27.06.2022

Spotlight’s Youth Empowerment board’s excursion to Scotland for The Youth Spectacular in Fife.

11 young people from Spotlight in East London were treated to an adventure of a lifetime last weekend when they ventured over 400 miles to join The Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular in Fife.

Each of the teenagers who journeyed to Scotland is part of the Youth Empowerment Board (YEB) at Spotlight, a committed group of young people who meet monthly to generate ideas and learn skills whilst having their opinions and perspectives listened to by high-level decision-makers in the council and governance.

Funded by The Hill Group, they enjoyed flights and a two-night stay in an Edinburgh hotel, allowing them to sample some of the highlights of this beautiful city.

Attendee Moosa said: “It was so much fun, they treated us like VIPs at the festival, and it was fun watching all the performances. The combination of the scenery, the food, and the activities made it so good.”

The two-day event was held on June 18 and 19 at St Ninians in Kelty, close to Edinburgh. The jamboree took place on a uniquely created arena situated on a former open cast coal site by the village of Kelty and celebrated young people’s music, offering a rare opportunity for teenagers to display their extraordinary musical talents to the public.

Andy Fancy, regional managing director at Hill, said: “Part of our commitment to Teviot is to add social value to the local community, ensuring we enhance the lives of the residents and help create a better place to live.

“Being able to give these 11 bright and engaging individuals this opportunity has been wonderful, and I am delighted they have enjoyed the experience. Trips like these can be life-changing, and I hope they have all learned new skills to help them in the future.”

Performances came through with massed pipes and drums from Scottish schools, musical skills of the Massed Army Cadet Force Brass bands, dancers from the Julie Young School in Perth, and Military Pipes and Drums.

Highland dancing displays from the Queen Victoria School, steel bands, and the Flying Imps Motorbike Display Team entertained the crowds.

Manna said: “The trip was very good, and I had a lot of fun. Thank you to Spotlight and Hill Group for planning it.”