More than 400 young men and women from across Scotland gathered in the capital to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
In a glittering ceremony, 436 recipients converged on the Palace of Holyroodhouse for the ceremony led by the Duke of Edinburgh and attended by a host of stars from the worlds of art, business, cookery, music, entertainment and sport.
Stars acted as presenters, handing over certificates to each recipient.
Photo gallery: Hundreds gather for Duke of Edinburgh Awards ceremony
They included Sunshine on Leith star Kevin Guthrie and Olympic curler David Murdoch, who said the awards were dedicated to offering young people from across Scotland as well as the rest of the UK the opportunity to shine.
“By developing and supporting tomorrow’s generation they can let their talent shine through to develop key skills for work, sport and life, which, without the awards’ support they may find unobtainable.”
Another supporter of the awards, rugby legend Chris Paterson, added: “It is an honour to be asked to present the awards to this year’s recipients.”
He said he enjoyed hearing the variety of positive activities everyone carried out to complete their award. Unusually, there was only one presentation this year, rather than two, and the event was held later in the day.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Scotland works with more than 37,000 young people in Scotland every year.
It gives all young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future.
Each participant gained their award by undertaking a diverse range of activities for a period of at least 18 months.
All worked tirelessly through five sections of their programmes: volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and residential.
Since it started in 1956, the awards scheme has provided a challenge to millions of young people around the world.
Principally it helps them to try new things, learn more about themselves and work together for their own benefit and that of their local communities.
Participants take part through schools, colleges, youth clubs, voluntary organisations, pupil referral units, young offender institutions and in businesses.