Volunteers create new playground which hits the right note

Date:
01 Jul 2026
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Team of volunteers stand at Tayview Primary School

A 21-strong team of SGN volunteers helped strike a chord at Tayview Primary School by transforming its playground.

Our colleagues arrived at the Dundee-based school ready to turn up the volume on playtime. They worked closely with school staff to create an interactive environment where pupils can express themselves, build confidence and have fun.

While their day jobs involve keeping gas flowing safely and reliably across northern Scotland, the team spent a day focusing on getting the playground in tune with pupils’ needs.

A standout feature of the project is a newly built stage, giving children a platform to dance, perform and take centre stage in their own imaginative productions. Adding to the atmosphere, the volunteers created a music station using pots and pans – offering a hands-on way for pupils to explore sound and collaboration. Combined, they set the beat for a more dynamic outdoor space where creativity can take the lead.

The team also installed a mud kitchen, constructed a quiet seating area for reading and reflection, and carried out a general clean-up of the playground, including repainting planters to brighten the surroundings.

The volunteering effort was part of SGN’s Community Action Programme (CAP), which gives its 4,500 colleagues a day of company time each year to support a community organisation or charity of their choice.

The transformation has already made a noticeable impact according to teachers, with pupils embracing the chance to move, make noise and play in exciting new ways.

The school has wanted to develop and refresh that area for many years. So much was achieved in just one day by the enthusiastic and hard-working team of volunteers. The classes are now using this area for outdoor learning and play and are loving it!

We’re incredibly grateful to SGN for their time, skills and resources. This kind of community support makes a huge difference to what we’re able to offer our children.
 

Gillian Robertson

Principal Teacher, Tayview Primary School

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SGN volunteers work on a new dancing stage as part of the CAP project at Tayview Primary School