P7 pupils from Doonfoot Primary School in Ayr were given an inside look at how renewable energy is produced during a visit to the Land Energy biomass factory near Girvan this month.
The trip, organised as part of their curriculum on electricity, biomass and environmental issues, aimed to offer pupils real-world understanding of sustainable energy and an introduction to potential careers in science, technology and engineering.
Across two visits, nearly 60 pupils toured the facility, learning about Land Energy’s carbon-reduction goals, the manufacturing processes behind biomass production, and the wide range of roles involved in running the operation.
The pupils described the experience as both educational and inspiring.
One said they enjoyed “interviewing one of the founders” and discovered “you must be resilient to own a business.”
Others were struck by the practical insight into renewable energy, with one pupil noting that seeing how biomass briquettes are made helped them “understand renewable energy in real life.”
Many were surprised by the variety of jobs at the plant, commenting that staff were “welcoming and very friendly.”
A standout moment for several pupils was watching the briquette production line in action, with one remarking: “It was so exciting… I felt as though I really worked there!”
The environmental impact of biomass also left a strong impression.
One student highlighted that Land Energy uses “parts of trees that would usually be wasted, which reduces greenhouse gases.”
The visit also sparked curiosity about future careers, with pupils asking direct questions such as “How much do you earn?” and “Are you in charge here?”
David Bone, Marketing Representative at Land Energy, said: “As a company, Land Energy is at the crossroads of environmental issues, engineering and employability. We hope the pupils enjoyed their visit and seeing how we create real environmental gain across Scotland and the rest of the UK.”
Future innovators tour Ayrshire biomass plant
