Midlothian Archives

21st Midlothian Newtongrange raise money for Australia

4 Feb 2020

The 21st Midlothian Newtongrange Scout Group has raised an amazing £685.90 for the Australian Bushfire disaster at a fundraiser held at its hall.

The money raised will be split 50/50 between Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund and the Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund.

The Group would like to thank the local community who came and supported the fundraising effort and the young people and adults who gave up their time to make it all possible.

Could you lead Scouting in Midlothian?

6 Nov 2019

We now need a brilliant volunteer manager to continue to take Scouting forward in Midlothian.

Martin Browne has been Acting DC for one year, as he agreed with me. He is now moving on to become Assistant Regional Commissioner, Communications. He has worked hard to support leaders and I would like to appoint someone who can continue to help Scouting in Midlothian grow and develop.

Could you be the next DC? Or do you know someone who could be the next DC?

As the District Commissioner, you will offer support to Scout Groups, Explorer Units and the Network, and their leadership teams. You will manage adults, setting objectives and holding regular one-to-one meetings. Most importantly, you will ensure that Scouting offers an enjoyable and attractive programme for young people in Midlothian, helping prepare them for a bright future.

Although no Scouting experience is necessary, you will know how to motivate people and can produce a local development plan. You will have the charisma to inspire your District Team. And you will be well supported by the Regional Leadership Team. Above all, you will believe passionately in Scouting for All: helping Scouting grow, becoming more inclusive, more youth-shaped and making a positive impact in local communities.

It’s a challenging role, but the rewards are huge, improving the outcomes for hundreds of young people in Midlothian. Scouting offers fun, friendship and life-changing adventure to over 7,500 young people in South East Scotland Region. But this is only made possible by our talented teams of volunteers – and you will become a member of our Regional Leadership Team!

If you are interested or want to know more, please contact me at 0131 312 8956 or margery.naylor@blueyonder.co.uk or look at the info on https://sesscouts.org.uk/. You can also obtain more information from the generic Role Description issued by Scouts Scotland – please see the link below – or just fill in the application or nomination form below.

I hope that you will also want to circulate all the attached information to other leaders and parents as widely as possible, if you can.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Margery Naylor
Regional Commissioner, South East Scotland Scouts

DOWNLOAD DOCUMENTATION:

Volunteer vacancy pack

Welcome to Richard Fairbairn, the new DC Midlothian (Acting)

6 Nov 2019

I am very pleased to announce that Richard Fairbairn has agreed to be the new District Commissioner (Acting) for Midlothian. Martin Browne has worked very hard as the DC and is now moving on to become the Assistant Regional Commissioner, Communications. We will be going out to open competition for the post of DC Midlothian and the advert is in this month’s newsletter and on SES Scouts website home page.

Richard Fairbairn has 28 years adult service within Scouting, during that time he has always been involved in 14th Midlothian Bonnyrigg Scout Group, where he is currently the Group Scout Leader.

He is also on the District Executive, is a Nights Away Adviser as well as a Training Adviser.

In addition Richard is involved at a Scottish level, as Camp Leader of The Howling, Scotland’s National Cub Camp at Fordell Firs, and on the Camp team of Scotjam at Lochgoilhead.

Previously Richard has been Deputy District Commissioner and Assistant District Commissioner (Cubs) in Midlothian.

Richard said “I’d like to thank Martin Browne for his last year covering the role of District Commissioner. I know we are all extremely grateful for the hard work he has put into the role, and we look forward to working with him, in his new role.”

Richard can be contacted at richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk

I would like to thank Richard for agreeing to take over the reins as Acting DC and I know that he will do fantastic work in that role. I’d also like to thank Martin for the way that he has given so much time, energy and commitment to working with leaders in Midlothian and giving them support and advice whenever they needed it. He has done a great job!

Margery Naylor
Regional Commissioner, SES Scouts

Midlothian District Scouts, Adelboden, Switzerland 2019

7 Sep 2019

On Wednesday 24th July, 11 Leaders, 16 Scouts and 16 Explorers from throughout Midlothian District set off for Adelboden, Switzerland. We arrived safely after spending 28 hours travelling by coach and ferry.

On Friday we enjoyed a leisurely walk to Engstligenalp where Switzerland’s second largest waterfall can bee seen. The young people spent some time exploring the area, climbing rocks and enjoying the views. We also celebrated Damian and Linda’s wedding anniversary with cards, gifts and cake.

Saturday saw us visiting the Schilthorn where we invested seven new Explorers, a Cub Scout Leader and handed out a 10 year service award. On the way back down we visited Murren village and Birg where the young people and some of the braver adults attempted the sky walk.

On Sunday it decided to rain, a lot, so we adapted the programme to suit. Frutigen indoor swimming pool, then in the afternoon back at the chalet everyone took part in a bin bag catwalk, which was great fun for all. Ron and Gravy our coach drivers kindly judged the entries.

Monday 29th we visited the Top of Europe, Jungfrau, after a brief walk out onto the glacier which we had to evacuate due to several people suffering from altitude sickness.

Tuesday the sun shone very brightly, we all enjoyed some sightseeing and shopping in Thun. We also met some Swiss Scouts and helped them with their Monopoly game. We travelled to Spiez by boat and met up with Ron and Gravy who took us to Interlaken to visit the chocolate factory.

Wednesday was Kandersteg day. We took the gondolas to Oeschinensee, walked to the lake and some brave Scouts went for a swim before heading to the toboggans. In the evening we went to Swiss night, and one of our Scouts, Struan, kindly played the bag pipes and we sang Flower of Scotland, to about 200 other Scouts and Guides.

On Thursday 1st August we celebrated Caroline’s birthday, she thought we’d forgot. Caroline tested herself by taking part in the zip wire activity at the Adventure Park. We continued the birthday celebrations with a Luau and as it was Swiss National Day we were treated to a fireworks display at night.

Our last day, Friday, we visited Niesenbahn, Swiss Pyramid travelling by funicular to the top, the clouds lifted enough for us to get some spectacular views.

Saturday 3rd we said a sad goodbye to Adelboden, arriving home on Sunday.

Jo Whiting, Cub Scout Leader, Midlothian District

Want to know more about stars and planets?

7 Sep 2019

Then go to the Midlothian Science Festival at Newbattle Abbey on Monday 7 October from 7-9pm. Five Scouts from 12th Midlothian (Dalkeith) Scout Troop are presenting a session on astronomy. The presentation has been put together with an astronomer from the Royal Observatory Edinburgh and is suitable for all ages (and parents too).

Booking will soon be open at https://midlothiansciencefestival.com/ Please come along with your Colony, Pack, Troop or Unit and support the Dalkeith Scouts in learning about the night sky and enjoy some space-themed fun.

Download brochure

Martin Browne, District Commissioner, Midlothian. martin.browne@midlothianscouts.org.uk

Midlothian District Scouts, Adelboden, Switzerland 2019

20 Aug 2019

On Wednesday 24 July, 11 Leaders, 16 Scouts and 16 Explorers from throughout Midlothian District set off for Adelboden, Switzerland. We arrived safely after spending 28 hours travelling by coach and ferry.