokesperson, said he is really proud of the project and is looking forward to applying what has been learned from year one of the pilot.

He added: "I think we’ve proved that we can break down the geographic and economic barriers that prevent engagement with the arts.

"We have been able to give children access to new stories, new voices and new experiences.

"Feedback from pupils and teachers has shown that Theatre in Schools Scotland makes theatre relevant, exciting and accessible and enriches the lives of children across Scotland."

Theatre in Schools Scotland has developed an unique partnership model to bring these theatre productions into schools.

The tour is cross funded by the Scottish Government funded National Theatre of Scotland, Creative Scotland funded theatre organisations, touring networks, local authorities and individual schools.

A number of schools throughout Clackmannanshire are set to welcome a visit as part of the up-coming tour, including Tillicoultry Primary, Sunnyside Primary, Park Primary and Deerpark Primary.

In autumn 2017 Theatre in Schools Scotland will showcase Up to Speed, created by Rosalind Sydney, in association with Catherine Wheels Theatre Company for pupils from P3-P5.

It will also offer Visible Fictions’ Jason and the Argonauts to P6 and P7 pupils and Catherine Wheels’ production of The Story of The Little Gentleman to classes from P1-P4.

Performances for these shows will run from August, 28 to November, 3.

In early 2018, it will present How to Fix a Broken Wing, a new play from Catherine Wheels Theatre Company, created by Pete Collins.

This production will be shared with P 4-P7 pupils and performances will run from February, 5 to March, 30.

For more visit theatreinschoolsscotland.com