The Polar Academy, Bo'ness

That the Parliament congratulates the Polar Academy, which is based in Bo’ness, on being awarded £55,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland Young Start programme, which is administered on behalf of the Scottish Government and awards money from dormant bank and building society accounts that have seen no activity for at least 15 years; notes that the Polar Academy identifies secondary school pupils aged 14 to 17 and works with them to build their self-esteem and confidence through a 10-month training programme before embarking on an expedition to Greenland through some of the toughest and most remote terrain in the world; considers that activities promoting team-building, leadership and allowing young people to recognise their potential to do extraordinary things are vital for both their future and the future of Scotland; recognises that the Polar Academy is currently working with a team of pupils from Bo’ness Academy; congratulates the organisation on this funding award, and wishes everyone involved with it the very best for their future expeditions.