A primary school in one of Scotland’s most disadvantaged areas is set to undergo a remarkable transformation thanks to a £21,000 donation from Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby. 

The funding will revitalise the school’s outdoor area, creating a new multi-surface basketball court, an outdoor learning and theatre area, and an extended trim trail.

The project aims to provide the pupils with a vibrant, engaging, and safe environment for learning and play. With work beginning next week, the enhancements are expected to be completed next month.

Wooden Spoon Glasgow Chair Al Kellock – a former Scotland rugby international  and Glasgow Warriors’ Managing Director – commented: "We believe every child deserves a chance to thrive. Seeing the passion and determination of the team at Clydemuir Primary  — which is just down the road from Scotstoun — inspired us to support this vital project. We are proud to help transform the playground into a space that encourages active, creative, and collaborative learning, making a real difference to the lives of these children.

“Thank you to everyone who supports Wooden Spoon by coming to dinners, donations and organising events — it’s because of you that we’re able to make this impact to improve the future for young people in Glasgow.”

Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Educational Services, added: "I am very grateful to Wooden Spoon for their donation to improve the playground at Clydemuir Primary School. This money will go a long way to give the pupils a space to play and interact with their peers.”

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“With their generosity, we can create an environment that inspires creativity, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles, from the basketball court where they can learn the value of teamwork, to outdoor learning spaces that spark imagination and creativity for all pupils.

“This investment will boost pupils’ self-esteem, enhance their learning experiences and help develop the skills and confidence the children need to have the best possible start in life.”

Clydemuir Primary School’s project is just one of many supported by Wooden Spoon, which has granted more than £4 million to life-changing initiatives since the early 1990s. Last year alone, the charity distributed over £1 million in grants, helping over 113,000 children across the UK.

Wooden Spoon Glasgow’s efforts are funded through events such as its annual fundraising dinner. The 2025 Wooden Spoon Glasgow Dinner, hosted by Scotland rugby legend Andy Nicol, will take place on 27 February at the Hilton Glasgow. The evening promises to bring the rugby community together to raise funds for more projects like this.

For tickets and more information about the Wooden Spoon Glasgow Dinner, visit: https://woodenspoon.org.uk/my-events/wooden-spoon-glasgow-dinner-2025/