Some pupils who took part in the Duke of Edinburgh pilot horse riding expedition.
Pupils from South Ayrshire schools Queen Margaret Academy and Marr College have successfully completed a pilot horse riding expedition for their Duke of Edinburgh's Bronze Award, thanks to a local riding school.
The school helped organise a two-day test expedition which took place on the Craigengillan Estate in Dalmellington and in the Carrick Forest Hills. The pupils learned essential skills such as camping, navigation and wilderness survival and also took the opportunity to advance their horse care and riding skills.
With the test expedition successfully completed, the pupils then undertook the main Bronze Award qualifying expedition, spending two days in the remote moorland of the Galloway Hills near Loch Braden and Loch Doon.
South Ayrshire Council Duke of Edinburgh's Award Development Worker Vincent McWhirter said: "I'm thrilled for the pupils who completed this expedition as it was the first time anything like this had been run. Not only did they have to look after themselves, a difficult enough challenge in a testing environment, but they also had to make sure their horses were kept safe and well.
"I would like to thank the riding school for their support and help with creating this new initiative. The success of the pilot expedition means they can now deliver similar DofE expeditions for similar groups across Scotland".
Councillor Hywel Davies, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Education, said: "We are very proud of the quality and diversity of the learning we offer pupils in South Ayrshire.
"The pilot riding expedition was another excellent example of delivering a fun way for these young pupils to develop key skills and knowledge, while making friends and enjoying some fantastic life experiences. This will enhance their confidence and skills in school and beyond".
South Ayrshire Council is Scotland's top-performing Duke of Edinburgh Awards authority.
Since 2008 more than 700 pupils have gained their DofE Award and this number is likely to increase to over 800 early in the New Year.
Councillor Davies continued: This outstanding success is a direct reflection of our innovative and proactive approach to recognising wider achievement and of how successfully The Duke of Edinburgh's Award complements the Curriculum for Excellence in our schools".