The Union Flag flies at half-mast on the Orkney island, Sanday, home of the Sanday DofE Open Award Group, to mourn the passing of our founder and patron, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh. I live at this house, the West Manse, and along with my elder sister and two brothers have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. I am now completing my Gold Award. In the past my father has mentored other young people for the Skills Section.

I would like to thank Mrs Rosemary Newton MBE and her husband Martyn for establishing the Sanday Open Award Group and running it over many years for the benefit of Sanday’s young people.