Outdoor Learning Team
Thriving Communities
Dolphin House is now part of the Thriving Communities Service which includes a wide range of teams who support schools and communities across South Ayrshire.
Administration
Our admin and management team can be contacted via dolphinhouse@south-ayrshire.gov.uk for any enquires or questions you may have.
Instructors
Our instructional team is made up of qualified and experienced outdoor instructors, assistants, and modern apprentices who ensure the safety of all visiting clients and adhere to the conditions of South Ayrshire Council’s Adventure Activities License.
Facilities
Our catering team Jen & Marion provides freshly made delicious and nutritious food three times a day. There is also a small supper provided before bedtime. We can accommodate any reasonable dietary wishes or requirements. Our facilities team Gillian & Amy ensures that you will find our accommodation comfortable, clean and welcoming. Geordie our store man ensures our equipment and grounds are maintained to a high standard.

Andre
Outdoor Instructor
What is the best part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is that no two days are the same. I get to work with lots of different people. Helping them to learn and appreciate the outdoors. It is great to see how positively people respond to being outdoors, overcoming fears and making lifelong memories.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
Rock pooling – using the unique setting of Culzean and letting people explore a great environment with very few barriers.

Neil
Outdoor Instructor
What is the best part of your job?
Sharing passions about the environment, science and the natural world. While engaging young people in transformative learning that happens in a residential environment – has to be my favourite part of the job.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
I tend to think about different environments to explore and the seasons which change these environments. Activities change with the environments and the time of year. Rock-pooling as an activity I think has the greatest educational value and potential.

Jim
Outdoor Instructor
What is the best part of your job?
No two days are ever the same. I’m always working with different groups, ages and backgrounds. The opportunity to instruct in various adventurous activities and take young people out of their comfort zone.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
Stand up paddle boarding is a new activity for me and I enjoy introducing young people to this during the summer months.

Linda
Outdoor Worker
What is the best part of your job?
I have been involved in DofE within South Ayrshire for almost 5 years. During this time I have developed a passion for the job and find it very rewarding. Building relationships and seeing the young people grow with confidence as they work through the awards and develop into fantastic young adults fills me with happiness.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
I love working with young people on expeditions, helping them develop their skills and confidence when spending time outdoors.

Fergus
Outdoor Instructor
What is the best part of your job?
I really enjoy working with young people and having a positive impact on their lives during their time visiting Dolphin House whether with a school or during a visit with a local community group.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
I really enjoy leading groups mountain biking to explore new, exciting trails and organising fun activities including a disco.

Steve
Outdoor Instructor
What is the best part of your job?
I enjoy getting to work outside in the fresh air and enjoying outdoor activities with all of our visiting schools and groups. I also like having the chance to challenge people to go out of their comfort zones.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
My favourite activity at Dolphin House is everything that is water based. I love being on the water and seeing how each and every participant makes lifelong memories whilst having fun.

David
Modern Apprentice
What is the best part of your job?
My favourite part of my job is meeting different people from all over the place and doing activities I would not be able to do in my free time. I enjoy learning new things from all of the instructors.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
I have enjoyed all the activities I have done including canoeing, paddle-boarding, caving, biking, team games and all the other activities offered at the centre.

Duncan
Team Leader
What is the best part of your job?
I enjoy developing new, exciting opportunities to give local people the chance to visit Dolphin House and take part in outdoor programmes which help them develop skills for life and make amazing memories.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
I love all of the outdoor activities the team offer. I like to explore new places and really enjoy working with groups to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition this teaches young people about overcoming challenges and helps build resilience and teamwork.

Calvin
Outdoor Worker
What is the best part of your job?
I love that I get to work in the outdoors in my job every day. Everyday is different and I get to learn something new. The team I work with are extremely positive and great fun to work with.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
My favourite activity would be stand up paddle boarding. It can provide adventure, thrills and most importantly fun.

Geordie
Handyman
What is the best part of your job?
I’ve worked at Dolphin House for over 20 years and have been here since opening. I like the scenery of where I work as it is a lovely place to work. I enjoy helping all of the team and the people who visit every day.
What is your favourite thing about Dolphin House?
My favourite thing has to be keeping everything tidy and smart for the groups who come here. I enjoy seeing the Country Park change over the seasons and love the summer sunshine when I’m always working outdoors.

John
Expedition Leader
What is the best part of your job?
I have been working as an expedition leader within DofE for the last 14 years. Working with other leaders we like to promote camaraderie keeping it light hearted and fun for all.
What is your favourite activity at Dolphin House?
I enjoy walking expeditions most at all the DofE Award levels. It’s a pleasure to witness teenagers develop into mature young adults and I am still delighted when they recognise me years later.

Activities

Meals

Call us +44 (0) 1655 884959 or
email dolphinhouse@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
The Dolphin House, Culzean Castle and Country Park, By Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 8JX