Longniddry Group Lead Volunteer Cycles for St Columba’s Hospice
Twelve months ago, Longniddry Scout Group – Group Lead Volunteer, Paul Ince pedalled 300 miles from Bordeaux to Sete, on the Mediterranean coast, in aid of St Columba’s Hospice. Later this month, he will be back in the saddle as he ventures from Marseille to Lyon. Paul’s connection with St Columba’s Hospice stretches back more than a decade. Since the death of his sister, Susan in the hospice in 2010, Paul and his family has continued to support St Columba’s so that it can continue to provide its care to both patients and their families. The charity provides world-leading hospice care for everyone in Edinburgh and the Lothians free of charge. His experience 12 months ago has encouraged him to once again get back on the saddle and raise funds for the good cause. Paul says “I have previously taken part in the Celtic Challenges in 2012 and 2014, cycling from Edinburgh to Iona, to raise money for the rebuilding project which was taking place at the time. The hospice still requires additional funding so I signed up for this year’s challenge as soon as it was announced. I really enjoy cycling in France having been to watch the Tour de France a number of times so am really looking forward to this new challenge. Now, the countdown is on until Paul flies out to France, with his preparations well under way for the four-day event. To support Paul and to make a donation, go to stcolumbashospicecare.enthuse.com/pf/paul-ince Alternatively, you can donated using the sponsor form below. Download Sponsor Form
Community comes together to support Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service
The South Queensferry community recently came together in a show of support for the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), hosting a local session at the Scout Hall on Monday, August 5th. This heartwarming event saw a diverse group of young people, volunteers, parents, carers, guardians, and community members uniting with a shared goal of contributing to this crucial cause. One of the most touching moments of the gathering was when young Explorer Cooper Hardwick commemorated his 18th birthday in May by making his first blood donation. Cooper’s act of selflessness was inspired by the impact of blood transfusions on his grandad, who has received over 30 transfusions. Reflecting on his experience, Cooper shared, “It went well. My Grandad has had over 30 transfusions, and this has only been possible by others’ selfless acts.” His gesture undoubtedly brought immense pride to his grandad and served as an inspiration to everyone present. It has certainly made all of us in South East Scotland Scouts extremely proud and inspired! Lise Coles, Scout and Explorer Leader at the 21st Craigalmond South Queensferry Scouts and National Maintenance Manager at SNBTS, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am truly honoured to bring the Scouts and SNBTS together. By actively participating in community blood donation sessions, we can inspire our friends, family, and fellow community members to donate blood as well. The profound and far-reaching impact of blood donation plays a critical role in preserving the health and well-being of individuals across Scotland.” Jo Mitchell, District Lead Volunteer for Craigalmond, highlighted the significance of community involvement, stating, “The importance of community involvement, participating, and contributing within such a wonderful community not only supports and empowers grassroots scouting but also brings joy to all involved. Events like this contribute to building stronger, closer communities and creating brighter tomorrows for young people and society as a whole. Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland, Martin Elliot shared “I have seen first hand the life changing effect that blood donations have so I am exceptionally proud of all of those from the 21st South Queensferry Group who have put their Scouting Values into practice by participating in and supporting this blood drive.” If you are between the ages of 17 and 65 and have never donated blood before, please consider joining the blood donation drive. For more details on how to get involved and the impact of your donation, visit www.scotblood.co.uk or call 0345 90 90 999 (phonelines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). Each donation can save or improve the lives of up to three people. Finally, a special thanks is extended to Katie-lee Arrowsmith for her captivating photography, effectively capturing the spirit and essence of the event.
Keeping Scouting Safe in South East Scotland
I hope that all of enjoyed a well-deserved break over the summer. Whilst the Regional Team took some downtime, that didn’t mean that Scouting stopped with a lot of work going on behind the scenes to support Scouting’s ongoing commitment to Safe Scouting for all our members. Keeping young people safe is our top priority in Scouts. Following on from the inquest into the tragic death of Ben Leonard and the UK Scouts’ response to HM Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths, all Regions were asked to perform a thorough self moderation exercise. This covered the following areas: Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme Nights Away Training Visits Abroad Safety Support Following on from this exercise a set of prioritised actions have been identified. I am pleased to say that the moderation exercise highlighted the good work already going on to support Safe Scouting within the Region and my thanks go to those who supported this – in particular Mike Treanor, Bruce MacDonald and Simon Innes. However, we will not be resting on our laurels and the exercise highlighted that there are a number of areas where we could improve and Mike Treanor, Volunteer Development Lead, is working with the Regional Team and Regional Trustee Board to look at how we take these forward in the coming months. There are a number of ways that you can support Safe Scouting locally: Ensure that your Safety and Safeguarding mandatory training are up to date. If they have expired or are about to expire in the next couple of months please complete ASAP and get your Training Adviser or Lead Volunteer to validate on Compass. Ensure that Risk Assessments are in place and documented for all Scouting activities. Advice on how to perform Risk assessments is available here Ensure that appropriate First Aid cover is in place. Following the cessation of previous First Response Rules on 30th November 2024, all adult volunteers in relevant roles will need to hold a current Module 10A and 10B to act as First Aid cover on Scout activities with the date on which Module 10A is completed triggering the three-year renewal date of the learning (this used to be Module 10B). If you own premises, make sure that all required safety precautions are in place. You might find the Scouts Premises Audit Ensure that your Group or District’s Risk Register is up to date. Our Regional Leadership play a key role in supporting Safe Scouting and there have been a number of changes over the Summer: Robert Anderson has been appointed as the new Lead Volunteer for Braid District, taking over from Judith Wood. I look forward to working with Robert in his new role and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Judith for the huge amount of work that she has done as Lead Volunteer, leading the district over the last 6 years, steering the district confidently through some challenging times. I would also like to thank her for the invaluable support and advice that she has offered me and I am pleased that she is staying involved in Scouting in the District. Hilary Cartwright has completed her term as Lead Volunteer for East Lothian. I would like to thank Hilary for all that she has done to support Scouting in East Lothian not just in her five years as District Commissioner/Lead Volunteer but in a variety of roles over the years. Hilary’s enthusiasm for Scouting comes through in everything that she does and this was particularly evident during the challenges of COVID. I am delighted that Hilary is staying involved in Scouting in the District and am grateful for her continued advice and support. Until a new Lead Volunteer is appointed, I will serve as acting Lead Volunteer for East Lothian. Colin Liddle has been appointed as Regional Programme Lead. Colin, is also one of the Lead Volunteers in Pentland district, and is looking forward to working with the Programme team and looking at how we as a Region can better support them in the important work that they are doing. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Programme team for the way that you have continued to ensure the delivery of programme support whilst this position is vacant – we are fortunate to have a strong Programme Team in the Region and with the support of Colin’s leadership I am confident we can continue the positive momentum that they have built.
Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid
I am very pleased to let you know that I have appointed Robert Anderson as the new Lead Volunteer for Braid District. Robert will take over from Judith Wood on 1st September. In his new role, Robert will be responsible for providing leadership to the District’s Leadership Team, including its Group Lead Volunteers, and provide strategic leadership to Scouting in the District. Robert currently leads the Cub Section team at the 7th Braid Group based at George Heriot’s School. In his Scouting journey Robert has held a variety of roles including Assistant District Commissioner for Cubs in Blackford District, International Adviser for the Region and SHQ Commissioner for Cubs. I am delighted that Robert has agreed to take on this new role and am confident that his enthusiasm and dedication will ensure that young people and adult volunteers in Braid District continue to enjoy the opportunities that Scouting offers and I look forward to working with him to support and develop Scouting in the district. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Judith for the huge amount of work that she has done as Lead Volunteer, leading the district over the last 6 years, steering the district confidently through some challenging times. I would also like to thank her for the invaluable support and advice that she has offered me and I am pleased that she is staying involved in Scouting in the District. I hope that you will join me in congratulating Robert on his new role and thanking Judith for her leadership as she steps down.
Beaver Scout’s Remarkable Journey of Achievement and Royal Recognition
George Beattie, a dynamic Eight-year-old member of the 44th Braid Scout Group in Edinburgh, has set a new standard of excellence in Scouting. Demonstrating extraordinary dedication and enthusiasm, George has not only earned every badge available during his time as a Beaver Scout but has also been honoured with a Commendation Award for his remarkable achievements. A Record-Breaking Beaver Scout Journey George’s journey in the Scouts is nothing short of inspirational. During his time as a Beaver, he earned all 24 Activity Badges, including ‘Emergancy Aid’, ‘Disability Awareness’, ‘Global Issues’, and ‘Money Skills’. In addition to these, he also achieved 15 staged activity badges such as ‘Air Activities’, ‘Community Impact’, ‘Navigator’, ‘Paddle Sports’, and ‘Nights Away’, along with the Thistle Award, which focuses on Scotland, its people, and culture. His accomplishments culminated in the attainment of the Chief Scouts Bronze Award, the highest honour for Beavers, after completing all six Challenge Badges. George’s mother, Dianne, expressed her pride: “George absolutely loves Scouting and was an eager Beaver from the start. Following his brother William’s enthusiasm to participate in the weekly programme and work on badges at home, George also made himself very busy! We are fortunate to be part of such a hardworking and enthusiastic Scout group with dedicated leaders who encourage the development of skills and experiences.” The emphasis on developing Skills for Life has been a cornerstone of George’s success, equipping him with the knowledge and confidence to achieve his goals. Dianne continued “The OSM system has been invaluable at facilitating badge work. George would often rushed home from a weekly meeting and log on to see which elements had been completed, often before the leader would have a chance to get home, let alone log on and populate OSM!” TrailJam Adventure and Inspiring Others Having been inspired by his big brother, William, who did extremely well in Cubs in his own right, obtaining all but one of the Cub badges, and is now enjoying being a Scout and developing new skills. George’s own enthusiasm for Scouting has also inspired others in his group to strive for similar achievements. Another young Beaver, Matthew Allan, has followed in George’s footsteps and completed all Beaver badges as well. This sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement was evident during the group’s Cramond Island Adventure as part of TrailJam 2024. The Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts enjoyed exploring the island and collected several large bags of litter from the beaches, showcasing their commitment to community service and the environment. These activities are designed to instil valuable Skills for Life, such as teamwork, leadership, and environmental stewardship. Meeting Their Majesties In recognition of his outstanding achievements, George was selected to represent South East Scotland Scouts at the Edinburgh900 event, celebrating 900 years of the city. During this prestigious event at Edinburgh Castle, George had the honour of meeting Their Majesties The King and Queen. According to Kieran Collins, South East Scotland Scouts Communications Lead, “George became one of the first, if not the first youth member of the Scout Association to be presented to HM The King since he became Patron of the Scouts in June this year. Nationally, we know of no others who have previously met the King in this capacity.” While meeting their Majesties, George explained his recent achievements, which have been nothing short of remarkable, The King, who was clearly impressed, proclaimed “You are now my favourite Scout”. This declaration is not just a personal accolade for George but a shining endorsement of the values and accomplishments of Scouting. George was thrilled with this recognition: “I feel very proud to be the first to achieve this prestigious award and honoured to represent Scouting at such a significant event and to meet the King and Queen.” The Support Behind the Success The achievements of young Scouts like George are a testament to the dedication of the adult volunteers who make such achievements possible. The group, led by a committed team including Lucy Stewart, Mark Allan, Laura Szpruch, Paul Brennan, and Group Lead Volunteer Alison Hill, provides a robust programme that encourages children to excel. Activities have included everything from indoor sleepovers and visits to fire stations to hikes, picnics, and magic tricks. These activities are meticulously planned to impart essential Skills for Life, ensuring that young Scouts are well-prepared for future challenges. Lucy Stewart, George’s Beaver Team Leader, commented: “George’s dedication and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring. He has shown what can be achieved with determination and a passion for learning. We are all incredibly proud of him and his achievements.” Martin Elliot, Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland Scouts, praised George’s accomplishments: “I was thrilled to present a Commendation Award to George Beattie. This is an incredible achievement, and it was clear the positive effect that Scouting has had on him.” Looking Forward Now a Cub Scout, George has set his sights on earning all Cub badges, continuing his journey of growth and learning within the Scouts. His story serves as an inspiration to young Scouts everywhere, highlighting the rewards of dedication, hard work, and community involvement. George’s ambition reflects the core mission of the Scouts: to provide young people with the Skills for Life they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Graham Coulson awarded MBE in Kings Birthday Honours List 2024
We are proud and delighted to share that South East Scotland Scouts very own, Graham Coulson has become a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by being awarded an MBE in the Kings Birthday Honours List for 2024 for services to Scouting and to the community in Selkirk, Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale. This follows on from receiving Scouting’s highest award, the Silver Wolf, in 2013. Graham has led the way in improving the inclusivity of Scouting throughout the Region, but also across the UK in his role as the Practice Lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for UK Scouts. This has seen initiatives such as training to support members with additional support needs, mental health awareness, and our first Regional attendance at Pride Edinburgh come to fruition. Inclusion is an area that is easy to talk about, but what marks Graham out is the way that he has backed up what he says with action and his happiness to develop others through training and mentoring so that they can do likewise. Locally, Graham’s dedication to Scouting in the Scottish Borders is evident by his willingness to step into the role of District Commissioner during the COVID pandemic to provide leadership and support to volunteers and young people during an unprecedented challenge to Scouting, and through his hard work, Scouting continued to provide safe and fun opportunities to young people. All of this is done on top of his regular commitment as a Cub Scout Leader in his local group in Selkirk where he is highly regarded by young people, parents, and fellow volunteers. Alan Gueldner, District Lead Volunteer for The Borders said “Well done Graham, on this well deserved award. This award recognises Graham’s immense contribution to Scouting in the Scottish Borders but also nationally and internationally, as well as his long service to the Selkirk community.” Martin Elliot, Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland said: “Graham has made an enormous contribution to Scouting in the South East for over 50 years, and I’m overjoyed to see him recognised with this award. Graham’s work on Diversity and inclusion in particular has had a huge impact, locally, nationally and Internationally. Personally, Graham has been a mentor to me in this important area in my various roles and, in particular, since I took on the role of Regional Commissioner in 2021.” Congratulations Graham. Everyone involved in Scouting in the South East Scotland region is immensely proud of you.
Windsor Day of Celebration and Achievement 2024
South East Scotland member, Pippa Skinner recently travelled down to Windsor to take part in the Day of Celebration and Achievement with 400 other scouts from across the United Kingdom. The day itself is an opportunity for The Scout Association to celebrate and highlight the outstanding commitment and achievement of our King’s Scouts, Gallantry and Meritorious award recipients and adult volunteers. We caught up with Pippa to find out more about the journey that started in 2015 and culminated with receiving her King’s Scout Award in 2024. On 21st April, I was part of the Scottish contingent attending the Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle to be awarded my King’s Scout Award. My journey to Windsor began in 2015 when I joined 122nd Craigalmond (Comely Bank) Scout Troop. With the support of my Scout Leader, Graham Scrimgeour, and the 122nd leadership team, I took part in many activities over my 4 years in the troop. Highlights included going to a Danish Jamboree in 2017, camping (generally in the rain), abseiling, hiking and sailing at Lochgoilhead. With the encouragement of my Group Lead Volunteer, Graeme Robertson, I attended the World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia in 2019, which really gave me the appetite to achieve my King’s Scout Award. Moving up to the Pink Panther Explorer Unit, this opened up new opportunities to continue ticking off the stages for KSA. This included several novel and exciting activities created by Pink Panther Explorer Unit Leader, Fraser Dunmore including camps at Canty Bay and Weymss Firs, while also completing my expeditions and leadership challenges. This all culminated in camping in Finland for 2 weeks in 2022. My day at Windsor began by meeting other King’s Scout Award holders, which reminded me of the friendships I’ve made across the wider Scouting community and the challenges we have shared in achieving our awards. As the Scottish contingent led the 400 other awardees onto the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle, the sense of occasion and our shared experiences really hit home. It’s at this point I realised the contribution Scout Leaders make in our development, and particularly the impact Graham, Graeme and Fraser had in developing my #SkillsForLife. For anyone wondering if they should take on this challenge themselves and become a King’s Scout, I’d say, Just go for it and take advantage of all the opportunities you are offered. It’s all so much easier than you think, and you’ll be proud of what you achieve. I am now at the University of Exeter, and these skills made my move much easier and helped me to develop new connections and friendships. Everyone here at South East Scotland Scouts are immensely proud of Pippa and all of the Young People who have worked so hard and achieved so much. While congratulating Pippa, Fraser Dunmore, Pink Panthers Explorer Scout Unit Leader stated that Pippas’ “proactive approach to seizing every opportunity has resulted in an incredible journey. The life skills you’ve gained are invaluable”. Fraser continued by encouraging “all Explorers and Network members to embrace Scouting opportunities and pursue the King Scout Award challenge!” 122nd Craigalmond (Comley Bank) Group Lead Volunteer, Graeme Robertson noted that “Pippa is the first former Scout from the Comely Bank Scouts in living memory to have achieved the top award in Scouting. It has been an absolute delight to see her grow from a timid young Scout to a confident young adult, and we were lucky to welcome her back as a Young Leader with our Troop, while she was completing the service elements of her King’s Scout Award. I often talk to others (both within and outwith Scouting) about Pippa being a shining example of the opportunities Scouting can offer to young people, and the fantastic outcomes that Scouting can help them achieve. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to have played a small part in supporting her progress through Scouting.” Chief Scout, Bear Grylls OBE stated that “Our King’s Scouts make us all so proud. They’ve shown the courage, the kindness and the commitment to tackle anything in life, helping others and serving their communities. Not just of this great movement, but of our country too” Windsor – Take Centre Stage If, like Pippa, you’ve gained your Queen’s Scout Award or King’s Scout Award why not Take Centre Stage at Windsor Castle? Each year, we recruit young people and adults to take a leading role in our annual Day of Celebration and Achievement at Windsor Castle. We’re looking for enthusiastic people who’ll take on lots of exciting and challenging roles at the event. These volunteers make the experience enjoyable for everyone who attends. The Team of Ten includes six members of the Colour Party, who march with the flags throughout the day, and four members of the Service Planning and Delivery Team, who deliver the National Scout Service in St George’s Chapel. If you want to find out more or apply for 2025, please click here. The deadline to apply is 31 July 2024.
Jim Kelly Gone Home
