Small Actions, Big Impact
A Leadership Journey That Starts in the Wild
It starts up at Loch Eil in the Scottish Highlands. A group of young people, many of whom have never met before, stand at the foot of a rugged peak, about to take on an Outward Bound expedition. They come from different schools, different backgrounds, but for the next few days, they will rely on each other to navigate the land, the weather, and the challenges that push them beyond their comfort zones.
This is the Mark Scott Award, a programme designed to bring young people together in the wild, to build confidence, trust, and resilience. But its impact doesn’t stop in the mountains. The real test begins when they return home to their communities, their schools, and to projects of their own making.
For two groups in Drumchapel, that meant transforming their local community - one through nature and intergenerational connections, the other through reclaiming public spaces for young people.
A Simple Bird Box, A Powerful Connection
In a quiet moment, a primary school child grips a paintbrush, carefully decorating a wooden bird box. Beside them, a 17-year-old from Drumchapel High School, shares a laugh as they talk about where the birds might build their nests.
This is the first stage of a project designed to bring together the oldest and youngest members of the community through nature. The bird boxes, assembled and decorated with children from Antonine Primary School, will soon be gifted to residents of Crannog Care Home. A small but meaningful way to bridge generations, offering a shared sense of joy and responsibility for the natural world.
The project showed Andrew the power of working together
“When I signed up, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I’ve met so many great people, and I feel that our actions have really brought the community of Drumchapel together.”
This experience has been transformative:
“The Mark Scott Award is something I never thought I would enjoy, and now I can’t imagine my life without it. The feeling of having an influence on the community is something no other place can offer.”
The real achievement lies in the logistics and ambition of the project:
“I’m most proud of the way the team have come together and created a project involving a range of people. Many underestimate how much it takes to bring together six young people, two primary classes, a care home, and a facilities management organisation to all be in the same place at the same time. These young people have proven to themselves and to their community that they can be agents of positive change.”
Reviving a Space for Young People
A different group of young leaders saw another way to give back. For them, the challenge wasn’t about nature, it was about reclaiming a space that meant something to their generation: the local Drumchapel skatepark.
The park had once been a hub for young people, a place to gather, skate, and be themselves. But over time, neglect had set in - graffiti, rubbish, and weather-worn structures had made it feel uncared for. Instead of walking away, they picked up pressure washers, paintbrushes, and a sense of purpose.
As the water from the jet wash stripped back years of grime, the park started to take on new life. Young skaters stopped to watch, some even jumping in to ask questions or offer help. This was about more than just a clean-up, it was about showing that young people care about their community and deserve a space to call their own.
It was an opportunity to step up:
“This project has helped me speak out more and develop my confidence. The skatepark is something young people should be proud of, and now they will be.”
The conversations with locals made Hannah realise how much this mattered:
“Speaking to people around here made me see how this will bring the community together. The Mark Scott has helped me grow as a person and build relationships that will last a lifetime.”
The team’s adaptability and resilience stood out:
“I’ve been most impressed by this team’s ability to problem solve and adapt. They’ve had some last-minute hurdles on the lead-up to their project days, and they took them in their stride. I only stepped in to support this team in the last month, but they all speak enthusiastically about their week at Loch Eil, especially about how quickly they bonded. It’s highlighted how impactful the personal connection and social aspect of this award can be.”
More Than a Project, More Than an Award
The Mark Scott Award isn’t just about learning leadership, it’s about putting it into practice. First designed in 2021 to strengthen communities and overcome sectarian divides, the Award has evolved into a life-changing programme that teaches young people how to work together, make a difference, and develop skills for future employment.
Delivered by Outward Bound, it starts with an intensive outdoor residential experience, challenging participants to push themselves in the wild. But the real impact unfolds when they return to their communities, where they take charge of a project that matters to them.
Whether it’s connecting generations through bird boxes or restoring a space for young people, the message is clear: Leadership is about action, and young people have the power to create real change.
Further Reading
Now’s the Day, Now’s the Hour
4 March 25
This Bill is good for young people, good for schools, and good for Scotland.
What Does School Really Teach Us?
6 January 25
How outdoor learning can complement the classroom
We've Earned an SCQF Credit Rating
17 September 24
Here's why it matters…
Mark Scott Leadership for Life Award
Participants take part in a six-month programme combining a five-day Outward Bound residential with urban-based community project work.
News and campaigns to help young Scottish people
We're passionate about the value of outdoor education and we're determined to protect this now and for future generations