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Three pupils from Dunoon Grammar School recently got the chance to work behind the scenes at STV’s the state-of-the-art studios in Glasgow.

Blair McColm, Kane Lock and Dominic Rafferty visited the studios as part of their preparations for the Youth Philanthropy Initiative’s (YPI) national event, which takes place in Perth Concert Hall later this month.

Blair and Kane will host this prestigious event in front of a sell-out audience of 1,200, whilst a video that Dominic has been working on will be played at the start of the event – charting the boys’ journey from Dunoon to Perth in 90 seconds.

After a behind the scenes tour of the newly refurbished studios, the pupils then received a presenting masterclass from STV news reader Kirsti Clark and weather presenter Laura Piper.

It was then over to Blair and Kane to take the hot seat in a Dunoon Grammar takeover – recording a news, sports and weather piece to be played during the YPI event. Dominic took up position in the gallery – observing the producer, sound engineers and caption assistants as they worked their magic on live broadcasts.

The pupils, accompanied by Head Teacher David Mitchell and Paul Gallanagh, Principal Teacher of Business and Computing, then had the privilege to witness the experts at work when Kirsti delivered the live lunchtime news bulletin and Laura recorded weather reports for all regions of Scotland.

The Dunoon team then met with staff from the YPI to discuss the script for the national event.

Pվɫ��Ƭ’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “What a great opportunity this was for Blair, Kane and Dominic, and what a great honour it is for them to be hosting such as prestigious event as the Youth Philanthropy Initiative’s national event.

“I am extremely proud of all their hard work and wish them the very best of luck. I have no doubt that they will do Pվɫ��Ƭ and Bute proud.”

Blair McColm said: “It was a surreal experience sitting on John McKay’s chair in the STV new studio. I really can’t thank YPI enough for giving us this opportunity – it was great fun”.

Paul Gallanagh, Principal Teacher of Business and Computing added: “John McKay and Sean Batty had better watch out – there are new kids on the block. Blair and Kane presented magnificently – really professional - their natural ability shone through.

"The staff at STV were really impressed with their presenting skills. Dominic too had a great time garnishing plenty of advice and expertise from the technical crew in the gallery.”