Having been schooled at Gordonstoun, I decided to enter the DofE at gold level. I completed the award the year after leaving school by doing my expedition with people I didn’t know up in Sutherland. One of these people (Alistair) became my best man and Godfather to my son. On receiving our gold award the Duke asked if any of us had completed the expedition together, to which Alister and I said we had. He commented that Sutherland was “rather like a desert“ (referring to lack of people). In response, without thinking, I replied “Yes Sir, apart from all the rain.” Alister (who subsequently went into the Navy) jabbed me in the ribs, but the Duke was magnanimous and saw the funny side. I now volunteer for the DofE and was invited to the relaunch of the award starting at Gordonstoun a number of years ago. It is strange that even after all these years I still remember the words said during this encounter. A great man who commanded my upmost respect - his parting is our loss.