"There are times in your life when you go through an experience that has a huge impact on your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Columba 1400 had that effect on me three years ago and continues to do so."

Columban graduate Jody's poem expressing how her life has changed, and her feelings about the future
26 January 2007

"When you said I'd be going on a journey, part of me thought it was just corny course-talk.  But, boy, were you right!  It was a personal journey that gave me the time to look within and decide if I liked the person I saw. "
22 September 2006

When young people enthuse about a project it is time to sit up and listen. Such was my experience at the 2004 annual conference of the Scottish Throughcare and Aftercare Forum. A seed was sown. 

Jeremy Millar, Robert Gordon's University

My name is Maryann Taylor and I am writing to tell you my story - how I got involved with Columba 1400 and how it helped me to turn my life around. I hope my story helps young people to realise what they are worth and capable of doing when they put their mind to it. Each and every person has the power within themselves to do anything they wish, and turn their life around to how they would like it to be. All you need to do is have faith and believe in yourself. A little hope goes a long way as I have found out for myself.
28 July 2006

Erin shares her experience of coming to Columba from her school in Glasgow:

"I'm missing everything about Columba, but I think that I have changed as a person - and I'm sure it is for the best.  I've not changed physically, I've changed mentally - the way I look at things and, I think,  my whole perspective on life has changed."

Emma's story of her Columban Experience - "This has been an amazing experience for me - if I could I would do it over and over again. Now I can say I'm a Columban graduate."
19 May 2006

If it wasn’t for Columba 1400 I think I would be six feet under by now. If you can take a few minutes to read my story and see how Columba 1400 can change a persons life at its most crucial point.
10 May 2006

A year after my special week to Columba 1400, its magic continues to release into my awareness. During my time on Skye I was aware of the tranquillity, support and unconditional acceptance of the selfless Centre staff.
14 April 2005

I think for most of the people who go on the Gemini Project, it beats any other training course hands down
11 April 2005

I was particularly struck by the drive and enthusiasm of the Princes Trust people. Their self motivation and personal belief and values have enabled them to overcome many difficulties and to tackle ongoing challenges to continue to build successful and fulfilling lives. It made me think carefully about my own values system.
23 March 2005

When in Skye, I had a conversation with Robert Henderson about the film "Being There". I had only seen the film once and as a boy, sitting up late one night with my dad. As is common for boys in there early teens, my dad liked it, therefore I liked it. It tells the story of a man who is essentially an idiot - his world is concerned only with tending the garden and watching children's cartoons on television.
15 February 2005

Well that’s how fairy tales usually start, but this is not a fairy tale it is the story of a journey taken by young people who have been looked after by Highland Council and staff who supported them to attend a Columba 1400 Leadership Academy.
01 February 2005