4 days ago
Tree planted at Drumpellier Country Park in memory of beloved member of Coatbridge community
Former teacher Jim McCormack supported hundreds of young people to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh award.
A tree has been planted at Drumpellier Country Park in memory of a beloved member of the Coatbridge community.
Jim McCormack supported hundreds of young people to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh award.
A popular former geography teacher at St Ambrose and Chryston high schools, Jim was also a Duke of Edinburgh supervisor and assessor with North Lanarkshire Council's Community Learning and Development service.
He worked with local groups and additional support needs schools, teaching navigation and campcraft skills to help young people complete their expeditions as part of the award.
Jim also helped develop outdoor learning and expeditions for pupils across North Lanarkshire, and was a member of St Andrew's Orienteering Club.
North Lanarkshire Provost Kenneth Duffy joined Jim's family, friends, colleagues and Father Michael Kane from St Augustine's in Coatbridge to plant the memorial tree.
Provost Duffy said: 'This is a fitting tribute to Jim who loved nature and the outdoors and was passionate about helping young people to explore and appreciate our environment.'
Jim was a keen champion of the Duke of Edinburgh award, which is a prestigious youth achievement program designed to challenge young people aged 14-24 to develop personal skills, achieve their potential, and make a positive impact on their communities.
It involves completing a series of activities in four areas: volunteering, skills, physical recreation and expedition, with a residential section for Gold-level participants.
