Craig Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has nominated a group of young apprentices from the Ridge Foundation in Dunbar for this year’s Young Scot Awards.
Mr Hoy’s nomination was supported by Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross, who joined him on a visit to the Ridge Foundation earlier this week.
The pair thanked the apprentices their work in transforming derelict space behind Dunbar Main Street into an education, heritage, and horticultural centre for local residents to enjoy and learn from.
The group of young apprentices have been nominated for the ‘Enhancing Education’ category of the Young Scot Awards. This is awarded to “a young person or group who have truly influenced education in their community either by providing access and opportunities for others, or by influencing change in education for their communities.”
The Ridge Foundation seeks to support vulnerable members of the Dunbar community whether that be substance abuse, mental health issues, or issues arising from poverty. It aims to provide local, effective, personalised and holistic support for local people to help them move beyond dependency towards contribution and fulfilment.
The apprenticeships have conducted restorative work on some of Dunbar’s oldest buildings, providing residents with the opportunity to explore first-hand Dunbar’s architectural heritage and history.
The present apprentice group are in the process of renovating a time capsule flat in Dunbar which was previously closed off from the 19th Century onwards. And they have also supported the development of walled garden spaces for residents to enjoy. This includes a dementia-friendly garden developed by pupils from Dunbar Grammar School enhancing education in horticulture and social care for young people to hyper-local progression routes to great careers.
Additionally, the apprentices have learned key skills while engaged in SQA approved courses in stone masonry and joinery, as well as courses in cooking and other life skills.
Commenting on the nomination, Mr Hoy said: “All that the apprentices at the Ridge Foundation have been doing has improved the lives of people from the local community as well as developing key skills.
“In addition to providing fantastic learning opportunities for people of all ages, the apprentices have helped to give people an insight into the town’s heritage and provided a space for people to reflect at the Ridge’s dementia-friendly Sanctuary Garden.”
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “This project is a fantastic example of community working in action. Those involved in helping to transform this area should be extremely proud of all the work that they have carried out.”
Kate Darrah, founder and Managing Director of the Ridge said: “We are so proud of the achievements of our apprentice team, in restoring our built heritage here in Dunbar. In the process they are building their own skills and making a start on a really satisfying high-quality craft career.
“Many of these youngsters struggled in school, and have amazed themselves with their stunning success in a practical setting. Their skills are now contributing something wonderful to the wider community, which will endure for many years to come, and which provides an additional layer to our shared sense of pride in these hard-working and talented individuals.”
You can find out more about the Ridge Project from: www.the-ridge.org.uk
