When a pair of twins 'blagged' their way across Europe for charity

We have dived into the extensive archives here at the Gazette and had a look at Wednesday, February 12, to find and share some of the content that we covered then.

Do you recognise or remember these stories?

1. Twins cross Channel to hike up charity cash

A selfless set of twins had taken part in a mass hitch-hiking race to help raise funds for a mum who had her hands and legs amputated.

Issie and Henry Hollands, 19, had set off on the adventure from Edinburgh’s Bristo Square, with just 48 hours to get as far away as possible.

The daring brother and sister duo had blagged their way to Belgium after going to Carlisle, Heathrow, getting a train from Victoria Station to Lille, France then on to Brussels — without spending a single penny.

And the master plan paid off as the teens raised more than £2,000 to help buy quadruple amputee Corinne Hutton state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs.

2. Youngsters at Kirklandneuk Primary go bananas

Hungry youngsters at Kirklandneuk Primary had been going bananas over Fairtrade Fortnight. Pupils at the Renfrew school had taken part in a series of banana-themed activities to kick-start the celebration.

Children helped themselves to lots of Fairtrade fruit before opening up their very special banana cafe.

3. Singer to help charity with Johnstone gigs

A talented singer-songwriter used his music to transform the lives of those with mental health issues.

Psychology student Alan Smith, 20, launched a second album and held a series of gigs in aid of good causes.

The Johnstone musician had already been recognised by the likes of Sophie Ellis Baxtor and Boy George — and stepped up his efforts in a bid for fame and fortune.

Alan had told The Gazette at the time: “My new album, Building Mazes, was just launched on Monday and I’m excited to hear what people think of it.

“People kept asking me if I was okay after I released my EP album because it was quite sad but this one is a lot more upbeat and has more of an electro sound.

“I’ve been working on it now for quite some time. It’s really been a labour of love but I am so proud of it.”

The Paisley university student had also been cherry-picked to perform at the Gay Pride festival in Edinburgh in 2014 — and he said it is a “very exciting” opportunity.

4. Schools get lesson in keeping homes cosy

Pupils at Wallace Primary enjoyed a day of learning about how to conserve energy and save money from Generation Science at their recent science fair.

The initiative, put on by the Edinburgh International Science Council, was designed to show children ways of saving money by better insulating their homes.

5. Kids enjoy a n-ice visit from curling champ

Pupils at Houston Primary had a brush with Winter Olympic royalty when they received a special visit from a top curling champion.

David Murdoch, skip of the Great British team which took silver at Sochi, stopped off at the school.

The Team GB curler delighted youngsters by giving them an insightful presentation about curling.

Head teacher Myra Hamilton told The Gazette: “The children were thrilled to meet David. He brought curling equipment with him to show the children and they were very excited to actually hold some of his earlier medals which he won at the European and World Championships.”

6. Sky is the limit for youngster Adamson

A Houston motocross prodigy raced ahead of the pack by rising through the youth ranks to the highest level of competition.

John Adamson, 17, had made the jump from juniors to international competition after he travelled to the Hawkstone International in Shropshire.

The event was one of several taking place around the world, which gave World Championship teams race time before the opening Motocross GP of the race calendar.

Adamson finished 17th out of a 40-strong field on his AA/Bikesport Newcastle 450cc KtM, to earn himself a place in the Super Final.

The final saw the top 22 MX1 riders and top 18 MX2 riders face off against one another and despite a couple of crashes, Adamson managed to finish 25th, ahead of more experienced riders from across the world.