Young people from Scotland, Germany and France have come together for a week of cultural exchange, community volunteering and international friendship, thanks to a grant supporting a rural South Lanarkshire charity.
Grant Supports International Programme
The Blackwood and Resilience Group received £17,000 from the Renewable Energy Fund (REF), funded by Kype Muir Wind Farm, a development by OnPath Energy, to help deliver an international youth exchange programme.
During their visit, participants spent time in Edinburgh before travelling to Wiston Lodge in South Lanarkshire, where they took part in activities designed to celebrate different cultures, build confidence and develop leadership skills.
Exploring Scotland's Landmarks
The youngsters also toured some of Scotland's best-known landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament and Murrayfield Stadium, explored Loch Lomond, visited New Lanark and met local councillors to discuss issues affecting young people.
As part of the exchange, participants also gave back to the local community by helping improve the outdoor classroom at Loch Wood in Blackwood, where they planted trees and carried out environmental improvement works.
Building on Previous Success
The exchange built on the success of a previous visit to Germany in 2024, where young people from Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill took part in a similar programme, with the organisation's chairperson Lesley Speedie leading on both the German and Scottish exchanges.
Several of those participants returned this year as young leaders, helping organise activities and welcome their European guests to Scotland.
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
One of those young leaders, Amy Moffat, said the experience had transformed her confidence and even influenced her future career ambitions. She said: “When I first took part in the Germany exchange in 2024 I was really shy and had never been in a situation like it. It turned out to be one of the best opportunities I’ve ever had. It brought me out of my shell, helped me believe in myself and gave me confidence to speak to new people and try things I would have been too scared to do before. It also changed the direction I wanted to take in life. Before Germany, I wanted to work in a nursery with little children. After the exchange, I realised I wanted to work with young people instead, helping them build confidence and giving them opportunities like the ones I was lucky enough to have.”
Brooke Thomson, who also attended the original exchange, added: “Before the Germany exchange, I was nervous about meeting new people and stepping outside my comfort zone. The experience really helped me develop my social skills. I became more confident speaking to others, working as part of a team and making new friends. The friendships I made and the memories I created have helped me grow as a person and I know the skills I gained will stay with me for life.”
Community Support and Lasting Impact
Aileen McCreadie, partnerships and community manager at OnPath Energy, said: “Community projects are about creating opportunities that can have a lasting impact on people’s lives, particularly in rural areas where access to experiences like this can sometimes be limited. I was honoured to be invited to the ‘Welcome to Clydesdale’ event and see first-hand how the exchange project had positively impacted those involved. Looking around the room, the visitors were completely engaged in learning about our history and culture. It is particularly rewarding to see young people who benefited from last year’s exchange returning as leaders to support the next group. That shows the lasting value of investing in opportunities that help young people realise their potential.”
Kevin Carr, the executive director of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources, said: “I am delighted that the REF fund was able to support this fantastic opportunity to assist this international exchange programme and take advantage of all the facilities that Wiston Lodge has to offer. I am sure all the young people had a fantastic and rewarding time there.”
Heather McCartney, development worker at the Blackwood and Kirkmuirhill Resilience Group, added: “This exchange has been an incredible experience for everyone involved. Our young people worked so hard to plan the week and welcome our visitors, and it has been wonderful to watch friendships develop despite different languages and backgrounds. The programme has given everyone involved greater confidence, broadened horizons and created memories that will stay with them for years to come. We are incredibly grateful for the support that made it possible.”
The REF supports projects that deliver lasting benefits to communities surrounding OnPath Energy’s developments, helping local organisations invest in projects that strengthen rural communities and improve opportunities for residents.
