The Duke of Edinburgh Awards have since inspired generations of youngsters to broaden their horizons beyond academic education since their inception in 1956.
Mrs Nancy Robson OBE, The Vice Lord Lieutenant of Moray, has unveiled a special stone in its grounds on the site of the former Elgin Academy to mark the region’s connection to children across the world.
Elgin teens were the first to sample the Duke of Edinburgh Awards as part of the Moray Badge before it was expanded worldwide.
David Patterson, principal and chief executive of Moray College UHI, said: “We’re delighted to have our place in history recognised in establishing Moray’s Duke of Edinburgh story with the unveiling of the stone at Moray College UHI.
“The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are about building skills and confidence, creating your own path plus giving back to the community, which aligns well with our core values and our mission here to be at the heart of transformation in Moray and for people in Moray.”
The stone at Moray College UHI will form part of a Duke of Edinburgh Awards trail in the area.
Stones have already been unveiled at the current Elgin Academy and Moray Council’s headquarters with another planned for Gordonstoun.
Meanwhile, there is also an exhibition at the Fochabers Heritage and Folk Museum.
“In Scotland this year, 16,638 young people have started the award, 20% of whom are facing marginalisation. We look forward to welcoming many more on a journey of self-discovery and personal development.”
