SSEN support local schools in national car building competition

Project members from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) were on hand to cheer on Primary 7 pupils at Gledfield and Edderton Primary schools at a national electric car building competition at the weekend.

The ‘Furiously Fast 4’, made up of three members from Edderton Primary and one member from Gledfield Primary took part in the competition at Afford Transport Museum on Saturday. Both schools are in close proximity to SSEN’s Loch Buidhe substation which is currently under construction.

The IET Formula Goblin challenge aims to inspire children between the ages of nine and eleven to take an interest in engineering. It gives them the opportunity to build their own functioning and drivable electric car which will then be put through its paces against other schools at events held all over the country.

Competing against over thirty other teams, all members of the Furiously Fast 4 raced the Goblin Car on the day and took part in numerous drag and sprint races.

SSEN Project Manager, Russell Stewart and Site Manager, Barry MacKenzie have worked closely with the pupils to help purchase the vehicle and set up a safe working area.

Russel said: “We were very proud to support the Furiously Fast 4 on Saturday and it was great to see the finished car in action. The pupils showed true team work and supported each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“We were particularly impressed with the Eco theme that the team chose to decorate their vehicle to reflect the amount of renewable generation within the region. The team utilised willow for weaving the side panels and reused empty soft drinks bottles for the nose of the car.”

Shana, Murdo, Keith and Daniel, of the Furiously Fast 4, said: “We are very grateful for the money SSEN gave us. Without their help we would not have been involved in this event this year. We feel we have gained valuable people skills by having to work as a team throughout this whole project.”

Barry MacKenzie added: “The goblin car will now be stripped down ready for next year’s intake of Primary 7’s who can build up the car and race it in 2018. We feel privileged to be involved in a project that will provide benefits to the school for years to come.”