The 19th Ayrshire (Kilwinning) Explorer Scouts have just had two groups of four participants complete their Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions, throughout Dumfries and Galloway, South Lanarkshire and East Ayrshire.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is an awards programme which gives young people the chance to make friends, have fun and build confidence in an empowering, exciting and non-competitive learning environment.

Young people build their own custom DofE programme choosing from a range of skills-based challenges, physical activities, volunteering opportunities and expeditions to suit their interests and goals.

The Silver group completed a 60km expedition starting in Sanquhar and travelling through Crawford John down to Elvan Water back up to Douglas.

While doing so they carried all their own equipment that included, tents, stoves, food, first aid kits, survival equipment, maps, compass, the list goes on...

They endured various weather conditions, low cloud, mist and heavy rain.

The participants on the Silver level as seen in the photograph were back row: Liam Hamilton and Hallie Graham. Front row: James McIntee and Katie Roy.

They successfully completed their Silver Expedition between July 4, 5 and 6, 2021.

The Gold group completed an identical expedition with a staggered start time and as they were at the level above they all had a further day and night to complete which involved hiking from Douglas into Muirkirk via a 26km route.

The participants on the Gold level were: From left to right as seen in photograph: Euan Comrie, Kian McLaughlin, Cameron Shearer, Fraser Chisholm. They successfully completed their Gold Expedition between July 4 and 7.