PUPILS across Clacks schools will benefit from the return of an educational initiative to help them understand the current climate emergency.

The Young Pathfinders programme, delivered through Scotland’s International Environment Centre (SIEC) as part of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Regional Deal, has returned for the third year in a row.

This will give pupils a chance to undertake a series of activities identifying and analysing the challenges presented by climate change and the opportunities created by tackling them.

A cohort has been created involving pupils from Alloa, Dollar and Lornshill Academies, Clackmannanshire Schools Support Service, alongside McLaren and Stirling High Schools.

Clacks Council leader Ellen Forson said: “It is great to see the Young Pathfinders programme returning for a third year and I wish all the youngsters in this cohort the very best in their endeavours.

“The need to address climate issues is urgent and ever-present, and it’s vital the council supports initiatives like this one, which align with our focus on a greener, cleaner future.

“This project will give the young people a chance to take part in challenges designed to test their awareness and thinking and to encourage them to devise their own sustainable solutions to local and global environmental problems, as well as giving them skills they’ll no doubt find useful as they move into further education and employment.”

The Wee County has had past success in the Young Pathfinders programme, with pupils from Alloa Academy coming in first place last year.