Plaque for DofE unveiled and Moray Badge relaunched
Both ceremonies took place on what would've been Prince Phillip's 100th birthday
Tributes are being made to Prince Phillip on what would've been his 100th birthday.
Two ceremonies were held in Moray earlier, the first at Moray Council HQ which saw a plaque revealed commemorating The Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy through his awards scheme.
Another event also took place at Gordonstoun to re-launch the Moray badge.
This will be available for all Moray schoolchildren to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The DofE plaque will form part of a trail, which will feature commemorative stones or plaques at key locations including Gordonstoun, Moray College UHI, and the one already situated at Elgin Academy.
Pupils from Elgin Academy and Gordonstoun took part in the plaque ceremony today, alongside Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, Moray’s Lord-Lieutenant, Major General Seymour Monro, and Operations Manager for Duke of Edinburgh Scotland, Rebecca Raynes.
Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Graham Leadbitter reflected on his own time as a DofE participant.
He said: "As a Duke of Edinburgh participant in my teens I know how much the awards mean, and how much effort is required from participants and from staff and volunteers to guide and support them through it.
"My own experience was fantastic and I gained leadership and teamwork skills, which I use on a daily basis.
“Moray has been at the forefront of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award since its inception and it’s great to be marking that with a permanent feature highlighting our links with the scheme; and for anyone thinking of participating or volunteering – go for it! It’s a great experience.”
The ‘Moray Badge’ will be on offer for one year to encourage students in the Moray Council area to get active and boost their confidence following a year of lockdowns.
It will continue during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year in 2022 when Her Majesty marks 70 years on the throne.
Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Major General the Honourable Seymour Monro, explained why they decided to re-launch the Moray Badge.
He also detailed how Prince Phillip's participation in the badge, led to him creating the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
"This is a very special day-and it would have been HRH Prince Philip’s 100th Birthday", he said.
“We decided to re-run the Moray Badge to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee because it is special to Moray and there is that strong link to Prince Philip and thus the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which has benefitted millions of children around the world.
"We want local schoolchildren to take inspiration from that and to set themselves challenges which will help them to grow in confidence and self-esteem.
"It was his participation The Moray Badge challenges at Gordonstoun in 1937 which led on to him launching the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme in 1956.
"Millions of young people around the World have participated in this wonderful scheme –and it all started here in Moray! Unlike Graham, I only managed to achieve a Bronze Award but I still remember that 48-hour walking and camping expedition to this day!"