Irvine pupil stars in national campaign on school anxiety

A Montgomerie Park Primary pupil has appeared in a new national video raising awareness of anxiety in young people and how it can affect school attendance.

Lochlan Brown at Montgomerie Park

The film, produced by Parent Club, the Scottish Government’s official resource for parents and carers, was released last week and features Primary 7 pupil Lochlan Bowie.

Lochlan first discovered his confidence for drama during lockdown, creating videos with the help of his parents Marianne and Iain Bowie. Speaking on a recent school tour, he said: “I was so surprised when I got the call to say I was going to be in the video. I had sent my application away as a one-take because my dad had told me about it when he had a phone call from the talent agency that represents me.

“I got emotional because my job was to act as a school pupil who was struggling with anxiety at their school, and I was phoning my mum during lunchtime to beg her to get sent home.

“I feel really sad thinking about anyone who could be feeling this way but I’m glad that there is support out there. I’m proud to do my part to raise awareness and will always look out for others and tell a trusted adult if I am worried about someone.

“It was something I could relate to because I recently made a friend who had been struggling to fit in, so, I took him under my wing and played football with him and invited him out for an ice cream when we were off school.

“When it’s my time to go to secondary school I want to continue to be a voice for others and stand up for them to make life in and out of school better. If you are struggling, speak to a teacher or an adult you can trust, you are not alone.”

A keen footballer, Lochlan now plays for Glenvale 2014s and continues to make his family and friends proud. His mum Marianne said: “Me and Iain are so proud of Lochlan for being part of this Scottish Government campaign.

“Lochlan has had a natural talent from such a young age. At around age 2 or 3 we could see he had something special with his ability to entertain and now it seems we have a wee actor on our hands.

“The production team couldn’t believe how he could switch each emotion on for different scenes and said that he made their job super easy! To see your child acting on tv makes us really proud and I also felt very emotional to see him looking upset, something I feel a lot of parents will relate to.

“We had a brief spell when Lochlan didn’t want to go to school and we struggled in the mornings but the staff at Montgomerie Park Primary have been amazing. The school are there to help and I think the Parent Club is amazing for raising this awareness to parents and children that may be going through something similar too to let them know that they are not alone and that there is help available.”

Lochlan is well known throughout his school community, having spent his own time supporting eco projects, creating sports opportunities with teachers, and mentoring younger pupils. He also serves as a pupil voice ambassador.

Headteacher Fiona Smyth said: “Lochlan has been a fantastic ambassador for Montgomerie Park Primary, taking on various roles to inspire his younger peers. He leads his house team as House Captain, plays football for the school and is a proud tour guide for our new school. We are so proud of him!”

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, added: “Well done to Lochlan who is doing his part to raise awareness of the pressure that school and modern life can have on children and young people and the support available when pupils may be struggling or wanting to avoid going to school.

“He is a fantastic role model and has not only made his parents, teachers, family and friends proud, but also everyone here at North Ayrshire Council too as he continues to speak up for others and uplift them with his kindness and positivity.

“Keep being you Lochlan and not being afraid to use your voice to influence change. I have no doubt that this exceptional young leader has a bright future ahead of him.”