Serving Skills and Smiles: Invergarven’s Coalpots Café Officially Opens

On the final day of term, Friday 27th June 2025, pupils and staff at Invergarven School proudly welcomed guests to celebrate the grand opening of their new barista café — Coalpots Café. This exciting initiative, funded by DYW Ayrshire, represents a significant step forward in the school’s ongoing commitment to vocational learning and enterprise.

Depute Head Teacher Derek England opened the event by warmly welcoming guests and expressing his enthusiasm for this valuable addition to the school. Walter Smith MBE spoke passionately about the importance of projects like this, emphasising the vocational skills and real-world experience that young people gain through their involvement. Pupils also shared a poem they had created, reflecting their excitement and gratitude for the new café.

       

A key moment of the day was the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire & Arran, Sheriff Iona Sara MacDonald, formally marking the launch of Coalpots Café.

           

Distinguished guests in attendance included:

  • Sheriff Iona Sara MacDonald, Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire & Arran
  • Mike Stewart, Chair of DYW Ayrshire (Storm Aviation)
  • Walter Smith MBE, DYW Ayrshire Business Ambassador
  • Gavin Pitt, Quality Improvement Officer, South Ayrshire Council
  • Brooke McTaggart, Marketing & Communications Officer, DYW Ayrshire
  • Lorna McCandlish, Miko Coffee 
  • Kath Stewart
  • As well as school staff, pupils, and parents

                                 

Special recognition was given to pupils Darcie and Ross, who came up with the name “Coalpots Café”, showcasing their creativity and ownership of the project.

The celebration also marked exactly one year since the launch of the school’s polytunnel, a milestone that reflects Invergarven’s continued journey of growth and innovation. Walter shared a heartening update — four senior pupils recently gained National Level 2 Certification for two Food, Health and Wellbeing units: Food Preparation and Food for Health after having grown vegetables in the polytunnel. The school also highlighted its valued partnership with Girvan Community Garden, whose team regularly supports their pupils’ learning.