A team from Lochgilphead High School has scooped this year's Construction Challenge award following the two-day event in Oban last week (Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th June).

Eight schools from across the region (Lochgilphead, Tobermory, Tarbert, Oban, Tiree, Rothesay, Dunoon and Islay) took part in the Construction Challenge at the Corran Halls, sponsored by Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE), Clydebank College and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Teams of ten - made up of second and third year pupils - had to work together to solve various construction-related jobs.  Over the course of the two days, pupils plumbed in a wash-hand basin, constructed a roof, set out and laid block paving and made wooden planters.

The aim of the Construction Challenge is to help improve pupils' communication, problem solving and team working skills as well as provide information on a career in the construction sector.

The construction industry is an extremely important part of the Argyll economy, which is why AIE continues to support this annual event.  The local development agency pays for travel and accommodation costs, as well as the venue and catering.

Chief executive of AIE, Ken Abernethy said: "We are committed to working with partners in the region to provide quality training opportunities for young people wishing to follow a career in the construction industry.  An event like the Construction Challenge highlights to pupils the career possibilities in a hands-on but fun way."