Heading for the Summit

Heading for the Summit

Picture of Martin Elliot

Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland

In January I joined a delegation of volunteers and staff from the Region and Scouts Scotland to attend the Summit25 National Scout Conference in Birmingham. 

Bringing together more than 700 volunteers from across the UK and overseas, the event celebrated what has been achieved with our Skills for Life Strategy as we enter its last year whilst also reflecting on what we have learned from the challenges that Scouting has faced.

The event also allowed us to ensure that the views and priorities of our Region feed into the next strategy which will take us from 2026 – 2034, whilst also challenging us to think about what Scouting may look like in 10 years time.

Our Next Chapter

As we embark on a new chapter in Scouting, it’s important to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Scouting in South East Scotland has always been about empowering young people, fostering adventure, and building a strong sense of community. But as we look to the future, we must also embrace new opportunities, challenges, and ways of working to ensure that Scouting continues to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The needs of young people are evolving, and Scouting must evolve with them. Across South East Scotland, we are already seeing innovative approaches to Scouting activities, from incorporating new technologies into badge work to offering flexible meeting times that accommodate busy family schedules. These small but significant changes reflect our commitment to staying relevant and engaging to today’s youth.

Moving forward, we want to encourage groups to think creatively about how they deliver Scouting. Whether it’s exploring new outdoor spaces, integrating STEM activities into programmes, or partnering with local organisations to expand opportunities, there are countless ways we can ensure Scouting remains dynamic and exciting.

Growing our Movement

One of the key priorities for the future is growth. Scouting in Scotland has seen incredible expansion over the years, but there is always room for more young people to join the adventure. Our South East Scotland Region is full of untapped potential—communities where Scouting could make a significant difference. By working together, we can grow our numbers and extend the life-changing benefits of Scouting to even more young people.

Equally important is recruiting and supporting more adult volunteers. Leaders, assistants, and supporters are the backbone of Scouting, and ensuring they feel valued, trained, and equipped for success will be a major focus in the years ahead.

Sustainability and Inclusivity

As Scouts, we have a duty to protect the planet and foster inclusivity within our communities. Sustainability is a key part of our future. By encouraging eco-friendly practices and engaging young people in environmental initiatives, we can do our part to combat climate change and promote stewardship of our natural world.

I have made no secret of the importance I place on inclusion – and going forward this will remain at the heart of everything we do. Scouting is for everyone, regardless of background, ability, or circumstance. Our Region is committed to breaking down barriers, ensuring that as many young people as possible have the chance to participate and thrive.

Building the Leaders of Tomorrow

Finally, as we look to the future, let’s remember that today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders. Through Scouting, we’re not just teaching practical skills and fostering friendships—we’re helping to shape compassionate, resilient, and capable individuals who will make a positive impact on the world.

By providing opportunities for leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, we’re equipping young people with the tools they need to navigate an uncertain future with confidence and purpose.

A Shared Vision

The future of Scouting in South East Scotland is bright, but it depends on all of us. Together, we can build on our proud legacy, embrace change, and create an even stronger movement for generations to come.

Whether you’re a leader, volunteer, parent, or young person, your role in this journey is vital. Let’s work together to ensure that Scouting continues to inspire, challenge, and transform lives across our region.

Here’s to the next great adventure in Scouting!

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

A Youth Led Update

A Youth Led Update

Picture of George Brightman

George Brightman

Youth Lead for South East Scotland

Continuing our review of our progress towards our Regional Strategy objectives, this month looks at Youth Shaped, so Martin has handed over his usual update to George, our Regional Youth Lead. 

As we approach the end of this year, it’s important to reflect on what an amazing year we’ve had as a Region. Over the past twelve months, we’ve opened 2 new Scout Groups within communities where Scouting isn’t well represented and we’ve also re-opened or opened 15 new sections! It’s been amazing to watch the Region grow and develop since I started as Regional Youth Lead in February this year. 

Celebrating our Young People

More importantly, with our Youth Shaped Strategy due to launch early next year, we’ve begun to celebrate more young people for their achievements. Recently, myself and the Youth Lead for Braid, Alex, had the opportunity to present Commendation Awards to Lois and Luke for their support of the Region at various events and for their support of additional support groups undertaking DofE! We also ran a forum with Young Leaders from across South East Scotland at the recent Young Leaders Day, allowing us to better understand the support we can provide to them in their important role. 

Growing our Regional Youth Team

We’ve also been growing our Youth Team, with nearly a full team of District Youth Leads. If you’re aged 18-24 and are interested in becoming the Youth Lead for Craigalmond, Edinburgh North East or East Lothian, contact youth.lead@sesscouts.org.uk or get in touch with your Lead Volunteer.  

As a Youth Team, we had a fantastic time watching the Gang Show last month as well as representing the Region at the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament. As Youth Leads, we’re here to promote Youth Shaped Scouting whilst advocating for more opportunities for young people. If you’d like to know more about our work or have one of us visit your section to work with your young people, please do get in touch (youth.team@sesscouts.org.uk). 

With the new digital system having just gone live, please do make sure that you learn your way around it and complete any outstanding actions that you have. If you have any questions, please get in touch with your Lead Volunteer or the Regional Go Live Support Team (transformation@sesscouts.org.uk) 

Have a great Christmas and a very happy New Year! 

Scouting is Growing in South East Scotland!

Scouting is Growing in South East Scotland!

Picture of Martin Elliot

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

Jamie, Ben, Chris & Martin at 9th Braid Investiture

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.

7th Ehsan Midlothian Scout Group Open Day
20th AlFonj Edinburgh North East Scout Group Learning Day

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

Martin with Adult Volunteers and Young Leaders from across all 7 Districts at Bonaly

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!

Keeping Scouting Safe in South East Scotland

Keeping Scouting Safe in South East Scotland

Picture of Martin Elliot

Martin Elliot

Lead Volunteer for 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Ensure that Risk Assessments are in place and documented for all Scouting activities. Advice on how to perform Risk assessments is available here
  3. 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).
  4. If you own premises, make sure that all required safety precautions are in place. You might find the Scouts Premises Audit
  5. 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

Robert Anderson appointed District Lead Volunteer for Braid

Picture of Martin Elliot

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.