A GIRLGUIDING Scotland member from Clackmannanshire received her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at the Holyrood Palace after completing a series of demanding personal challenges and adventures.

Shona Candlish, 18, was presented with her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and had the chance to share her journey with Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), HRH The Earl of Wessex.

Achieving a Gold DofE Award takes between 12-18 months of hard work and dedication with participants required to volunteer, learn a skill, get fit, take part in a week long residential and plan and undertake an expedition in wild country.

Girlguiding Scotland offers its members age 14 to 24 the opportunity to take part in DofE and earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards while taking part in a wide and varied programme of adventures, challenges and activities for girls and young women.

Shona, was a Leader 1st Tullibody and Cambus Guide unit before moving to Aberdeen for University where she studies History and Politics and continues to volunteer as a Guide Leader. She completed a wide range of challenges to receive her Gold Award including hiking the Minnigaig Pass, a challenging trail stretching from Aviemore to Blair Athol while, volunteering with other Girlguiding Scotland members at a Woman’s Centre in Pune, India, taking up running and completing two 10ks and becoming a Young Leader with her local Guide unit.

Shona said: “Completing my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award has shown me that I can do just about anything when I put my mind to it, no matter how daunting it might seem at the outset.

“I have so many highlights from my time working towards this Award – from travelling to Sangam, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts centre in India and volunteering with local women there, to taking in the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands during our expedition. Our hiking expedition was a real challenge but I discovered just how determined I could be and it was a brilliant feeling to reach the summit with my friends.

“Completing my Award also gave me the chance to give back to my community. I loved being a Guide myself so I signed up to become a Young Leader and completed my Adult Leadership Qualification. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Guides and planning fun activities and adventures for them – plus it’s boosted my confidence too.”