I took part in the DoE Award scheme in the mid to late 1970s through school in Aberdeen. It gave me a great opportunity to do things that I would not otherwise necessarily have done, and probably gave me a taste for walking which has remained with me. The blisters sustained in the Larig Ghru have never been "bettered"! It was a wonderful opportunity and experience, and thanks are due to our patient teachers who gave up their time to encourage us. We received our Gold Awards at Holyrood (I still have the hat somewhere), and last weekend I wore my gold brooch with pride in memory of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.