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Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

Interested in getting a hillwalking permit?

24 Jun 2024

Picture of Richard McLeod

Richard McLeod

Scotland Region Assessor - Hillwalking

Anyone who wants to get a hillwalking permit for taking young people into the hills will require an assessment by a Scout Association appointed hillwalking assessor. Generally, this would be an assessor in your region but if none is available, assessors from other Regions can be approached.

To apply for a permit, you either need to have the relevant  Mounting Training qualifications or you need to be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of experience and skill. In addition, you will need to demonstrate knowledge of the activity POR Rules and how they affect the activity within Scouting. 

If you do not currently have the required level of experience to hold a permit but are interested in developing your own skills, you would be welcome to attend an “Assessment Training” weekend. However, you would need to:

  • have appropriate personal kit including walking boots, waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, suitable clothing (see the layering system), sleeping bag, sleeping mat, etc.
  • have a suitable rucksack for carrying your personal kit and lightweight camping equipment for one night on the hill. (Camping and cooking equipment can be provided on request.)
  • be able to walk over rough terrain not following paths, and on steep ground and be out for a full day (up to 5 hours travel time with appropriate rests and lunch break, bringing it up to a 7-hour day or more)
  • be prepared to undertake some navigation exercise during the hours of darkness to simulate low visibility conditions.

While the above list may feel a little bit daunting, if you are reasonably fit and want to learn new skills, the weekends are very enjoyable. While we will be travelling for several hours each day, the distance we travel tends to be low because of the time taken to do navigation exercises.

The South East Scotland Scouts team of assessors run two weekends each year, one in April and one around the end of September. The weekend allows us to cover the full syllabus, including the lightweight camping aspects. Our next assessment and assessment training weekends are:

  • 28 and 29 September 2024
  • 26 and 27 April 2025
  • 4 and 5 October 2025

If you are interested in attending an assessment / assessment training weekend, please get in touch by sending an email with the following information to the following address:  hillwalking@sesscouts.org.uk 

  • Name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Permit type you are looking for: T1 Summer or T2 Summer
  • What you are attending for: Assessment or Assessment Training
  • For assessment, you will also need to provide an application form and your walking log.
  • For Assessment training, you do not need to send us any forms, but an outline of your hillwalking experience would be helpful, including a walking log if you have one.
  • Emergency contact details, including name and mobile phone number.
  • Any medical issues that we need to know about, for example asthma, allergies, etc.

If you simply have questions or would like to find out more, please feel free to also contact us through the hillwalking email address.

I look forward to seeing you on the hill.

Edinburgh Gang Show update – June 2024

Edinburgh Gang Show update – June 2024

24 Jun 2024

Picture of Scott Walker

Scott Walker

Gang Show Marketing Lead

Supporting your local Gang Show

With the holidays approaching the Gang are in the final pre-summer rehearsals and already a huge amount of work has been undertaken.

If you are meeting over the summer holidays to plan your Autumn/Winter programme, please consider a trip to the Festival Theatre to support the Edinburgh Gang Show 2024.

Follow us on our social media platforms and new for this year we have Aonghas Hunter creating content for the South East Region TikTok. Give it a follow and find out more about the build up to the show!

More Cubs wanted!

We are offering another opportunity for Cub Scouts to be in this year’s show. Please pass the details on to Cubs who may be interested.

Cub Scout – Junior Gang Audition

  • Sunday 25th August
  • 2pm
  • St Ninian’s Church, Corstorphine

More details will be in the next newsletter and on social media. To visit our various social channels, please click on one of the links below.

Remember to save the date

Edinburgh Gang Show 2024

Edinburgh Gang Show 2024
Festival Theatre

Tue 29 October to Saturday 2 November

Tickets on sale now from Capital Theatres – Edinburgh Gang Show 2024 (capitaltheatres.com)

Recognising Your Achievements

Recognising Your Achievements

19 Jun 2024

Picture of Martin Elliot

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. 

Skills for Life and Youth without Limits

Skills for Life and Youth without Limits

19 Jun 2024

Picture of SEEE Team

SEEE Team

South East Explorers Expeditions

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Explorers are very active across our Region and are involved in a huge range of activities.  DofE often provides a focus for their interests, with Bronze, Silver and Gold levels providing internationally recognised certification that dovetails perfectly with the Chief Scout’s Award Platinum and Diamond, and the King’s Scout Award.   

Though some Explorers choose to do DofE through their school, many do it through Scouting, thanks to the efforts of a large group of adults who take on the task of organising DofE locally.  As a result, from August 2023 to June 2024, the following Awards were gained in the Region:

83

45

17

Total number of Awards 145

Twelve of our Golds will be attending the ceremony at Holyrood on 5 July.

EXPEDITIONS

Hillwalking and Biking

This is the most high-profile section of DofE, and one which is often hard to organise at a local level.  Because of this, we encourage Units and/or Districts to run their own Bronze expeditions, with assistance, if necessary, but we run expeditions for Silver and Gold at Regional level through SEEE (South East Explorer Expeditions).  We have built up a strong team of excellent adult volunteers who have already been very active this season. We ran two training days in March plus one Silver Qualifier, and we are nearing completion of the June Practice expeditions: 

7 Hillwalking Expeditions:

63

55

2 Biking Expeditions:

5

16

These include several candidates with Additional Needs, and we are very keen to emphasise that both DofE and Scouting will do everything possible to ensure that every young person can complete an expedition, regardless of the specific challenges they may face. 

Canoeing

This season’s DofE canoeing is well underway, with 32 Explorers from across the Region undertaking training for their Silver or Gold Expedition.  The training we provide in canoe expedition campcraft, navigation, route planning and paddle skills is helping the Explorers develop their knowledge of something that’s new to many of them, and whilst the Explorers all have different paddling abilities they share a common goal of wanting a new challenge in how they do their next DofE expedition.  

Starting out with training sessions on the Union Canal, the Explorers have been learning (or improving) their paddling skills and then putting them into practice in more challenging conditions (and learning capsize rescues) on open water at Lochore Meadows and Loch Venachar ahead of their Practice and Qualifying Expeditions later in the summer.  Our special programme this season involves the Gold paddlers gaining moving-water paddling skills ahead of the chance to paddle the Lough Erne Canoe Trail in Northern Ireland next year for their Qualifying Expedition.  

If any adults are interested in joining our welcoming Leader Team providing Explorers with a fun, challenging and memorable experience paddling on Scotland’s lochs, camping in castles on islands and achieving new skills, or have Explorers looking to do their expedition by canoe in the future, get in touch! Our programme of training and expeditions can be seen on the Longcraig Explorers website (www.craigalmondscouts.org/longcraig-explorer-unit/). 

Steve Hankin, DofE Canoeing Lead for SEEE 

Email: steve.hankin@yahoo.com 

First Aid

SEEE recently ran a first aid course for 32 Explorers and 3 volunteers. One of main aims for DofE expeditions is that the participants are trained and have the skills to complete their expeditions without direct adult supervision – and having a holder of an advanced First Aid qualification in each expedition group allows expeditions to be held in some of the more remote and adventurous terrain that Scotland has available.

We’re indebted to FAST Training (First Aid School Training), a community interest company (CIC) who focus on training many hundreds of young people each year in Scottish schools, and have expert trainers drawn from the emergency services and mountain rescue.  

We’re delighted to announce that everyone gained two externally recognised qualifications: 

  • First Aid at Work which would allow them to be a First Aider in any workplace. 
  • Outdoor First Aid (16 Hours). 

For our expeditions, it means they have the highest level of First Aid qualification required in Scouting for adventurous and remote activities, and the technical knowledge to act a trainer for First Response. 

Volunteering

This key section of DofE is also fundamental in Scouting.  Many Explorers are Young Leaders, and they make a huge contribution to the younger sections they help.  Others are sports coaches in schools or clubs, assistants in charity shops, part of an environmental team … the list is endless.  Each year DofE adds up the hours of volunteering and this certificate shows the hours recorded in our Region: 

It is worth noting that the actual time given could be much more.  For instance, a Young Leader helping for 3 months with a Cub Pack meeting for one hour is likely to be doing nearer an hour and a half per week, plus work on their YL Training, though it counts as only one hour per week for DofE.

Residential

The Residential, an extra section for Gold DofE, can be tricky to arrange, and covers many areas.  The Blair Atholl Jamborette has always been a popular option for adult leaders, but Explorers can now use it, too, so long as they have arranged it properly in advance.  Others have attended the excellent Bushcraft course at Meggernie, or the Environmental course at Fordell Firs, or have helped with events at Lochgoilhead. 

Administration

Exploring

Explorers live up to their name, and many Units are quite hard to track down, as they do not meet that often in their hall. Apart from doing expeditions, being Young Leaders and completing DofE, they are currently focused on things such as: 

  • Blair Atholl Jamborette 
  • International trips like Kandersteg 
  • All sorts of camps, hikes and adventurous activities 
  • Meeting with Explorers from other Units 

These wonderfully varied activities certainly build the Skills for Life that we aim to provide in Scouting, for Youth without Limits as envisaged by DofE.

Adults

None of the above would happen without the involvement of our dedicated adult leaders, assistants, trainers and helpers, and we can always use more.  There are opportunities to be a Leader with a Unit, to support DofE or, of course, to help run the Expedition section. For expeditions, we would be very happy to hear from anyone with skills in hillwalking, biking or paddling who could offer at least one day.  Note that it is not necessary to have a permit to assist, and we would advise on any Scouting procedures required. If you are interested in any of the above, please contact us using expeditions@sesscouts.org.uk. 

John Buchanan and the SEEE team 

https://see-expeditions.org.uk/ 

Learning update – June 2024

Learning update – June 2024

19 Jun 2024

Picture of Mike Treanor

Mike Treanor

Volunteer Development Lead

Validation of Completed Modules: Action Required

As you are probably aware, South East Scotland Region is an Early Adopter with regard to the Transformation of the Volunteer Experience.

As part of this, our membership data currently on Compass, including the training members have completed and which has been validated, will transfer over to a new Digital System later this year.

However, training which has been completed but is unvalidated will not be migrated onto the new system.

Therefore, if you have unvalidated training, it is very important that you take action before the end of the year otherwise you may need to re-do some modules post the Transition to the new system. 

Getting Started Modules

All Volunteers

Module 01 - Essential Information *

You’ll learn about our history and the fundamentals of Scouts, get an overview of how we keep people safe, and how we make sure everyone is welcome.

You’ll also learn about our training scheme, our structure and the support available to you.

Find out more 

SFTY - Safety*

You’ll learn about your responsibilities for keeping young people and adults safe, what to do in an emergency and how to report incidents.

Doing things safely is fundamental to everything we do in Scouting. The Safety training ensures that you understand your responsibilities for keeping everyone in Scouts safe and how to assess and manage risk.

Find out more

SAFE - Safeguarding*

You’ll learn how to keep young people and adults at risk safe, how to recognise abuse and how to report a concern.

You’ll also learn about our Safeguarding Policy and our Code of Practice, known as the Yellow Card.

Find out more

GDPR - General Data Protection Regulations*

You’ll learn how the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) applies to your role, how to treat Personal Data and what are the Individuals’ rights.

You’ll also learn about requesting consent, and the measures taken locally to make sure we’re aligned with GDPR.

Find out more

Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Section Assistants

Module 02 - Personal Learning Plan (Not for Section Assistants)

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

Module 03 - Tools for the Role - Section Leaders

You’ll learn about the roles in your section, and how we use activities and games at Scouts. 

You’ll also learn about Youth Shaped Scouting, and get some tips on promoting positive behaviour.

Find out more

Managers & Supporters (GSLs, DCs, ASU Managers, assistants and deputies of same)

Module 02 - Personal Learning Plan

Every learning journey is different. Meet with your Training Adviser to create a Personal Learning Plan that takes into account the requirements for your volunteer role and your individual learning needs.

Find out more

Module 04 - Tools for the Role (Managers and Supporters)

You’ll learn about your team’s roles and responsibilities, and how to deliver a quality programme.

You’ll also learn about the six areas of leadership and management, and get tips on time management and personal skills.

Find out more

Trustees (including office bearers)

Trustee Introduction*

The aim of this module is to provide the Charity or managing Trustees with information on their legal responsibilities and current regulations. You only need to complete this module if you have a role as a trustee.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY END AUGUST 2024: If you have completed the modules marked with *, but not had them validated, please send the Certificate generated at the end of the module to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

If you have completed either version of Tools for the Role, please send the certificate to your Training Adviser and discuss with them what you will do / have done to meet the validation requirements.

The Personal Learning Plan for Leaders, Assistant Leaders, Managers and Supporters can be done in discussion with a Training Adviser – reach out to them to arrange a meeting to discuss.

Training Beyond Getting Started – Wood Badge Requirements

This comprises Modules 5,7,8,9,11,12a,12b,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 plus any other additional modules you have completed.

Module 05 - Fundamentals of Scouting

You’ll learn about the Scouts principles and values.

You’ll also learn about our Religious Policy, and how we encourage spiritual development at Scouts.

Find out more

Module 07 - Scouting for All

You’ll learn about inclusion, and how to make Scouts more inclusive for all. 

You’ll also learn about equality, diversity and inclusion (the legal bits), inclusive language, and where to find further information.

Find out more

Module 08 - Skills of Leadership

You’ll learn about models, tools and techniques for effective leadership, and leadership styles.

Find out more

Module 09 - Working with Adults

You’ll learn about effective communication, listening skills, decision-making structures and representing others.

Find out more

Module 11 - Administration

You’ll learn best practice on how to manage administrative tasks at Scouts, and what your responsibilities are towards Data Protection Act/GDPR, record keeping, finances and insurance requirements.

Find out more

Module 12A - Delivering a Quality Programme

You’ll learn about how we deliver quality Scouting to young people, and the key elements of the programme for each section.

You’ll also learn about our badges and awards for young people, our Young Leader’s Scheme, and how we promote Youth shaped Scouting.

Find out more

Module 12B - Programme Planning

You’ll learn how to plan and review the programme for your section.  

You’ll also learn a variety of methods to generate programme ideas. 

Find out more

Module 13 - Growing the Section

You’ll learn about recruitment and retention of young people and adults.

You’ll also learn about the tools and support available to you to help develop the sections.

Find out more

Module 14 - Supporting Young People

You’ll learn about the characteristics and development of young people, and how to create a supportive environment for them.

You’ll also learn about external influences on young people, and how to respond to issues that affect them.

Find out more

Module 15 - Promoting Positive Behaviour

You’ll learn how to define and respond to challenging behaviour.

You’ll also learn principles and strategies to plan for positive behaviour, and where to find additional support.

Find out more

Module 16 - An Introduction to Residential Experiences

You’ll learn how to plan, organise and administrate residential experiences, and what skills your team should have to run them.

You’ll also learn about the Nights Away Permit Scheme, and how residential experiences help develop young people.

Find out more

Module 17 - Running Safe Activities

You’ll learn how to plan and run exciting, safe and developmental activities for young people in your section. 

You’ll also learn about a balanced activity programme, risk assessments, the role of leader in charge and about permits. 

Find out more

Module 18 - Practical Skills

You’ll learn practical skills for your role, and how to share them with young people.

Find out more

Module 19 - International

You’ll learn about world Scouting and international Scout events.

You’ll also learn about the benefits of international activities to young people, and how to include international aspects in your programme.

Find out more

REQUIRED ACTION BY END AUGUST 2024 : If you have completed these modules, but not had them validated, please engage your Training Adviser or Line Manager and work with them to have your training validated and ask them to update Compass.

Alternatively, for Modules 5,7,8,9,11,12a,12b,13,14,15,16,17, 18 and 19, you can go into this online portal and submit your validation evidence, and a member of the Regional Team will review this and confirm validation.

Mandatory Ongoing Learning

There is a requirement to complete the Safety, Safeguarding and First Aid Modules (for some roles) within the first five months of joining as a volunteer and then every three years.  Please check Compass to see when your mandatory learning expires and, if necessary, renew any that have expired or will expire soon. For Safety and Safeguarding simply work through the online learning then send the certificate to your Training Adviser or Line Manager and ask them to validate the training on Compass.

Graham Coulson awarded MBE in Kings Birthday Honours List 2024

Graham Coulson awarded MBE in Kings Birthday Honours List 2024

15 Jun 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.
 
 
 

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