An exciting new venture was officially launched at Irvine Royal Academy last week with the official opening of the school’s Nail Bar.

Polished nail bar, which was set up with the help of the Developing Young Workforce project, Ayrshire College and the council, will help develop pupils’ skills and get them ready for the world of work.

Head teacher Alison Crawford said: “We’re delighted with it and the kids are doing really really well and have really driven it forward in a short period of time.

“It’s to help develop the skills of the young people to make them more employable.

“Right now it’s all young ladies we have in the nail bar, not gents at this time. We’re not saying they will all want to go on to be a beautician, but if they were going on to college or university, this is a part time job that can see them through for a bit of extra money.

“It’s not really a money-making thing at the moment, it’s basically for the girls’ friends, school teachers and family for just now, but who knows in the future.

“We are wanting to look at the business side of it as it progresses and grows. “It was a joint project between the school, the Developing Young Workforce project in Ayrshire, Ayrshire College and North Ayrshire Council to set that up in the school. Their support has been tremendous.”

Provost Ian Clarkson said he was delighted to officially open the nail bar.

He said: “When I think of all the head teachers who were here before, I can imagine them going through the curriculum saying ‘Maths, German, English, Nail Bar’.

“You’re pretty lucky you have got a head teacher who thinks the world of you. “It’s a brilliant opportunity. Grab it, take it and make it work.”