Clyde Muirshiel IVP - 1st-15th August 2023

"This experience has been unforgettable and I think it will be just the beginning..."

That was how one volunteer summed up their time on the second Xchange Scotland International Volunteer Project (IVP) of the summer. 11 volunteers - from different countries such as Belgium, USA and Catalunya - came together at near Lochwinnoch for 2 weeks of environmental work, cultural activities and a bit of ceilidh dancing :-)

ABOVE: Xchange Scotland International Volunteers at the opening ceremony of the Parkhill Wood Maze

The volunteers were involved in a range of activities, working alongside the Park Rangers building paths, dry stone walls, steps down to the beach at Lunderston Beach and helping create a maze in Parkhill Wood. The volunteers helped out at the Park's 'Knights and Princesses Fun Day' and were joined in Parkhill Wood for a day by 6 young volunteers from in Glasgow.

ABOVE: International volunteers at the end of the work with the young YCSA volunteers from Glasgow - after the completion of work on the path

In their free time the international volunteers visited Loch Lomond and Glasgow and were introduced to sailing and rowing by the fantastic club members at Castle Semple.

The final day of the project saw a gathering at Castle Semple to celebrate the work of all the volunteers and commemorate the opening of the Maze on Parkhill Wood. After the event there was a Ceilidh in Lochwinnoch Church Hall for the volunteers. Congratulations to all involved in a great project.

ABOVE: Ceilidh in Lochwinnoch Church Hall for volunteers and members of the local community - young and old