Five East Lothian young people were amongst hundreds invited to the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a celebration to mark achieving their Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) gold award.
The DofE experience is all about perseverance and meeting new people along the way. It’s about going outside your comfort zone and trying to have fun while you do it!
Pupils from Dunbar Grammar, Ross High School and community groups in North Berwick and Haddington were among the young achievers at the event to celebrate their accomplishments. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Edward was present on the day to welcome guests and learn more about their experiences.
Inspiring and supporting young people
The Duke of Edinburgh programme was founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, then Duke of Edinburgh, to inspire, guide and support young people aged 14-24 in their self-development, regardless of background or barriers. Participants complete progressive programmes at bronze, silver and gold levels across four core sections – volunteering, physical, skills and expedition – with an additional residential at gold.
July’s Palace celebration was a chance to recognise those who have achieved the programme’s highest level. A unique event, it offers a fitting culmination to mark the hard work, determination and perseverance displayed throughout the journey.
Former Ross High School pupil Thomas Bull was one of the young people who gained his gold award through the East Lothian Council-backed programme. He said: “For me, the DofE experience is all about perseverance and meeting new people along the way. It’s about going outside your comfort zone and trying to have fun while you do it!”
Volunteering
Having already gained their bronze and silver levels, to achieve their gold award each participant completed a tailored programme of activities across five sections over 12 to 18 months.
Their volunteering included supporting the WAVE Project, participating in the BTO Garden Bird Watch, helping with Brownies and volunteering at local schools and foodbanks. Physical activities ranged from badminton, rugby, ballet, and cycling to martial arts. In the skills section, they learned musical instruments and developed cookery skills through online tutorials.
Each young person also completed a four-day expedition in Scotland or Northumberland, involving group teamwork and journey logging. They then undertook a five-day residential, working with unfamiliar peers in outdoor settings. Activities included mountain biking, orienteering, mountain rescue, snow sports and abseiling, all while developing leadership and communication skills.
Self-confidence and independence
Throughout their DofE experience, the young people proved themselves as great team members, leaders and decision makers. They developed a range of skills, gained self-confidence and independence.
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet member for Community Wellbeing Councillor Colin McGinn said: “I send my congratulations to all East Lothian young people who achieved their Duke of Edinburgh’s gold award, either through our council-supported programme or one of the other organisations in the county who offer this experience.
“Duke of Edinburgh awards offer many benefits not only to the young people who undertake it but also to our wider community thanks to its focus on participation. The volunteering hours contributed are invaluable support for many of our local groups. We are grateful to them and to all those who support our young people in their Duke of Edinburgh process.
“The Gold award requires considerable commitment, determination and resilience – all skills that will serve you well throughout your life. Well done on your achievement, we are all proud of you and hope you are proud of yourselves, too.”