This news release is issued on behalf of Careers Scotland:

Pupils at Cradlehall Primary, Inverness, are doing their bit for a worthy cause this week, organising a series of Burns suppers to raise funds for the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association.

Primary 7 pupils taking part in the Schools Enterprise Programme (SEP), administered by Careers Scotland, decided to use their newly acquired business skills to boost the charity's coffers.

They formed their own business, the Robert Burns Enterprise Experience - or ROBEE for short - to put together Burns suppers at the school on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings this week [18-20 February].

Catering is being provided by kitchen staff and the pupils themselves have organised everything else, from the Immortal Memory to the Toast to the Lassies and a dramatic rendering of Tam O'Shanter, put together with help from Eden Court Theatre. The pupils will also present their own poetry, inspired by the work of Burns.

There's only one departure from tradition.  For obvious reasons the amber liquid accompanying the haggis, neeps and tatties will be Scotland's 'other national drink' - Irn Bru!

The Schools Enterprise Programme is a three-year initiative under the auspices of Careers Scotland which uses exciting projects to help schoolchildren develop the skills and outlook to become enterprising people.  It also aims to instil confidence which children can apply to any situation, not just to the world of work.  Funding for the initiative has come from Scottish businesses and the Scottish Executive.

Kerry Sinclair, who has been seconded to the Schools Enterprise Programme by The Highland Council Education Department, praised the Cradlehall pupils for both their enthusiasm and generosity.

"Pupils at Cradlehall have used enterprise as a vehicle for delivering all aspects of the curriculum," said Kerry.

"Their project combines a genuine appreciation for Burns with singing, dancing, drama and all the behind-the-scenes organisation which goes into staging a successful event.

"That combination of skills and vision which is needed to bring together a good project is what enterprise is all about."