A GROUP of five school children are preparing to spend 24 hours in a livestock trailer to raise money for a new garden and growing area at Dallas primary, in Forres.

The challenge is to take place at Edinvale Farm on Friday, October 1, with donations helping to fund a new vegetable garden at the school, where pupils can learn to grow their own food.

Farmer and dad of three of the children taking part, Jock Gibson, told The SF that it will be a challenge to keep the kids motivated for 24 hours, and hoped that people will turn out to spur them on.

“The forecast isn’t great, so the biggest challenge is going to be keeping them warm,” he said. “I have promised that I will wash the box twice after taking beasts to Dingwall on Wednesday.

“The money that Dallas primary raises will go towards a new garden and growing area that will include a poly tunnel which the pupils will learn more about growing fruit, veg and flowers.”

If the pupils raise more than £1000 by October 7, they will also become contestants in the MFR School's fundraising challenge – a competition between 16 schools, with the ones that raise the most money being awarded a further cash prize towards their chosen projects. The school who raises the most money will receive a £3000 top up, with £2000 for second place and £1000 for third place.

The schools taking part range from large academies to small primaries including Dallas, which Jock pointed out boasts just 28 very enthusiastic and community minded pupils.

The Scottish Farmer:

Eva, Tilly, Rory, Aila and Fergus are all set for their 24 hour lockdown in the trailer and have lots planned to keep them occupied

Nine-year-old Aila Gibson said she was most looking forward to not going to sleep for 24 hours and when asked whether she might get bored she replied: “Not if we have tasks to do. I might try and practice my violin.”

Aila’s sister, six-year-old Tilly, added that she was looking forward to taking part and that she would be playing with her toys for the duration to keep boredom at bay.

There’s a competitive element involved for 11-year-old Eva Ingram who wants to beat the other schools who are raising funds, but added that she hoped she wouldn’t be kept awake by Aila snoring.

Nine-year-old Fergus Ingram hopes he will have better food than cattle feed to eat and the youngest member of the team, four-year-old Rory Gibson, is planning on filling the trailer with his tractors, to occupy his time.

For updates on how the children are getting on and to donate, go to https://bit.ly/2Y4z6iB