The “boundless” talent of students at Scotland’s newest secondary school has been lauded in the Scottish Parliament, after they overcame the challenges of Covid-19 to produce a Christmas show for care home residents around the country.

The show from Bertha Park High “is wonderful and it will make you feel better”, said Christina McKelvie, minister for older people and equalities.

The Perth and Kinross School, which opened to students in 2019 and was Scotland’s first brand new local authority secondary since 2002, made its show available on YouTube after teaming up with the charity Generations Working Together.

The charity said on its website: “This festive broadcast is specifically designed to make everyone smile this Christmas, especially those living alone and in care homes.”

Coronavirus: Schools spreading joy at Christmas

Ms McKelvie told MSPs: “There is a poem in it called Hope by a young woman called LilyAnna. At the end of the poem, she says, ‘Embrace it, hope.’ That is an excellent message, especially at Christmas, but also when we have hope in our vaccine coming.

“The children worked hard to learn the music, songs and jokes. They participated in the show in the knowledge that they will brighten up the day of thousands of care-home residents across the country. Their talent is boundless - it is wonderful. Members have to hear Dan [a student] singing Bridge Over Troubled Water - it is incredibly poignant at this time. Please watch it.”

One comment on Twitter read: “Well done everyone. Some extraordinary musical talent in Bertha!”

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WATCH: The school sending you a smile this Christmas

Classrooms to Care Homes: Bringing joy to the nation

Doing it their way: Scotland’s first brand-new secondary since 2002

Thousands of children across the UK have (with some help from teachers) been making cards, writing letters, putting together hampers, starring in videos and painting pictures for older people this Christmas, as part of the Tes Classrooms to Care Homes campaign.

It was launched in November, with the aim of bringing schools and care home residents together at a time when many older people are suffering from isolation and loneliness.

Thousands of schools took up the challenge to make Christmas brighter for care home residents. One was Alva Academy, in Clackmannanshire, which did its bit to raise spirits this Christmas by creating a music video featuring dozens of staff and students sending messages to anyone who is feeling lonely.