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Mhairi McAinsh (pictured), an Art & Design teacher and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) School Coordinator at Larbert High School, has scooped the coveted title of Scotland's Most Enterprising Educator 2024.

Organised by Young Enterprise Scotland, the awards – part of the Festival of Enterprise held at Hampden Park on 28 and 29 May - recognise the outstanding contributions of educators in helping young people develop an enterprising mindset.

Miss McAinsh was selected for her involvement in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of enterprise education, which has significantly benefited pupils by helping them develop the skills and mindset needed to make the most of everyday opportunities and challenges.

By integrating enterprise education into the curriculum, Miss McAinsh has inspired numerous young people, helping them develop essential entrepreneurial skills and a spirit of innovation.

A key highlight of Miss McAinsh's approach has been the collaboration with the local community and business sector. These partnerships have provided students with invaluable real-world experiences, enhancing their learning and preparing them for future careers while strengthening community's ties to the school.

Miss McAinsh said:

"It was a wonderful surprise to hear my name read out. I just couldn’t believe it! It really does mean the world to me as I am absolutely passionate about partnership working and interdisciplinary learning to showcase the superb calibre of work created of our young people. This award is much more than just what I do. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all of our pupils, my fantastic colleagues across all of our different faculties within Larbert High, and our ever growing list of community partners and local employers. Together, we are creating new opportunities for our young people to thrive in an ever-changing world."

Martyn Shields, acting Deputy Rector at Larbert High School, added:

" Miss McAinsh’s commitment to enterprise education has transformed our school's approach to learning and community involvement. Her efforts have had a profound impact on our pupils' futures, and we are incredibly proud of her achievements."

The Festival of Enterprise, an annual event organised by Young Enterprise Scotland, celebrates the achievements of educators who have made significant strides in promoting enterprise education.

In addition to receiving the award, Miss McAinsh will be featured on the Young Enterprise Scotland website as part of their 'Interesting Practice’ case studies. These case studies aim to inspire educators across Scotland by showcasing innovative and effective approaches to enterprise education.