Scouting is Growing in South East Scotland!
Martin Elliot
Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland
As 2024 draws to a close (can you believe how fast it’s flown by?), I’ve been taking a moment to reflect and look back on some of the year’s highlights and how we’ve moved forward with our Regional Strategy. Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more updates on our progress.
This year has seen us make major strides in expanding Scouting’s reach and impact across the region. From reopening historic groups to launching brand-new sections, it’s clear: Scouting is thriving, and it’s all thanks to the incredible dedication of all of you, our amazing Volunteers. You are all awesome. While reflecting, I want to spotlight one of our biggest achievements this year: the impressive growth in Scouting across the Region.
A Year of Growth: The Highlights
As an actuary in my day job, I always have to include some numbers. 2024 has been nothing short of epic for Scouting in South East Scotland. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Two new Scout Groups launched
- 15 sections opened or reopened, including:
- 6 Squirrel dreys
- 3 Beaver colonies
- 3 Cub packs
- 2 Scout troops
- 1 Explorer unit
- More than 2,100 adult volunteers are now supporting our young people across the Region!
This level of growth is massive, and it wouldn’t be possible without our tireless volunteers. A special shout-out goes to our District Lead Volunteers, who despite juggling countless tasks have devoted time to focus on growth and development to help expand and strengthen Scouting in their communities. Your hard work, often unrecognised and behind the scenes, is what makes all of this possible. Thank you!
But numbers only tell part of the story. Recently, I have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with many of our new sections and groups.
Stories of Revival and Community Spirit
9th Braid Scout Group: Back in Action! Earlier this month, the reopening of the 9th Braid Scout Group at George Watson’s College started a new and exciting chapter in its long history. I had the honour of performing the first investitures, welcoming leaders Ben and Jamie into one of our oldest Scout Groups, having first formed back in 1908 (find out more in their extensive archive). They then had the joy of investing the members of their new Beaver Colony and Cub Pack. It’s been a labour of love to get this group back on its feet, and it’s paying off with over 25 young people now enjoying the opportunities that Scouting provides! Hats off to Ben and Jamie, with vital support from Chris and Lead Volunteer Greig as well as their Trustee Board.
7th Ehsan Midlothian Scout Group: The New Kid on the Block In August, the 7th Ehsan Scout Group invited families in Bonnyrigg to join them for an open day. I was delighted to join them for the day, which was a blast, with kids trying out activities and discovering what Scouting is all about. Big thanks to Richard Fairbairn, District Lead Volunteer for Midlothian, and Zahid, Group Lead Volunteer from the 8th Salaam Braid Group for bringing their energy and passion. Since then, both a Beaver colony and Cub pack have kicked off, and we can’t wait to see this group grow. Further thanks are due to Richard and his district team, as well as the new volunteers in the group for their enthusiasm in getting the new group established.
20th AlFonj Edinburgh NE Scout Group: A Community Hub One of the most inspiring stories this year has been the rise of the 20th AlFonj Scout Group in Niddrie/Craigmillar. Driven by the local Sudanese community’s desire for Scouting, the group, led by Group Lead Volunteer, Fawzia, has brought together volunteers to create a space for all sections—from Squirrels to Scouts. I, along with other members of the Regional Team, were privileged to host and run a Learning day and were blown away by the enthusiasm and energy that the volunteers have for Scouting and supporting the young people. It’s clear this group is going to be a pillar in their community.
As well as Fawzia and her team, my thanks to Bill Ramsay as Lead Volunteer for Edinburgh North East and the District team for the work that they have done to support the new group getting started.
These stories are just the tip of the iceberg. Even more new sections are set to launch in the coming months, bringing the joy of Scouting to even more young people across the region.
The Dream Team Behind the Growth
None of this would be possible without the efforts of our dedicated Scouting Support Staff, Nacho and Amy. In just six months, they’ve injected so much energy and creativity into our growth strategy, helping bring more volunteers into the movement. And let’s not forget Calum Harvie, Local Growth Officer at Scouts Scotland, whose support has been invaluable. Together, they’ve been instrumental in helping us reach new communities and offer Scouting to more young people than ever before.
Growing for the Future
Explorer Scout Young Leaders are key to our growth as they provide vital support to our sections and also the skills that they learn as Young Leaders help prepare them to lead our Sections and Groups in the future.
Despite being heavily jetlagged I was delighted to join 62 of our Young Leaders recently for a dedicated day at Bonaly where they took part in a wide range of activities and shared ideas which will help shape Scouting in the Region. I would like to thank Allison Gamble and her team of volunteers as well as the team at Bonaly for putting on an amazing day.
It was also appropriate that part of the funding for the day came from money raised in memory of Ken Thomson, for whom Growth and Learning were strong passions throughout his long Scouting involvement.
A Busy Weekend of Scouting Adventures!
With so much growth and amazing development from our Adult Volunteers, it’s been a whirlwind year, but a fulfilling one! Here’s a quick peek at the variety of activities I got up to in arecent weekend as the Lead Volunteer in such a vibrant, engaged and active region:
Friday – I kicked things off at the newly reopened 9th Braid Scout Group, meeting with the Trustee Board and chatting about upcoming improvements to the volunteer experience.
Saturday – I was in awe at the Scottish Parliament, where our very own Iain Turpie and Luke Simpson stood proud as part of the Guard of Honour for His Majesty the King’s address, marking 25 years of the Parliament. What a moment!
After that, I joined forces with Girlguiding Scotland for their Annual Gathering, where we discussed how we can continue working together to bring even more opportunities to young people across Edinburgh. With our collaboration at Edinburgh PRIDE earlier in the year and the Gang Show next week (Book tickets here if you haven’t already) I’m excited at how we can build on this in the coming months and year ahead.
Sunday – One of my favourite things: providing learning opportunities for our volunteers! Our Achieving Growth event saw volunteers from across Scouts Scotland come together to share ideas and plan the future of Scouting. The energy was electric, and the future looks bright!
Looking Ahead
As we continue to work towards our vision—“preparing more young people in South East Scotland with skills for life, supported by amazing volunteers delivering an inspiring programme”—I’m beyond excited for what’s next. To every volunteer, leader, and supporter out there: THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO. You are the heartbeat of this incredible region and our movement.
Here’s to even more adventures, more growth, and more memories in the years to come. Onwards and upwards!
