School pupils from across 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute came together to celebrate diversity and equality when they took part in Oban’s first ever Pride Parade on Saturday.
The youngsters were representing an LGBTQI+ group which has been established by 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute Council’s Education Services as part of its commitment to embed a culture and ethos of inclusion and equality.
Young people travelled from as far afield as Dunoon and Campbeltown to attend the event, and met at Oban High for breakfast before marching to Station Square to join the main parade.
The council’s Depute Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Kieron Green, attended the event.
He said: “This is the first time an event like this has ever been held in Oban, and it was a great opportunity for people of all ages to come together, make new friends and take part in promoting diversity and equality in our communities.
“It’s vital that our young people feel comfortable in their own skin and are able to express themselves and be who they want to be without any stigma. We will continue to work closely with our Northern Alliance Partners to embed LGBTQI+ equalities education in our schools, and to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to support our young people.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community organisation behind the event for all their hard work in making Oban Pride a great success.â€
The LGBTQI+ group is led by education but includes representatives from various partner agencies including 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp College, Skills Development Scotland, the NHS, Police Scotland, Youth Services and third sector organisations.
Head Teacher at Oban High, Peter Bain, opened the school for pupils to meet and have a bite to eat before the event.
He said: “What a fantastic day! All the pupils who came along to Oban High for breakfast, before jubilantly marching down to the Square ready to join the main parade, seemed to have a great time.
“The weather certainly didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for the event: an event I thought was a great success.â€