Gold standard Duke of Edinburgh award wins

Golden honours have been presented to two young people from East Renfrewshire.

Laura Young and Calum Murphy have both received their prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards.

They both accepted the awards from the Very Rev Lorna Hood, former Moderator of the Church of Scotland and the chair of Remembering Srebrenica.

Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, was at the presentation, at the Palace of Holyrood House in Edinburgh, the Queen’s residence in Scotland.

Laura, formerly of Mearns Castle High, and Calum, of Williamwood, are among a bigger group of East Renfrewshire teenagers taking part in the programme

A spokeswoman said: “Getting to gold is a tremendous achievement, with five separate challenges to attain.

“Entrants must carry out volunteering work, undertake physical challenges, learn new skills, go on a ‘wild country’ expedition and join a residential course.”

Communities convenor Mary Montague accompanied Laura and Calum to Edinburgh for the presentation.

She said: “What a fantastic achievement. It takes a great deal of effort to get to gold standard.

“I hope other young people will be inspired by everything they’ve done to get this far”l

The councillor added: “I know our community team at the council will do all they can to help anyone wanting to follow in their footsteps.

“It was a terrific day for the recipients and well-deserved recognition for their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment.

“Well done to Calum and Laura and everyone else receiving this award.”

More than 20 young people from East Renfrewshire, supported by council community workers, have gained their gold award in the past two years.