DEPUTY First Minister John Swinney attended Preston Lodge High School’s Learning Festival at the weekend and was welcomed by the pipe bands.

Mr Swinney MSP, cabinet secretary for education, opened the festival with a short speech before taking part in the first question and answer session.

He was joined by Fiona Robertson, head of education at East Lothian Council.

The learning festival returned to the school to build on its success last year and offered teachers from across Scotland the chance to get together and learn through conversations about different experiences and ways to develop learning.

Gavin Clark, Preston Lodge headteacher said: “The festival is organised by teachers, for teachers, and it is that grassroots approach to learning development that persuaded Mr Swinney to join us today. We’ve had a very uplifting day, with teachers from across the country exchanging their ideas.”