AN Irvine army cadet is gearing up for a royal presentation to receive her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Cadet Corporal Kaitlyn Scrimgeour was recently presented with her five sectional Duke of Edinburgh certificates by Erica Lockett, the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire & Arran (pictured).

The 18-year-old will now head to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in July to receive her certificate at a royal presentation.

Kaitlyn was paid a visit at the Irvine detachment of the Army Cadet Force by the deputy Lord Lieutenant last week to find out more about how the voluntary youth organisation works and what it offers young people. 

Irvine Times:

Mrs Lockett DL was delighted during the visit to present such an internationally recognised award for young people.

It has taken Kaitlyn nearly two years to complete her award.

For volunteering, she instructed junior cadets and for her physical took up walking in the area, taking many beautiful pictures of the scenery. 

Her practice expedition was in the Galloway Hills with her four-day qualifying expedition in the Yorkshire Dales in August 2014.

Kaitlyn’s great passion is being a member of the Army Cadet Force Pipes & Drums, therefore learned to be a tenor drummer in her skills section. 

But last Wednesday evening was also a sad night for Kaitlyn as she has reached the maximum age for a cadet and it was her last parade night. 

She hopes to return as an adult instructor in the near future when settled in her new job.