PUPILS at Ross High School have been given a taste of life in the kitchen thanks to a year-long training programme with Edinburgh College lecturers.

More than 200 pupils were able to take part in the programme, which introduced them to cooking, kitchen skills and the importance of a balanced diet.

Groups of 20 pupils took part in two-hour cookery sessions every Thursday for three weeks as the programme ran throughout the year with lecturers Chris Cockburn and Paranthaman Arumaichelvam.

They learned how to make a range of dishes from vegetable soup to fruit scones and lemon drizzle cake.

Chris and Paran – who are based at the college’s eh15 training restaurant – attended the school every Thursday and former Ross High pupil Chris said he enjoyed returning to his roots.

He said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic to go back to the school I attended and teach the pupils here basic cooking.

“The enthusiasm shown by the pupils has been amazing.

“I remember when we first started we were stopped by children in the corridor asking when it was their turn to cook with us.

“We designed the programme to ensure that the pupils got a good introduction to cookery, learning a variety of skills including baking, knife skills, food combinations and essential food hygiene rules – and they’ve all taken to it brilliantly throughout the year.”

Chris and Paran will return to Ross High next session after the success of this year’s programme.

The chefs will be expanding the programme and will spend time working with physical education and wellbeing classes to highlight the importance of having a healthy and balanced diet.

Paul Reynolds, Ross High School headteacher, said: “The partnership with Edinburgh College has been incredible for our young people. The pupils have loved the sessions and the staff in the school have thoroughly enjoyed working with Chris and Paran too.”