Celebrating the success of these incredible young people and their families was a true privilege for me. They’ve changed so much over the past year, now a confident group of close friends ready to take on whatever the world can throw at them.  

To receive a Polar Academy medal is something very special indeed, it means you’ve completed one of the hardest programmes on the planet and now given the honour of inspiring thousands of other young people across Scotland and beyond. 

The final photograph is of Eloise and her family. Unfortunately Eloise couldn’t attend the awards last night, so I paid her a visit last week instead – she had her own personal award ceremony. 

Thank you everyone.