A New Face at Bonaly

A New Face at Bonaly

Picture of Peter Casebow

Peter Casebow

Chair, Bonaly Scout Centre

Welcome Sean Crossan as our new Co-Warden and Activity Manager

In Mid-January we were delighted to welcome Sean Crossan to join the team at Bonaly as our new Co-Warden and Activities Manager.

Sean has just completed a Masters at University of Edinburgh in Outdoor Education and has worked in the outdoors for seven years including spells as a site manager of an activity centre in Oxford, a ski instructor in Canada and an instructor in other international centres.

Peter Casebow, Chair, Bonaly Scout Centre said “It’s fantastic for Bonaly and the Region to have been able to recruit someone of Sean’s quality for this role. Sean’s role includes leading our team of Volunteer instructors as well as developing the programme and activities on offer at Bonaly and we’re really looking forward to working with Sean in the coming years.”

Sean replied “Bonaly is such a fantastic site and has the most dedicated team of Volunteers behind it. I can’t wait to get started and help everyone to make the most of what Bonaly and Scouting has to offer.”

Leaders Training Day -10th May

 

If you want to brush up your scouting skills or learn new ones why not come along to our free leaders day on 10th May which will focus on traditional scouting skills and campcraft, getting to know other leaders and running sessions with your groups.

The day will start at 9:30 and finish 16:30.

Sessions will include;

  • Camp Craft- Pitching a campsite, tool handling with a group & whittling
  • Fire Lighting- Methods on how to light a fire, Fire Safety with a group & running a fire session 
  • Shelter Building- Introduction to shelter building methods using all natural materials as well as tarps.
  • Knots 101 & Flintstone Cars- Introduction to basic knot tying and lashing, building a Flintstone car with other leaders using these skills!
  • Axe Throwing- Axe throwing on the range with Tomahawks and Angel Axes

 

To register your interest please email: sean.crossan@sesscouts.org.uk

Parties and Planning for SEEE

Parties and Planning for SEEE

Picture of SEEE Team

SEEE Team

John Buchanan
South East Explorers Expeditions

SEEE Social

SEEE was delighted to host its first social meeting for the volunteers who help make expeditions possible for some 150 Explorer Scouts and Network members, with options this year for hillwalking and biking.

As well as providing an opportunity for the team to catch up and swap ideas for this year, Martin Elliot, Lead Volunteer, dropped in to present a number of Awards. We picture Neil Wotherspoon and Colin Gibson receiving Commendation Awards for all their work providing expeditions for those with individual needs, and Kyla, a recent King’s Scout Award recipient and expedition participant, giving Neil our new SEEE necker. Martin also presented an Award for 15 Years service Award to longstanding SEEE volunteer Janet Paterson, and we’d also like to recognise Val Bichener and Phil Young for recently received Service Awards.

Expeditions 2025

We are in the process of sending out information to set up the expeditions and training for Silver and Gold Hillwalking expeditions. Biking will follow shortly. The deadline for Bronzes to apply for an expedition is 2 February, and their training and expeditions will be arranged in Districts, where possible.

DofE in general

Those starting DofE and those moving up a level are reminded that they should register as explained on our page https://see-expeditions.org.uk/register-for-bronze-silver-or-gold-dofe/. Our website contains up-to-date information on expeditions, and general advice for all participants.

Adult helpers needed

We are currently recruiting adults to help with training at Bonaly in March, for Practice expeditions in May/June, and for Qualifying expeditions in August/September.  If you think you could help (and you do not need a permit) please complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/sesscouts/helping-hillwalking-expeditions-202 .  After submitting it, you will receive a link that allows you to modify it directly if things change.  You can also contact us on seee.team@sesscouts.org.uk

Join the Regional Communications Team and Make a Difference in South East Scotland Scouts!

Join the Regional Communications Team and Make a Difference in South East Scotland Scouts!

Picture of Nacho Luna B

Nacho Luna B

Youth Lead for South East Scotland

Are you passionate about sharing stories, engaging communities, and supporting Scouting across South East Scotland? We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Regional Communications Team!

Scouting is built on the dedication of volunteers who inspire young people and support fellow adults. By becoming part of our Communications Team, you will play a vital role in promoting Scouting, celebrating achievements, and ensuring our messages reach the right people.

 

Why Join the Communications Team?

  • Make an Impact – Help showcase the incredible work of Scouts, leaders, and volunteers across the Region.
  • Develop New Skills – Gain experience in social media, digital marketing, photography, videography, writing, and design.
  • Enhance Your CV – Whether you are looking to boost your career or add new skills, volunteering in communications can be a great asset.
  • Flexible and Fun – Contribute as much or as little as you can, in a way that suits you. Work alongside a supportive team with a shared passion for Scouting.
  • Support the Scouting Community in the Region – Help leaders, young people, and groups across the Region feel connected and informed.

We are looking for volunteers with skills or interest in:

  • Social Media Management
  • Web Design Management
  • Photography & Videography
  • Content Writing & Storytelling
  • Event Promotion

No formal experience is necessary – just a willingness to learn and a passion for Scouting!

How to Get Involved

 

If you would like to find out more or express your interest, please contact Nacho Luna Borras, Scouting Support Lead nacho.lunaborras@sesscouts.org.uk

Together, we can make sure the stories of Scouting in South East Scotland are heard far and wide!

Put these Key Gang Show Dates in Your Diary

Put these Key Gang Show Dates in Your Diary

Picture of Scott Walker

Scott Walker

Gang Show Marketing Lead

The Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 will be held between Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th November 2025 at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre

The audition dates for the Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 are as follows:

Main Gang Auditions – (Scouts, Guides, Explorer Scouts, Rangers, Network)

Sunday 27 April @ St Anne’s Parish Church, Kaimes Road, Edinburgh

Junior Gang Auditions – (Cub Scouts & Brownies)

Sunday 11 May @ Blackhall, St Columba’s, Columba Road, Edinburgh

Full details about auditions will be in following newsletters.

Regional Uniform Bank

Regional Uniform Bank

Picture of George Brightman

George Brightman

Youth Lead for South East Scotland

We are really excited to launch our new uniform bank as part of our goal to make Scouting more accessible to young people. As a Region, we are opening a Uniform Bank, which will gather and re-distribute uniforms and badges free of charge to young people who need them the most. The uniform bank has been made possible through a grant from the Region’s Inclusion Fund.

Along with the uniform, the young person will also receive the badges they need to begin or continue their journey with us.

George Brightman, Regional Youth Lead said “As a Region it’s essential that we provide support to young people who cannot access Scouting for financial reasons. I am absolutely delighted that the Regional Inclusion Team has agreed to support this initiative from the Youth Team!”

If you have any old uniforms you’d like to donate or want to request a uniform on behalf of a young person, please email: uniform.bank@sesscouts.org.uk

Recognising Our Fellow Volunteers

Recognising Our Fellow Volunteers

Picture of John Bruce

John Bruce

Awards Team Leader

Saying thank you and well done is one of the simplest, but most powerful ways to recognise our fellow volunteers. It really does count for so much. That’s why our award scheme is so important.

Recognising people’s contribution in a meaningful way will leave them feeling valued and motivated. The new membership system makes it easier to nominate someone who deserves to be thanked for their good service. I would encourage you to put people forward for an award and make them feel even more special – beyond a simple word of thanks.

We know you’re busy with Scouts and your other commitments, which is why the nomination process has been made as simple as possible. You should find everything you need below: More Information about the Awards Scheme can be found here and your guide to making a nomination can be found at the Awards page

Congratulations to our John Kennedy

South East Scotland Scouts are delighted that John Kennedy, who was the Edinburgh Area Commissioner when the Region was formed in 2008, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

John has held a wide variety of roles at local, District and National level, where he is currently the Treasurer for Scouts Scotland.

Over 46 years supporting Scouting, John’s dedication, enthusiasm and leadership have allowed many young people to gain #SkillsForLife and this honour is very well deserved.

 

Congratulations John from all your friends in South East Scotland Scouts.

In addition, congratulations to those members of South East Scotland who have recently received awards for the work they do in supporting Scouting in our Region.