Annual event gives pupils a taste of military life

As part of the Spirit of Adventure run by the Lieutenancy of Angus, pupils from secondary schools around Angus visited the Royal Marines’ base by Arbroath,w with around 70 pupils in total from Arbroath High, Arbroath Academy, Carnoustie High, Monifieth High, Webster’s High, Brechin High, Montrose Academy and Forfar Academy all taking part .

The visit was organised by Deputy Lieutenant Debbie Porter who co-ordinated with the schools.

The annual Spirit of Adventure day started as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 when youngsters completed six different walks through Glen Clova and Glen Prosen.

The programme seeks to introduce young people to experiences and activities they might not have had the chance to try before.

The pupils arrived at around 9.30am, and, after a safety briefing by Lieutenant James Ross RM within Bewley Hall, the pupils were allocated section numbers and spilt into their groups to take part in various activities around the Marine base.

The over 14s were given weapons training of a standard issue SA80 rifle and later allowed to fire live weapons within the firing range, under close supervision.

Within the Ben Nowak Sports Centre groups of pupils took turns to be harnessed up and tried rock climbing, meanwhile others were given a tour and shown the contents of a field Bergen and ration pack.

As the regiment’s 105m ski slope is currently under repair, it was out of commission during the visit.

The pupils enjoyed a delicious lunch in the golf pavilion served by the camp’s stewards, followed by more activities in the afternoon.

One pupil from each school was further awarded a week-long trip to the Ridgeway Adventure Centre in North Scotland where they typically will take part in kayaking, climbing and abseiling, as well as learning survival skills.

The day ended with the pupils’ return to school at 3pm.