It was with great sadness on hearing of the passing of Prince Philip. I am 75 years of age and achieved the Gold Award in 1963 hence I am one of the older guys that have benefitted throughout my life by starting the scheme at a young age progressing to my achievment.

Following the award at Holtrood House my company sent me for 1 month on the Moray Outward bound Sea School for leadership.

I was a time served Design Draughtsman however eventually ending up working in sales within the golf industry retiring 9 years ago as Sales Direector.

I had 3 loves in sport ie football playing as a semi professional, golf to a handicap of 11 and my favourite sport fly fishing for trout representing Scotland in a selective team.

I also met Prince Philip whilst fishing at Grafham Watet in England approx 5 years ago where he attended celebrating 50 years from the opening of the Water. We had a chat for a few minutes which in my part was a thrilling honour.

One of my most thrilling moments in the award scheme was when 4 off us did our expedition over the rugged terrain of Rannoch Moor in the Cairngorms and I can still remember the midges and more so their bites.

I have had a very successful life and it was all started when I commenced the D of E Award scheme and the memories gave never left me in all years gone by.

I still shed a tear writing this story and hopefully his legacy of the scheme will be carried forward by Prince Charles to enable the younger people of today to experience the beginning of the challenges that they will face in their lifetime.

Prince Philip a great man never to be forgotten