Three young leaders earn their Platinum Hoodies

A Nairn teenager's achievement came with a very special surprise — his aunt and uncle were waiting to present his award.

Three young people from across the Highlands have recently reached the highest level of our Leadership Programme, earning their coveted Platinum Hoodies after completing 750 hours of volunteering and community activity. For one of them, the presentation came with a family twist that made the moment truly unforgettable.

Adam's 750-hour journey

Adam Mitchell (15) from Nairn Academy has been volunteering with Active Schools, the Air Cadets and Highland Martial Arts throughout his Leadership Programme journey. To reach Platinum status, young people must also organise their own fundraising event — and Adam chose to raise money for Surfable Scotland, a charity close to his heart that provides life-changing surfing experiences to promote confidence, inclusion and wellbeing.

He took on a gruelling Shark Tank Jiu Jitsu challenge, battling continuous opponents for 50 minutes. Sustaining an injury early on, Adam showed real grit and determination by pushing through to the finish, raising an impressive £280 in the process.

A family surprise

Each Platinum Hoodie is supported by a sponsor, who is often invited to present the award. Adam had no idea that the new Platinum Hoodies sponsor was his own Aunt and Uncle — Tracey and John Morrison of Morrison Haulage — who were delighted to be part of the presentation alongside our own Elizabeth McDonald and Deanna Lundie.

The sponsorship carries deep personal significance. The Morrison family chose to mark the milestone as a memorial to their late fathers, including Adam's grandfather, Alan Thompson — a former RAF serviceman who devoted much of his life to volunteer swim coaching and was widely respected across Scotland.

The words Non Oblitus — meaning "Not Forgotten" — appear on the Platinum Hoodie alongside the Morrison Haulage logo, as a lasting tribute to those remembered.

Rylan and Harry step up for Cash for Kids

Also reaching Platinum level recently are Rylan Lawrence-MacAskill (19), a former Nairn Academy pupil, and Harry MacLeod (15) from Millburn Academy in Inverness. Both have given hundreds of hours to Missions Christmas HQ as part of their volunteering for Cash for Kids, and their hoodie presentations coincided with handing over cheques totalling an incredible £880.

Elizabeth McDonald, Leadership Programme Development Officer, said: "I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Morrison Haulage for coming on board as our Platinum Hoodie sponsor, and how wonderful for their first presentation to be made to their nephew, Adam.

"Adam, Rylan and Harry have been inspiring leaders throughout their Leadership Programme journeys, supporting a wide range of activities and charitable causes. Congratulations to all three on achieving this significant milestone."

Rylan and Harry with their hoodies