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Pinkston Youth Forum 2.0 – Spey Expedition

Pinkston Youth Forum: The River Spey Expedition

On the Friday morning of the September weekend, schools were closed, and Pinkston was quiet — except for a group of eight young people preparing for something they’d been working towards for weeks. Members of the Pinkston Youth Forum were checking kit, packing drybags, and loading canoes before setting off for Aviemore and the start of their River Spey expedition.

After ten weeks of preparation, training, and teamwork, the group was ready for four days of paddling, camping, and learning on the water. Standing on the riverbank, boats packed and ready to launch, there was a clear mix of excitement and nerves. Everything they’d planned had led to this moment.

The first day brought its challenges. With the river running low and slow, progress took effort and patience. The group found their rhythm and pushed on to reach camp. That night, a clear sky and a makeshift talent show set the tone — a mix of hard work, good humour, and simple moments that made it all worthwhile.

Day two started a little slower, with tired arms and a strong breeze to deal with on the water. A couple of capsizes tested the group’s teamwork, but each one was met with laughter and problem-solving. Camp that evening was damp but full of energy, with everyone huddled under tarps, playing Uno and swapping stories late into the night.

By day three, the kit, tents, and socks were all still wet — but spirits were high. This was the section everyone had been waiting for: the Knockando and Washing Machine rapids. The group had watched videos of this stretch and couldn’t wait to take it on. When the time came, they paddled it confidently, reading the river and moving together as a team. No swims, just a few smiles and well-earned pride at the bottom. That night, they cooked pizza in a campfire oven and sat around the fire talking for hours.

The final day was a short paddle to Spey Bay — the end of the river, but not the end of the experience. There were cheers, photos, and a quick dip in the sea before heading home.

There were tough moments — cold hands, tired muscles, and damp clothes — but those challenges brought the team closer together. Around every campfire, laughter outweighed tiredness, and the group built memories that will stay with them long after the journey.

The River Spey expedition wasn’t about distance or ticking off goals. It was about taking an idea they came up with themselves, working hard to make it happen, and proving what can be achieved through teamwork, resilience, and shared purpose.

A huge thank you to Foundation Scotland, Glasgow Kelvin College, and Pinkston Board Members Dougie Shannon and John Montgomery for supporting the group and helping make this experience possible.

Three glow stick figures in dark forest night scene with stars above.People playing UNO around a small table, surrounded by string lights in a dim setting.

Two people setting up a green tent in a wooded area.

Two people in helmets canoeing on a river surrounded by trees. Two people canoeing on a rocky river surrounded by dense forest. Three people sitting on grass near a tent, holding thumbs up and cups, with camping gear around. Group of people wearing warm clothes and beanies, standing outdoors at night. Group of people in life vests by a river, with trees and grassy landscape in the background. Two people kayaking on a river under a metal arch bridge on a sunny day. Four people in wetsuits smiling and giving thumbs up by a rocky riverbank. Two people sitting by a campfire at night, wearing warm clothes and hats. Two people standing in front of a colorful tent canopy in a wooded area. Canoes on a river approaching a bridge with trees and blue sky.

Group of eight people in canoes on a river, wearing life jackets, with a clear sky.Triangle logo above 'Foundation Scotland' text on white background.

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