The pandemic was so hard on so many of us, but particularly for those who were seeking employment during the really dark time.
Which makes it all the more amazing that Summerston local Scott Murray has gone from being unemployed and on Universal Credit to becoming an absolute master of the outdoors - and teaching others how to safely enjoy nature too.
In less than a year, Scott has gone from job seeker to star outdoor instructor at West End Adventure where he joined as an "extra pair of hands" in mid-2021.
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In just a year, he's sailed through qualifications in Archery, Hillwalking and Bushcraft, and is just about to sit his assessment as a Paddlesports Leader.
The exam is his final hurdle to becoming a 'multi-sport' instructor, joining his colleagues in leading client groups across some of Scotland’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes.
“I’ve achieved a lot more in this role than I could ever have imagined,” says Scott. “I’d like to thank the Job Centre and my work coach for finding me the placement, and for the team at West End Adventure for believing in me.”
Andrew Minshall, the director of West End Adventure, recalls how quickly the young man’s potential became clear.
He said: “Scott joined us as a Group Leader, to be an extra pair of hands on site, but he was so brimming with ideas and enthusiasm that we just couldn’t ignore it. We had to get him on sessions.”
Having caught the attention of management, Scott was ear-marked as a perfect potential instructor by the end of his Kickstart Scheme placement.
Director Minshall continues: “The training to become an instructor isn’t easy. It’s physically and mentally demanding, especially in the winter months, but we knew Scott. We knew he was resilient.”
