New Bonaly Scout Centre Chair
Welcome Simon We are delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Innes as Chair for Bonaly Scout Centre with effect from 1st January 2026. Simon will take over from Peter Casebow who has moved into the role of Regional Centres Team Lead. Simon is currently a Cub Leader and the Group Lead Volunteer at 108th Pentland Scout Group as well as Regional Program Team, International Lead. Simon will retain these roles along with his new role as Bonaly Chair.He is well known across the Region having been involved in various roles in Scouting over the last 18 years including a spell serving as a Regional Trustee. Simon regularly volunteers at Bonaly to support the team and was heavily involved in the design and build of the new Amenity Hub. Simon also brings considerable business experience to the role and we look forward to an exciting future at Bonaly under his leadership. Simon said on his appointment “Bonaly is a fantastic and unique Scout Centre with an exceptional team of volunteers and staff and it’s a real privilege for me to be appointed to this role and have the opportunity to work with the team in taking Bonaly forward.” Martin Elliot Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland Peter Casebow Regional Centres Lead
Taking Scouting into Hospital
As Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland, inclusion has always been an important priority so I am delighted to share an update on one of our key initiatives as we work towards our Strategic aim to actively reduce barriers to membership to help make Scouting in the Region representative of our wider communities. This November, South East Scotland Scouts will launch an exciting new pilot programme bringing the adventure, friendship and fun of Scouting into the heart of the Edinburgh community – the hospital ward. For six weeks across November and December, a trial of “Scouting in Hospitals” will run at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh (better known as the Sick Kids), offering young patients the chance to enjoy a taste of Scouting during their stay. The sessions will be open to children and young people staying in the hospital, giving them a chance to take part in creative challenges, hands-on activities, team games, and badgework – all tailored to the hospital environment and each child’s abilities. The programme aims to bring moments of normality, confidence-building, and laughter to young people who may be facing difficult or uncertain times. It has been developed in partnership with the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity to ensure sessions are safe, accessible and inclusive. This is what Scouting is all about – reaching young people wherever they are and giving them the chance to shine. Even in hospital, young people deserve opportunities to try new things, build friendships, and feel part of something bigger. This programme is about hope, resilience and creating smiles. Volunteers Needed – Join Us in Making a Difference To make this project a success, South East Scotland Scouts is calling for enthusiastic adult volunteers to help deliver sessions as part of a small team. No prior Scouting experience is needed – just kindness, enthusiasm and a willingness to support young people. Volunteers will: Help run fun and engaging activity sessions Support children of different ages and abilities Receive full training and safeguarding support Be part of a pioneering new Scouting initiative Whether you can commit weekly or help occasionally over the six-week pilot, your time could make a real difference to a child in hospital. If you’d like to get involved, or simply find out more, please email hello@sesscouts.org.uk. Together, let’s bring Scouting’s spirit of adventure, resilience and community to where it’s needed most. Thanks for all that you do to support Scouting in our Region. Martin ElliotLead VolunteerSouth East Scotland Scouts
Comms Gurus & Comms Curious
You can’t pitch a tent alone, and telling our story is no different. We’re pulling together a team to rethink everything—from our social feeds and website to this newsletter. It’s a clean slate to experiment, create, and build a comms engine that actually works. Got an idea? Have an hour to spare for crafting a post, writing a blog, or finally figuring out those Word document margins? This is about making things that matter. If you want to use your skills where they’ll genuinely make a difference, come and build something with us. Sound like your kind of challenge? Let’s talk. Please email communications@sesscouts.org.uk
Vacancies at Bonaly Scout Centre
SEEE Update
End of 2025 expeditions || Planning for 2026 Our expedition season finished last week with a very successful Bronze expedition by the Turbo Ducks team from the Borders and East Lothian. We will shortly be inviting Explorers and Network members to let us know if they would like to do an expedition with us next year. Watch for further messages and updates on www.see-expeditions.org.uk . We are still looking for more volunteers to join the SEEE Core Team that organises the expeditions. This is the ideal time to join us, as we prepare to launch our programme for 2026. See the message already sent: We have an urgent need for more organisational/admin support. Most things can be done at home on a computer, at times that suit you. We also need someone to look after our not inconsiderable amount of kit to make sure it ends up in the right place. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in becoming involved with our team, please get in touch by email seee.team@sesscouts.org.uk to find out more. Remember, this does not need to be someone to have a particular role in Scouting, and it could be a good way to get to know the world of Scouting across South East Region. David Newton and John Buchanan for SEEE
Youth Update
Youth Update Uniform Bank: A SES Scouts we’re really fortunate to have a uniform bank. If you have a young person that is unable to afford a uniform, please email uniform.bank@sesscouts.org.uk, along with their section and size and we will get one sent out to your group free of charge. We also accept donations of uniforms that are no longer used (including badges!), please email us to find out on how to donate! 14-24 Awards Celebration (invites will go out on 15th Oct): We’re really excited to announce that we’ll be holding our first Explorers and Network awards celebration on 29th November. Invites for Young People and Adult Volunteers have already gone out! If you have any questions about the event or want to find out more, please email george.brightman@sesscouts.org.uk Youth Team Vacancies We’re currently looking to expand our youth team! If you’re aged 14-24 and are interested in advocating for the voices of young people across the Region and beyond (or know someone who is), please email george.brightman@sesscouts.org.uk. We’re especially looking for young people interested in programme, governance and engagement but are really keen to hear from anyone who wants to get stuck in with being youth shaped!
Portuguese Scouts Bring Their Spirit to Bonaly!
Last summer, the Portuguese Scout Group from Almada, near Lisbon, brought colour, laughter, and friendship to Bonaly Scout Centre during their week-long summer camp. With around 80 participants from all sections, the camp was a vibrant celebration of scouting and international friendship. Themed around Scottish history and folklore, the scouts were divided into five “families”: the Pookas, Kelpies, Brownies, Ceasg, and Wulvers. Each group embraced the theme with creativity, songs, and challenges inspired by the legends of Scotland. Among the many highlights was João, a 13-year-old from the Serpentes Patrol of the Scout section, who amazed everyone with his lightning-fast Rubik’s Cube skills, earning the title of the group’s pride! Younger scouts also shone — Ema, only 7 years old, proudly earned her Farmers and Construction badges during the camp, showing that scouting values start young. The Kelpies family stood out for their enthusiasm and humour, especially their leader — instantly recognisable by his funny horse mask! Their group salute video became a camp favourite, capturing the joyful spirit that filled the week. As the campfire faded on the last night, the scouts from Almada left behind not only laughter and memories but also a strong message of international friendship, adventure, and scouting unity.
Gang Show 2025
With three weeks to go until ‘curtain up’ the Gang are heading into final rehearsals, and the backstage teams are getting everything ready for another Edinburgh Gang Show at the Festival Theatre. We hope to see as many groups at the show to support our young people onstage. Gang Show has lots to offer our audiences (see promotional video below) so give it a go in 2025! Video Link Here The running time of the show is 2 hours 15 minutes including an interval. Tue 4 to Sat 8 November Festival Theatre Box Office – 0131 529 6000 (Group 8+) 0131 529 6005 – Group Discounts available. Book now – Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 – Capital Theatres
Young Leader Weekend in York 6-8 March 2026
South East Region Scouts are running a trip to York over the weekend of 6 – 8 March 2026. A note of interest email was sent to all 14-24 Team Leads to ask them to send out the information to all Young Leaders across the Region. Invites will go out to each District through OSM. Please speak to your Team Lead for Young Leaders or your 14-24 Team Lead for information regarding sign-up to this event when it goes live. Any questions then please email youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk
Skycamp 2025 at Bonaly Scout Centre
Nearly two hundred Explorers from across South East Scotland took part in Skycamp at Bonaly from 26th–28th September 2025. Teams built and stayed in camps set up between 50cm and 3 metres above the ground, using ropes, hammocks, and pioneering poles. The event focused on teamwork, practical skills, and making sure camps were safe and tidy. Building the Skyzones was a highlight for many, with Explorers enjoying the challenge of creating their own base in the trees. Cooking, eating, and sleeping off the ground made for a memorable weekend. Well done to Robert, Caroline, Caelan, Willa, Lucas and Max from Borestane Explorers, Pentland, for their efforts. Thanks to everyone who took part and helped make the event a success. Thanks to all the leaders involved and for the support of Bonaly Scout Centre. Fraser Dunmore