Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Pangnirtung (Apr 03/00) - The final countdown has begun for 12 students in Pangnirtung.

In less than 30 days, the students will fly overseas to Scotland where they will embark on a school trip that involves research, history and fun.

The group has managed to raise an astounding $30,000, but unfortunately, they have another $10,000 to go before they know things will be safe and sound.

Attagoyuk school's vice principal Donald Mearns says as of right now flights overseas, accommodations and ground transportation are covered, but the group may be limited in what they can do and see if the additional money isn't raised.

"We need money for food and other incidentals. We're looking towards QC, NTI and Kakivak -- we've sent letters to them, but we haven't heard back yet," said Mearns.

"Some students don't have any means of coming up with the money and those are the kids we want to help."

The young travellers will be meeting with a group of students from the Peterhead Academy in Peterhead, Scotland for the better part of a week.

The two groups will discuss and examine the differences and similarities of whale hunting in North East Scotland versus Nunavut.

Mearns says the students remain optimistic and very excited about the trip, but are anxious to find the additional money before they leave.

"We will be holding dances until we leave, but eventually we will drain our resources in the community.

"Almost all of the money has been raised locally and that's a lot to take from a community."

The group leaves Pangnirtung on April 27 and arrives in Glasgow, Scotland the following day.

Near the end of their 11-day trip, the group will spend a few days in Edinburgh before returning to Pangnirtung.

Mearns, who is one of two chaperons, says the group is going regardless, but without about $40,000, they will be limited in what they can do and see.

Many letters have been written and many phones calls made, but the students are still waiting to hear from organizations. They did, however, receive $1,000 last week from an outside source to add to their total.

"We have received a few donations and we are very grateful for them," said Mearns.