Ayrshire College’s uniformed services students were at Dreghorn’s Territorial Army base for a week-long educational visit led by the 251 Transport Squadron of the 154 (Scottish) Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

Every uniformed services student from the Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock campuses of Ayrshire College made the trip, where they enjoyed a range of exciting and challenging activities.

The level six uniformed services course is for students who are interested in a career in the uniformed or emergency services. Throughout the year, the students visit various services base locations and hear from guest lecturers, to make sure they are well informed about their career opportunities.

This week-long trip to the army base is now an annual event for uniformed services students and is led by the 251 Transport Squadron with support from B Company 6 Scots, the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (A Squadron), and the Regimental Support Team in Scotland.

The students took part in drill training, vehicle maintenance, survival first aid, navigation, weapons awareness, camouflage and concealment, night vision training, shelter building, team challenges, and fitness tests.

Thomas Barrowman, 28, from Ayr, who is now going to sign up to be a British Army reservist, said: “Being here has been one of the best experiences. I should have done this years ago. It’s been great to be able to bond with the other uniformed services classes – we’re all studying the same thing but we’re all individuals. When you’re that tired that you rely on the person next to you, you see who they truly are, and that’s what it’s done for us. I’m thinking about joining the police next year, and although I’m already a confident person, I think becoming a reservist will give me the personal skills needed to get to the next level.”

David Malcolm, the uniformed services lecturer at Ayrshire College said: “The experience the Army Reserve Centre offers our student is priceless and has consequences that last a lifetime. Having the students experience service life and being fully immersed in the day to day working of recruits stays with students long after their course is finished. The years of investment with our partners are paying dividends - producing hands on training that exceeds expectations.”