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Gordonstoun Launches 24/7 Student Team Backing HM Coastguard

A supervised group of senior pupils now provides behind-the-scenes support from the school’s new Coastguard centre.

Overview

  • Eight pupils aged 17 to 18 are on call at all hours to assist north‑east Scotland operations with communications and logistics.
  • The school says this is the first UK example of a round‑the‑clock, school‑based support team for HM Coastguard.
  • Students are organized into alternating watch teams, respond by pager, gather at the centre for kit, then deploy to a forward control point.
  • At least two Coastguard‑trained Gordonstoun staff oversee every callout under strict supervision and safeguarding protocols.
  • Assistant Chief Coastguard John McBride praised the partnership, which builds on a wider cohort of 31 pupils supporting Coastguard activity.