Are you an arts practitioner - professional or amateur - who has a skill to pass on to young people? Or do you know someone who is? Then read on!

On the 30th August 2006, Ackergill Tower in Caithness is hosting the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a scheme offering people aged 14 -25 an opportunity to discover new personal potential through programmes of improvement and achievement tailored specifically to challenge them as individuals.

The day at Ackergill will bring together young people from Caithness & Sutherland who want to find out how to achieve an Award. Each Award consists of four sections; ( Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Expedition,; with three levels; Bronze (for people aged 14+), Silver (for people aged 15+) & Gold (for people aged 16+). The Gold award also has a Residential component.

By any standards, this is a challenging programme, and one which offers a different standard of achievement from the educational orthodoxy. Many young people whose strengths lie outwith the academic mainstream can gain a sense of fulfilment and self-worth by participating.

Brian Lavery is the officer for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the Highland Region and is keen to find members of the arts community who would be prepared to supervise students who select an arts subject as the Skills component of their individual programme which can consist of any hobby, skill or interest. This could involve helping a student to learn how to use watercolour or oils; how to write creatively; how to create a sculpture; how to tell a story, etc. The possibilities are endless.

If you would like to support someone to learn a little of your skill, Brian would like to hear from you .

Perhaps you'd be prepared to come along for a couple of hours to Ackergill Tower on 30th August? Christine Russell, Cultural Co-ordinator for Schools (Caithness), is looking for several artists who'd be prepared to man a stall with her on the day, encouraging young people to see Art as an exciting and varied field from which to select their chosen Award skill.

If you're interested in sparing a few hours of your time at Ackergill on the 30th, or in the longer commitment to supporting a young person learn more about your field of expertise, please get in touch with Brian as soon as possible.

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award log on to www.theaward.org

Contact Details for Brian Lavery :

Highland Council
Community Education Centre
Wick, K WI 4DT
Tel. 01955 605423

E-mail: brian.lavery@highland.gov.uk