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Moray Badge relaunched on Prince Philip's 100th birthday


By Alistair Whitfield

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From left: Gordonstoun pupils Yahya Uqaili and Rose MacPherson-Grant, plus Kate Mcluckie and Niamh Johnston from Elgin Academy... Picture: Becky Saunderson..
From left: Gordonstoun pupils Yahya Uqaili and Rose MacPherson-Grant, plus Kate Mcluckie and Niamh Johnston from Elgin Academy... Picture: Becky Saunderson..

An award which Prince Philip won while at school has been relaunched today on would have been his 100th birthday.

The Moray Badge will be on offer for one year to encourage local youngsters to get active and boost their confidence following a year of lockdowns.

The relaunch has been organised to mark next year's Platinum Jubilee when the Queen will have been on the throne for 70 years.

Among those welcoming the move is Princess Anne, who said her father had known about the plans.

She said: "I am sure that young people will benefit from the skills, experiences and enjoyment they gain from taking part in the Moray Badge Platinum Jubilee project."

The Moray Badge served as the original inspiration for the Duke of Edinburgh awards which have since expanded to 144 nations across the globe.

Lisa Kerr, the Principal of Gordonstoun, said: "The Moray Badge was established by Kurt Hahn, the school's founder, so that local children could benefit from the Gordonstoun ethos and grow in confidence by challenging themselves.

"While here Prince Philip learned life-saving skills, went on expeditions and completed various other physical challenges.

"I'm sure he would have loved to see local children set out to win similar awards all these years later."

Elgin Academy's headteacher Kyle Scott said: "As a school and as pupils we are hugely excited about the launch of the Moray Badge.

"We feel it will be a fantastic opportunity for us to develop new skills and gain recognition for this.

"We cannot wait to be involved and recognise how beneficial it will be for our pupils, but also our wider school community.

"Our school is a part of the history of this award and this makes it extra special for us."

The Moray Badge is being relaunched on what would have been HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's 100th birthday...Picture: Becky Saunderson..
The Moray Badge is being relaunched on what would have been HRH The Duke of Edinburgh's 100th birthday...Picture: Becky Saunderson..

Joanna Grant Peterkin is the chairperson of the Moray Badge Platinum Jubilee project.

She said: "This ties in with Moray Council's support of children after the disruption of lockdowns and settling back into school after a long absence.

"It aims to help pupils' health and wellbeing by encouraging them to take part in a programme of outdoor activities such as swimming, orienteering, biking, hill walks, water sports, nature walks, beachcombing and gardening.

"They will earn points towards age-appropriate badges and develop skills and interests for the future.

"We are liaising with local organisations and volunteers whom we hope will want to get involved and with local businesses to help sponsor some of the activities.

"We really hope pupils will enjoy taking part and have fun."

Joanna Grant Peterkin, Deputy Lieutenant and Chair of the Moray Badge Jubilee Project. ..Picture: Becky Saunderson.
Joanna Grant Peterkin, Deputy Lieutenant and Chair of the Moray Badge Jubilee Project. ..Picture: Becky Saunderson.

Finn Barber, who's aged 10, has already completed a number of challenges similar to those needed to obtain a Moray Badge.

He said: "I’ve gone hiking and learned how to bake bread.

"But my favourite challenge was making a snow-hole because we had to climb over some really big snowdrifts to do it."

Further information can be found at www.moraybadge.org.uk



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