News Release

Film Officer Samantha demonstrates Outstanding Promise

21st June 2006

Grampian Film Officer Samantha Foley has received huge praise after finishing runner-up in the Outstanding Promise category at the recent Young Scotland programme event summer course at North West Castle in Stranraer, held earlier this month.

The award recognises a general contribution to the programme by delegates aged 24 or under.  Of the 40 delegates taking part in the event, 14 of them were eligible for this award.

The Young Scotland programme aims to ‘stretch the minds, stir the consciences and broaden the horizons’ of young people in the early stages of their professional lives.

There were several key components of the week; including daily discussion sessions, where delegates performed an informal presentation on a question prompted by current events, and sessions involving guest speakers sharing experiences that had helped shape their lives.

Other activities during the week involved three keynote debates, a presentation of a 900-word research project, which had been completed by participants before event, and another guest speaker session where this time the speakers talked in-depth about issues on the global scene, such as the Israel-Palestine situation.

Samantha, who is based at Aberdeenshire Council’s Woodhill House headquarters, received a signed book and a note of encouragement from the Chairman of the Young Scotland programme, Kenneth Roy.

The book, entitled “Red Herrings and White Elephants” by Albert Jack, explains commonly used English phrases and their origins.

Commenting on Samantha’s contribution and her project on the Western Peripheral Route, Mr Roy said: “In her paper, which combined concern and compassion, she took a local issue and gave it a more general significance.  Although nervous, she maintained a good pace.  She developed dramatically over the course of the week”.

Samantha, from Peterhead, said: “I was absolutely shocked at winning this award as I have never won an academic award before. I feel very proud and also extremely privileged to have met so many amazing people.

The week at Stanraer combined three events: the first of the year’s Young Scotland programme courses, the annual Young Ireland programme and the annual Young Northern Ireland programme.  The events featured people from a variety of cultures, geographical and social backgrounds, and occupations.

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