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Gold Awards presented for The Duke of Edinburgh Award

Issued: 24 Jun 2024

Six young people from the Highlands were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award earlier today (Thursday 24 June) at a meeting of The
Highland Council.

Three of the gold recipients come from Inverness Royal Academy. Andrew Grace is a keen Shinty player and used his skill to support his physical section and took part in a Camanachd Associations National Player Development Camp for his residential project. Andrew hopes to start playing Shinty for Glasgow University after the summer holidays.

Grace Harbison travelled with Inverness Royal Academy to The Gambia to work in the Presidents International Award Centre in Bakau. During the trip Grace gained great experience, developed her communication skills and learnt about cultural differences and similarities. Diana Mardon was one of a number of Duke of Edinburgh participants in the Inverness area who had the opportunity to meet HRH Earl of Wessex at the end of last year. Diana spoke to HRH about her residential project on board the Alba Venturer with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.

Also receiving their Gold award was Catherine Finlayson from the Crown Duke of Edinburgh group. Catherine learnt all about patience and team work as she volunteered at Silver and Gold level with the Special Needs Action Project in Inverness. Calum Ross from Tain completed his Gold Award whilst at Tain Royal Academy. His leader Fay Wilkinson describes him as an enthusiastic and motivated participant and Calum enjoyed attending the Scottish Space School Summer Camp as his residential project.

The final award was presented by The Highland Council Convener to Ann-Marie Johnstone from Inverness who has been working with the Ness Bank Girls Brigade to gain her Gold Award.

Four other gold recipients were unable to attend the presentation. They are Joanne Rhoden, Helen Duncan and David MacDonald from Inverness and Eilidh Malcolm, a former pupil at Grantown Grammar.

The Highland Council Operating Authority has 35 Duke of Edinburgh Award groups across the Highlands in schools and youth work settings.

Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Sandy Park congratulated all the young people on their success. He said: "To achieve a Gold Award takes a lot of hard work, time and commitment. You are credit to your families, those who have supported you through the scheme and to yourselves. I wish you all a very prosperous and happy future."

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