Balfron High has secured a brand new minibus for use in the school community thanks to the support of a local charity making its final donation. The purchase of the 17-seater vehicle has been funded by the Paul Charitable Trust and features ramps and lifts for wheelchair users. It will be used for a wide range of events and activities in the school community. These include school participation in sports such as football, rugby, netball and athletics; field trips; school trips, clubs; lessons in local primary schools; and travel to college and higher learning institutes. Shona Hyde, an S5 pupil at the school, designed the exterior of the bus on the back of a suggestion from her Graphics Teacher, Rachel Vickers. Elaine Bannatyne, Head Teacher at Balfron High School said: “We are both grateful and delighted that the Paul Charitable Trust have been able to support the purchase of a brand new minibus for Balfron High. “Being a rural school, we face very real transport challenges that can exclude our young people from important experiences. Having our own new mini-bus will make excursions, competitions, field trips and sports fixtures more accessible to more of our pupils. “Thank you to the Trustees for the generous and impactful gift. It will make a massive difference.” The Paul Charitable Trust was set up in 1990 with funds from the estate of the late Tom Paul, a lifelong resident of Killearn who wished to benefit the communities of Killearn, Balfron, Fintry, Drymen and Strathblane as well as support other Scottish charities and causes. Educated at Balfron High, Tom Paul had a close affinity with Balfron and was a member of Balfron Golf Society which has been one of the other local causes which have benefited from support from the Trust. As the Trust has now almost used up all of its income, the Trustees decided to distribute the capital and wind up the Trust with the final donation of the minibus to Balfron High School – the largest individual donation it has made. Jamie Millar, Chairman of the Paul Charitable Trust, said: “The Paul Charitable Trust is delighted to assist Balfron High School with the donation of a third minibus. “Over the thirty years of the Trust’s existence, it has had a close association with Balfron High School providing donations for various projects as well as the provision of minibuses. “However, as the capital of the fund is now being depleted, the Trustees have decided to wind up the Trust and the opportunity to provide Balfron High School with a brand new minibus meant that the Trust could leave a significant legacy for the benefit of current and future pupils of the school.”