Since 2006 Lydie has been working with the Hospitality Class at Kingussie High School. The course has been fully inspected and ratified by the SQA (Scottish Qualification Authority) and a DVD has been made for the Education Department's Skills for Work Scheme charting the progress of this successful partnership. This is circulated to schools as an example of best practise.

During the course students receive tuition in the school Home Economics Department and also at The Auld Alliance Restaurant which gives them a feel of a real working environment. They also have the opportunity to showcase their skills in several events such as the annual 'Extravaganza' a ticketed event of of good food, wine and art. At the 2008 Extravaganza, held at The Auld Alliance Restaurant to co-incide with it's 10th anniversary in Kingussie, students delighted guests with a mouthwatering selection of hot and cold food served in food stations, accompanied by music from a local ex-school band and an art exhibition entitled 'Living in the Highlands'.

 

They have prepared and served lunch to a meeting of the Cairngorms National Park Authority's Local Action Group and provided a full evening's dinner service (both kitchen and front of house) at The Auld Alliance Restaurant for full paying guests who were delighted at the standard of food and service.

The work with the Hospitality Class is part of the groundwork inspiring young people to pursue a career in food and the hospitality industry.