Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

17 Aug 2024

Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland

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.

Recognising Your Achievements

19 Jun 2024

Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland

Recognising Your Achievements

As we come towards the end of another Scouting year and a well-earned summer break, it is important to take time to reflect on the successes of the past year.

South East Scotland Region is in a strong position. We have continued to rebuild following the challenges of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis and have been able to grow new provisions, particularly in the new Squirrel Scout section, and to provide amazing experiences to nearly 7,000 young people.

I am immensely proud to lead such a dedicated, enthusiastic, and supportive region and recognise that none of this would be possible without the hard work of all our members – young people and volunteers. Therefore, I have been delighted over the last month to be able to recognise and celebrate some of the members across our region.

In May, I was thrilled to present a Commissioner’s Commendation to George Beattie, the first Beaver Scout at the 44th Braid Scout Group to achieve all of the Beaver Activity and Challenge Badges plus at least level 1 in all of the staged award badges. This is an incredible achievement, and it was clear the positive effect that Scouting has had for George.

I have also had the opportunity to celebrate young people who are helping to lead our sections as Explorer Scout Young Leaders. I was privileged to present two Young Leader Belts recently. Well done to Luca at the 35th Braid and Jess at the 60th Braid for earning this top award, recognising the huge amount of work that they have done supporting their groups.

Recognising achievements helps build self-esteem and confidence among our young people. Scouts, who are celebrated for their accomplishments, gain a sense of pride in their abilities and contributions. This confidence often extends beyond Scouting activities, positively impacting their academic performance, social interactions, and future endeavours.

But it isn’t just our young people whose achievements it is important to acknowledge. Recognising our volunteers is equally important, validating their huge efforts and expertise, and hopefully helping to keep them as part of our amazing organisation.

Today, I want to recognise a member of our Regional team, John Buchanan and celebrate a most remarkable level of commitment to young people through the DofE Award as John completes fifty years as a volunteer running the DofE Award.

John wears many DofE hats—as a leader with young people, a manager supporting our volunteers, providing DofE in our Explorer Units and Network sections, and providing guidance and encouragement to young people to overcome obstacles to completing their Award. Expeditions are a key part of the Award, and again, John is at the heart of this, both behind the scenes in managing and planning, as well as acting as an assessor.

I hope you will join me in expressing our huge gratitude to John for his outstanding passion, commitment, and experience over so many years, and the huge part that he has played in helping so many of our Explorers and Network members achieve Top Awards in Scouting.

I was also pleased to see several volunteers recognised for their contribution to Scouting in the region and beyond at the first Scouts Scotland Awards event since COVID. We also continue to see many volunteers across the region being awarded Good Service Awards. However, we do recognise that we can still do more to recognise the invaluable role that our volunteers play, and Mike Treanor is looking at volunteer recognition as part of his role as Volunteer Development Lead. You can also help to recognise volunteers by submitting nominations for Good Service Awards. To find out how, please speak to your local District Awards team or to John Bruce, Regional Awards Lead.

Finally, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable summer break. While I know many are involved in camps and other events such as the Blair Atholl Jamborette, I hope that you have time to switch off from Scouting.

Thank you for the contribution that you have made and continue to make to our region.

Can you help our Lead Volunteer complete #OutdoorIn24

11 May 2024

As we get into summer and the weather (hopefully!) improves, many sections are taking the opportunity to spend more time outdoors and perhaps work towards the Outdoor in 24 Challenge.

Outdoor in 24 is an initiative by the Scouts to encourage young people to spend more time outdoors throughout 2024. Whether it’s for a single meeting, a Night Away event, or taking on the Outdoor in 24 challenge, the goal is to get Scouts outside and trying something new in nature.

The challenge involves completing a list of 24 exciting outdoor activities throughout the year, all aiming to get Scouts outside and engaged in outdoor activities. The Scouts have suggested a possible list of activities but this can be adapted for different ages, abilities, and locations as well as to incorporate activity ideas that young people might suggest. All those who complete the challenge can earn the Outdoor in 24 badge.

And it isn’t just young people who can take part in the challenge so I am looking for your help so that I can complete the Outdoor in 24 Challenge and earn my own badge.

I am grateful to Pentland District and 7th Braid Scout Group who have got me off to a good start but if you have an event coming up that will allow me to complete another challenge or you have a suggestion for what I should include in the remaining empty challenge slots I would love to hear from you. You can contact me at martin.elliot@sesscouts.org.uk.

You can see my Outdoor in 24 Challenge list here and I will endeavour to keep it updated as the year progresses. Also look out for details coming soon on how you can join me for a special challenge later in the year!

If you haven’t yet started your own Outdoor in 24 Challenge it’s not too late to join in. So, whether it’s stargazing, paddle-boarding, or visiting a local farm, embrace the adventure and make the most of nature this year.

You can find ideas as well as support and resources here.

Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

Martin Elliot

Recognising Your Achievements

Martin Elliot

Recognising Your Achievements

Can you help our Lead Volunteer complete #OutdoorIn24

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