Our first group of Sirius Scholarship Students left for Scotland early this morning, in the company of Wilderness Foundation UK Chief Executive Officer Jo Roberts.

Sirius is a new programme this year, jointly developed with and funded by Tellus Mater. Applicants who were already passionate about environmental issues were required to complete an essay and undergo a challenging interview process in order to win their place on the programme. We received applications from far and wide and the mix will make for an interesting trail experience.

Sirius Scholarships offer:

• A six day wilderness trail experience in the wildest parts of Scotland
• Training and leadership and advocacy
• Access to a network of youth leaders who are dedicated to making change happen – globally and for the environment
• The chance to be heard – to be effective!

Each student also had to raise a £100 contribution towards the programme. The actual value of each place is equivalent to £700, with the balance of the scholarship kindly being provided by Tellus Mater. The Wilderness Foundation has contributed its experience in delivering educational programmes such as this, honed over the many years that we have been organising trails in both the UK and overseas. Since 1976 over 40,000 individuals have been on trail and experienced wilderness first hand.

The chosen destination this year is Rannoch Moor, a National Heritage site notable for its wildlife. The group travelled up to Scotland by train, breaking their journey for a brief period in Glasgow, before travelling on to Corrour Railways Station – one of the most remote stations in the United Kingdom – and it was here at the station house itself where they over-nighted. Tomorrow (Sunday) morning the group will set off with packs on backs to walk the mile or so to Loch Ossian, where they will be spending their first full day on Rannoch Moor. Staying at the Loch Ossian Hostel for the first day and night, the time here will be devoted to environmental leadership training, before departing for three nights of wild camping from Monday.

We will bring you more news as it arrives, but due to the remoteness of the location, mobile communication will be difficult. Also, part of the aim of getting away to wilderness is to leave the trappings (technology) of normal daily life behind, so updates may be sporadic until the group returns on 22nd August.