Duke of Edinburgh Gold Pupils from Prestwick Academy on board a 40ft yacht in the Gulf of Fethiye
This summer proved to be an exotic and adventurous one for three groups of pupils from Marr College, Prestwick and Queen Margaret Academies.
The pupils were taking part in South Ayrshire Duke of Edinburgh's Award by going east and west to explore remote islands and coastlines.
Two groups of five pupils from Prestwick and Queen Margaret Academy flew east to Turkey to take charge of a 40ft yacht and sail in the Gulf of Fethiye.
They spent a successful week exploring remote islands and coastlines and, while at sea, they also completed John Muir Discovery Award by taking part in a marine conservation study programme.
The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme focused on wild places. Run by the John Muir Trust, a charitable organisation, it encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural environment, in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration.
Also during the summer a group of pupils from Marr College will be sailing west to the Outer Hebrides and, possibly, the remote outcrop of St Kilda.
The intrepid group intend to leave Mallaig and sail to Leverburgh on the coast of South Harris before making a day crossing to St Kilda – weather permitting.
The crew will spend a day on the island exploring this fascinating archipelago which is the remotest part of the British Isles.
All pupils have spent the last few months preparing for their expeditions by completing Royal Yachting Association navigation courses in the evening at school.
In addition they also completed training on a yacht in the Firth of Clyde at the end of June.
Councillor Hywel Davies, Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning said: "The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is an excellent way for young people to gain valuable skills in teamwork and problem solving, which are invaluable in everyday life.
"Sailing is one activity where young people have to rely on each other to make their expedition a success and this is no different if they are in Turkey of the Irish Sea.
"Facing difficulties, solving problems and working together to arrive at their destination by combining their wits and physical abilities is a terrific set of skills to take into adult life and I'm very proud of what they have achieved,
"South Ayrshire is one of the leading local authorities delivering the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and, this year, we have over 170 young people completing their Award.
"Earlier this year, a group of 18 young people from South Ayrshire were also presented with the Gold Award by the Duke himself at a special ceremony Edinburgh.
Pupils from all the sailing expeditions will be putting on a photographic exhibition and presentation of their exciting adventure at Carnegie reference library in the Autumn.