GONE HOME: MARGERY NAYLOR

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Margery Naylor peacefully at home on Monday 14th February.  

Margery was a member of Scouting in South East Scotland Region since 2002, joining the 82nd Craigalmond Group (Inverleith as it was known then) as an Assistant Cub Leader. She was a Leader with the Friday Cubs until 2018 and many young people benefited from the enthusiasm and passion that Margery and Sarah (her fellow Leader) brought to Scouting over the years. She made a significant contribution to the community of Cramond through her leadership roles and by serving on the Group Executive Committee. 

At Regional and Scottish level, Margery prioritised keeping young people safe by ensuring volunteers were supported through effective safeguarding training programmes as well as providing support to Commissioners across Scotland during challenging times. Margery held several Regional roles including Safeguarding Awareness Coordinator, Assistant Regional Commissioner (Adult Training), Regional Trainer and Regional Training Adviser. She had a well-earned reputation for encouraging volunteers to explore new opportunities, and supporting others in maximising their contribution to Scouting in the Region.   

In September 2017, she was appointed as Regional Commissioner for South East Scotland where she focused on the growth and development of Scouting in the Region ensuring that amazing opportunities were available to as many young people across the Region both now and for the future. In her 3-year tenure in the role she made a huge impact including undertaking reviews of Bonaly and Longcraig Scout Centres, bringing together a strong Regional Leadership Team, establishing the Scouting Support Officer role, managing the Region through the initial stages of the Covid pandemic and so much more. 

Since retiring from a long career in social work, as well as her huge contribution to Scouting, Margery was also active in a number of other voluntary organisations.  In the last decade, her roles included: Vice Chair of Citizen’s Advice Edinburgh, President of the Cramond Association, and Chair of Voluntary Health Scotland. 

Regional Commissioner (RC), Martin Elliot said: “Margery was a huge supporter of Scouting and did so much during her time as RC to build and develop Scouting within the Region. She will be much missed by so many within the Scouting Community. Our sympathies go to her husband John, her sons Andrew and Robert and her family and friends.”  

John Cannon, Chair, South East Scotland Scouts added: “Margery’s energy and enthusiasm for getting things done was incredible and the Region made huge strides under her direction. She will be fondly remembered by the many people she supported and worked with across the Scouting Community”.  

Graeme Luke, CEO Scouts Scotland shared: “Her strong passion for Scouting, her attention to detail and her good humour will be missed by the many people that she supported.” 

There will be a Thanksgiving Service for Margery at Cramond Kirk on Monday 21st  February at 1pm to which all are warmly invited.  

Donations in memory of Margery can be made to St Columba’s Hospice  

February 15, 2022