DofE Scotland, North-East Celebration Event – 2025

The DofE North-East Scotland Celebration Evening took place at Thainstone Exchange on 19 February 2026, following the postponement of the original November 2025 event due to severe weather conditions.

North East Celebration

The evening brought together DofE participants from across the North-East who had achieved their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards during the previous year. Joined by family, friends, leaders and supporters, attendees gathered to celebrate their achievements and the dedication they had shown throughout their DofE journeys. Guests received a warm welcome on arrival and were piped into the venue by Gordon of Kintore Scouts, creating a memorable start to the celebrations.

A young bagpiper in a tartan kilt stands indoors playing the bagpipes. The piper wears a uniform with several badges and stands in front of glass windows and an information sign at the Thainstone Centre. The bagpipes feature orange decorative accents and green tassels.

Piper – Gordon

The event was hosted by Senior Operations Manager Kate Somervail and North-East Operations Officer Sandy McConnachie, alongside DofE Youth Ambassador Maisie Hutcheson. Through an engaging and lively discussion, Maisie championed the experiences of participants, highlighting the resilience, commitment and determination required to achieve a DofE Award, as well as the valuable life skills gained along the way.

A group of six young people in Scout uniforms and tartan kilts stand on a stage at a DofE Scotland event. One participant speaks into a microphone while another person holding a microphone stands opposite them. A purple DofE Scotland display and grey stage curtains form the backdrop.

Kintore Scout Group

Guests heard inspiring presentations from participants and leaders representing Kintore Scout Group and Banff Academy, who shared their experiences of completing their Bronze and Silver Awards respectively. Their stories provided an insight into the challenges, achievements and personal growth experienced throughout their DofE journeys.

Five students in school uniform stand on a stage at a DofE Scotland event. One student speaks at a lectern with a microphone while the others stand nearby. The lectern displays the Duke of Edinburgh's Award crest, with purple DofE Scotland branding and grey stage curtains in the background.

Banff Academy

The audience was also treated to a wonderful musical performance from Rose and Tahite of the International School of Aberdeen, who performed a beautiful rendition of Rise Up by Andra Day.

A performer stands beside a microphone on stage while another performer plays a grand piano. A blue DofE Scotland banner stands to one side, with grey curtains forming the backdrop. The stage is decorated with colourful bunting, and sheet music is visible on the piano.

Rose and Tahite of the International School of Aberdeen.

The value and impact of DofE were further explored by guest speakers Neil Hendry, Head Teacher of Inverurie Academy, and Iain Troup, Commercial Director at Strachan’s Ltd. Neil reflected on the significant benefits DofE brings to young people, while Iain spoke about the programme’s lasting influence beyond achieving the award, highlighting how the skills, confidence and resilience developed through DofE continue to benefit participants throughout their lives and careers.

A speaker stands behind a lectern on a stage at a DofE Scotland event, addressing an audience. The lectern displays the Duke of Edinburgh's Award crest, with a microphone positioned nearby. Grey curtains and DofE Scotland branding form the backdrop.

Neil Hendry

A special part of the evening was the presentation of Leader Recognition Certificates, celebrating the dedication and commitment of volunteers who support young people on their DofE journeys. Certificates were awarded to Angela Ritchie of Aberdeen City Council, Calum Cuthbertson of Fraserburgh Academy and Mike Davidson of Aberdeenshire Council.

A person stands behind a lectern speaking at a DofE Scotland event. Two blue banners displaying the DofE slogan "Life Can't Wait" are positioned behind the stage, with grey curtains in the background. A microphone is mounted beside the lectern, which features the Duke of Edinburgh's Award crest.

Iain Troup

The evening concluded with the inaugural presentation of the Ian and Dorothy Suttie Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement. This prestigious award recognises a young person who has demonstrated exceptional commitment, perseverance and achievement throughout their DofE journey, while making a positive impact on those around them. Presented by Dorothy Suttie, the award was awarded to Struan Ansell from Inverurie in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments. It was a fitting end to an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements of young people, the support of volunteers and leaders, and the positive impact of DofE across the North-East.

Two people stand on a stage behind large glittery gold letters spelling "DofE", holding an award plaque together. Grey curtains form the backdrop, with the oversized letters mounted on black bases across the front of the stage.

Dorothy Suttie presenting Struan with his award

We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of award achievers to our celebration event in November 2026.

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DofE Scotland, North-East Celebration Event – 2025

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