DofE Gold Award holders were guests of honour in the Gardens of The Palace of Holyroodhouse
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh welcomed 600 Gold DofE Award holders to the Gardens of The Palace of Holyroodhouse – recognising their incredible achievement.
Article Source: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Last Updated: 8 July 2024 11:23
• Celebrations come as a record-breaking 20,144 young people started their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) last year in Scotland.
• Celebrity supporters JJ Chalmers, Laura Young, Sheli McCoy, Joshua Adeyemi and Mel Young shared their inspiring stories
Friday 5th July 2024:
Around 600 Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award holders were guests of honour in the Gardens of The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Friday 5th July 2024, for a very special event to mark their achievements.
These young people, each attended with up to two guests, have shown extraordinary perseverance, creativity and resilience to complete their Gold DofE in schools, community organisations, youth groups and workplaces, all over the UK.
The Gardens of The Palace of Holyroodhouse was transformed into a festival-style celebration for young people and their loved ones, with giant deckchairs, bunting, and garden games and activities. Attendees also had the chance to hear from famous DofE Award holders and inspirational speakers.
Friday’s celebration saw The Duke of Edinburgh, who received his own Gold Award from his father Prince Philip at St James’s Palace in 1986, congratulate attendees in a speech from a stage brought into the Gardens. The Duke also met Award holders, hearing about the positive impact their DofE has had on them.
TV Presenter JJ Chalmers delivered an inspiring speech, alongside 19-year-old Sophie Bathgate, who celebrated her own Gold Award achievement today.
Remembering her DofE, Sophie said: "For me, it was the expedition that was the most challenging, as our leaders pushed us to walk long and hard routes, even climbing a Munro on day three. However, looking back I am proud of what I accomplished and the memories I made. The phrase “type two fun” was repeated religiously throughout our expedition. Type one being enjoying something at the time, while type two means only knowing how much fun you had when looking back. I didn’t understand it fully at the time as I struggled through harsh weather conditions and aching body parts, but now I realise just how much I enjoyed the good despite the challenges.”
Sophie, from Dingwall in The Highlands, completed her Gold DofE Award with Aban Outdoor, an outdoor education charity and award-winning social enterprise, based in Inverness.
Breaking Down Barriers
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been focusing on breaking down barriers to give as many young people as possible the chance to do their DofE, working with more schools in deprived areas, further education colleges, community organisations, prisons and young offender institutions, and centres supporting young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
The charity recently announced record-breaking participation numbers, with 32,675 young people actively taking part in 2023/24 - with participants contributing an astonishing 318,006 hours of volunteering.
As young people navigate the after-effects of the pandemic, access to developmental opportunities beyond the classroom, like the DofE, are vital to help them have fun, discover new passions, build their self-belief and gain skills employers value – like teamwork, problem-solving and leadership.
A Gold DofE Award is a major achievement – young people spend at least 12 months honing new skills and talents, planning and completing an expedition and residential, and volunteering for a cause they are passionate about.
Ruth Marvel, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, said: "The young people here have achieved something exceptional and it is wonderful to see them celebrating together, sharing their experiences and hearing their aspirations for the future. The DofE is all about proving to yourself just what you are capable of, and these young people have showed the world that their potential is limitless. I can’t wait to see what they go on to do next.
“As a charity, we’re working hard to give as many young people as possible the chance to have a DofE experience and we're delighted to announce that last year 330,948 young people started a DofE Award throughout the whole of the UK - another record-breaking year. This growth in participation shows just how much appetite there is amongst young people for enrichment and development opportunities beyond formal education and, together with our partners, we are determined to keep extending our reach until every young person has access to these types of life-changing experiences."
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin
Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.
READ MORE
Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue
One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE
From suite to studio: The Balmoral unveils bespoke in room reformer pilates
In partnership with FÔLD, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is proud to unveil its latest pioneering wellness innovation: reformer pilates delivered to your suite.
READ MORE
A night for poetry, pipes and plates: Burns Night at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh
When poetry meets plate and tradition meets indulgence, Burns Night 2026 comes alive at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Summerhall Arts announce CATALYST: Art as Activism, four new solo exhibitions for 2026
Summerhall Arts presents CATALYST: Art as Activism, a season of four solo exhibitions that position contemporary art as a sustained, embodied form of resistance.
READ MORE
A Burns Night under the stars: Dynamic Earth reimagines the traditional supper
This Burns Night, Dynamic Earth invites you to step into the stars for an evening where tradition meets the galaxy!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival opens submissions for Global Ink 2026
Submissions for Global Ink 2026, Edinburgh International Book Festival's flagship international forum for Festival Directors, are now open.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Enlightenment an immersive experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL will bring its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31st January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chef to host floating Captains Table experience onboard luxury Edinburgh hotel
One of Scotland's leading chefs will be hosting a collaborative Captain's Table experience onboard Edinburgh's five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Wednesday 4th February.
READ MORE
National Centre for Music appoints Director of Partnerships
Scotland's National Centre for Music bolsters founding team with new Director of Partnerships.
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop kicks off the New Year with hands on courses to build new skills
New year, new skills. Edinburgh Open Workshop is kicking off January with a hands-on programme of creative courses designed to help people turn resolutions into reality!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Vow to volunteer! The New Year resolution that could change lives in 2026
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) believe that by vowing to volunteer in 2026, people can make a real difference to their local community!
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Glamorous Edwardians to be explored in major Edinburgh exhibition
A glamorous, never-before-exhibited portrait of Queen Mary and a miniature sleigh made of rock crystal will be among highlights on show in Scotland for the first time in this major exhibition.
READ MORE
Scotland goalkeeper kicks off Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city's iconic Torchlight Procession.
READ MORE
Hibs women support Scottish charity with Nuby this Christmas
Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.
READ MORE
Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub
A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.
READ MORE
Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland
Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
Historic Edinburgh pub set for major investment in the New Year
A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of the Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links