Charity Boots & Beards has become the first Black Minority Ethnic (BME) organisation in Scotland to partner with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).

Charity trustees attended a presentation at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, where they received their Licensed Organisation certificate from HRH The Earl of Wessex.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, said: “I am delighted that Boots & Beards in my constituency has been recognised as the first BME group in Scotland to be awarded a DofE licence.

"Having met with them, I have seen the great work that Boots & Beards do and know that this licence will allow them to expand and grow, giving them the opportunity to teach young people new skills, gain confidence and push themselves to achieve their full potential.

"This is a testament to the hard work of the organisers and I am proud to have such a great organisation in my constituency.”

Abdullah Butt, aged14, who will be starting his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with Boots & Beards, said: “I want to do my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to better myself. I think this award will help me learn new skills and be more confident, especially in the outdoors.”

Barry Fisher, Director for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Scotland said: “We are excited to partner with Boots & Beards, helping more young people in Glasgow to start a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. In the Year of Young People, it is more important than ever to enable young people to take part in life-changing programmes like The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

"As the first BME organisation in Scotland to deliver The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Boots & Beards is in a unique position to help their young people build their skills for life and work. We look forward to seeing many of their young people achieving their Awards soon.”

Those who achieve a DofE Award volunteer, learn a skill, get fit, plan and undertake an expedition and at Gold level also take part in a week long residential.