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Last week a party of Clyde Valley senior pupils joined their counterparts from four other North Lanarkshire secondary schools for the return visit to Italy as part of the annual Pistoia Exchange programme.

Fifth year pupils, Eilidh McMath, Lauren Tavendale, Bronwen Jardine, Glenn McBride, Lewis Wilson and Ricky Owens enjoyed the chance to visit the Sismondi and Pacinotti Institute in Pescia, Tuscany. Having hosted their Italian ‘twins’ during their visit to Scotland in September, the Clyde Valley students completed a busy programme, giving them a real taste of life in the heart of one of the Italy’s most beautiful regions.

Ian Sommerville, Head Teacher, and Elaine Osprey, Principal Teacher of Modern Languages, led the Clyde Valley group. Staff and pupils from Dalziel High School, Our Lady’s High School in Motherwell, St Maurice’s High School in Cumbernauld and St Margaret’s High School from Airdrie made up the North Lanarkshire party.

Despite Italy experiencing its worst winter for over 40 years, the group enjoyed fine weather. They had to withstand freezing and cutting winds for the first three days that even the Tuscan sunshine could not combat. However, the glorious weather of their last three days allowed them to complete their tour of classic Tuscany more comfortably.

The Clyde Valley party enjoyed a visit to stunning, classical Florence and another trip to Pisa. The freezing temperatures failed to prevent the pupils marvelling at the world-famous landmarks and stunning architecture. Mr Sommerville and a number of the Valley pupils also braved the sub-zero temperatures to climb to the top of the famous Leaning Tower, from where they enjoyed panoramic views of the ancient city. The pupils also enjoyed a day-trip to the beautiful walled city of Lucca. Everyone enjoyed sampling the markets, cafes, stylish shops and restaurants as they gained a real insight into typical Tuscan life.

In this ninth year of this exchange programme, once more one of the highlights of the trip was the day spent at the Viareggio Carnevale. The Scots joined close to 200,000 other spectators to marvel at the colourful floats. As always, the impressive floats offered biting comment on Italian and world politics, but also celebrated many aspects of Italy’s rich culture.

The most insightful aspect into Italian life enjoyed by the Clyde Valley pupils was undoubtedly when they visited the homes of their Italian twins. The warmth and friendliness of the families to each was overwhelming. The floods of tears at the end of the week revealed the strength of the friendships forged during the exchange programme.

The Clyde Valley party wishes to record a special word of thanks to the Italian teachers who organised their week, and especially Head Teacher, Massimo Fontanelli, Cristina Brancoli and Giancarlo Pellegrineschi of the Sismondi and Pacinotti School.

Our pictures capture just some of the many places visited by the Clyde Valley students during their Tuscan adventure.