A GROUP of young people from Ayr Academy have been crowned South Ayrshire’s Young Consumers of the Year (SAYCY). 

The winning team now go through to the Scottish finals in Edinburgh next year, with high hopes of taking the national title.

The SAYCY competition, organised by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, is aimed at young people aged 14 to 17 from schools, colleges and youth groups in Scotland, England and Wales.

Students are tested on a wide range of issues including consumer law, food and health, safety and the environment, money and finance, Europe and travel.

Ayr Academy pipped nearest rivals Girvan Academy to the post in a close run race.

Academy team will now go on to represent South Ayrshire in the Scottish final in March 2017 at the Scottish Parliament.

Councillor John McDowall, South Ayrshire Council’s Sustainability and Environment Portfolio Holder, said all involved should be proud of their achievements.

He said: “Ayr Academy has a great track record in this competition and I wish them the best of luck as they take their expertise to the Capital to take part in the national final.”

“The South Ayrshire Consumer of the Year competition offers all of our secondary schools the opportunity to take part in this worthwhile event, which brings people together and builds team spirit.

“I’d like to thank everyone who got involved this year, as it’s your enthusiasm and hard work that make the contest such a worthwhile annual event.”

Heather Devanney (S5) was part of the winning team and said that getting involved had been worthwhile. 

She said: “Taking part in the Young Consumer competition has been an exciting and valuable experience both for myself and the team.

“Our confidence has grown, we’ve developed a great team spirit, and in a short space of time we’ve learnt so much about consumer law, safety and the environment, money and credit, Europe, and travel and food and health. Girvan Academy were excellent competition and it was very close towards the end.

“We’re now looking forward to the Scottish Final at the Scottish Parliament.”

Headteacher at Ayr Academy, Lyndsay McRoberts, said the result was great for the whole school.

She said: “I’m extremely proud of the team who are an absolute credit to the school, and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work in getting this far. 

“The Young Consumer Competition fits well in the Scottish curriculum and supports the four capacities of education as highlighted in the Curriculum for Excellence – successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.”