Working class Edinburgh lad with no passport realises travelling dream through army

A young working class Edinburgh lad who had never travelled abroad and struggled at school has spoken of how joining the army has helped him to realise his dream of exploring new cultures.

Allan Beveridge, 21, who grew up in Northfield, says that he would battle with teachers and struggle academically before leaving school at the age of 16.

His parents supported Allan and his two sisters in their hobbies but their working class social status meant that he was not able to gain a passport until joining the armed forces as a private.

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After being convinced by a friend who was already in the army to sign up, he has recently travelled to Germany, realising a long held desire of travelling outside of the UK to a foreign culture.

Before the army Allan says the farthest afield he had gone on his holidays was to Wales.

“Growing up, it was only my dad working and my mum had to look after us after primary school,” he said. “It wasn't until high school my mum picked up a job but my parents were still funding hobbies and after school clubs so that was taking up their funds which meant we couldn’t go on holiday outside of the UK, the furthest we travelled was Wales.

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“I never had a passport when I was younger and never questioned it as a kid as it would be pretty expensive to fund my two sisters, my brother and my mum and dad for a family holiday so I was just grateful for what I had. But when I saw my sister travelling when she was older it really motivated me to try to do the same.”

Like a number of young men, Allan struggled with the monotony of academic life and craved something more physically engaging.

After trying to follow in his father’s footsteps working in a warehouse, he decided to take a leap of faith and join the army.

“In school, I struggled with a lot of subjects as I couldn’t stay focused in class, and I didn’t really gel well with some of my teachers,” he said. “I had a real struggle when it came to gaining their respect and giving respect to them.

“I think the people I surrounded myself with had an impact on that as well. I didn’t get good grades and so it felt like my options were limited.

“At first I was not sure if the army was for me and I took up a job in the warehouse with my dad when I left school at the age of 16. But a friend who signed up convinced me to give it a try.

“I’ve found it’s different in the Army, since it is more physically and mentally challenging, and things I actually want to do, it helps a lot with my concentration and focus.

“I got to spend a week in Germany, training hard with my fellow soldiers – and gaining experience of some of the local culture – it is something I never thought I’d have the chance to do.

“The Regiment helped me through the process of getting a passport, which I’m hugely grateful for, and now I have the opportunity to travel to places I only ever imagined before while also furthering my career in the Army. The Royal Regiment of Scotland has 100 per cent pushed me out of my comfort zone but I think that’s what’s helped build my confidence.

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“I have the opportunity to socialise and train with people in places I didn’t think I’d get to see like Germany and other parts of Europe. I am grateful now for the opportunity to travel with the army as I get to go to places I have never been before, learn new things, support people and communities all while finding new travel inspiration for my own holidays.