Volunteer Opportunity – Edinburgh Tattoo 2025
THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO 2025 Come celebrate The Heroes Who Made Us, as the Tattoo turns 75! The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the most spectacular show in the world, enjoyed by an international television audience of 100 million. But there’s no substitute for being there, as part of the 217,000 strong audience over its three- week run at Edinburgh Castle. As a member of Scouting, you can become part of it. The Scout Association in Edinburgh has been part of this fantastic experience since the first Tattoo in 1950 and you could be part of its magic, particularly in this special 75th year! We are looking for enthusiastic and confident Explorer Scouts and Young Leaders to be part of the sales team to sell programmes on the stands at the Castle Esplanade to the Tattoo’s home and international audience as they go to their seats. You will need to be available for about six or seven nights between 31 July and 23 August 2025. You will be on duty from 7.15 pm until approximately 9.45pm on weeknights and from 4.45pm – 9.45pm on a Saturday. Explorers and Young Leaders can possibly use the event to complete sections of their badge work or towards a section of their Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. As a “thank you” from the Tattoo each Explorer and Young Leader will receive a unique gift. If you are interested, then please complete the form below and return it by email to Sue.timmins@sesscouts.org.uk by 30 June 2025. For further information please contact Sue Timmins 07954 386571. Download 2025 Tattoo Volunteer Form
Edinburgh Gang Show 2025
DofE-SEEE
Explorers and DofE We are now in peak expedition training season, and Explorers and Leaders from across the Region have been very busy. SEEE has run two training days at Bonaly involving 115 Explorers doing Silver and Gold. The first weekend had sub-zero temperatures overnight, the second had torrential rain on the Saturday evening and night, but the good news is that camping skills were of a high level, and there were no complaints. It appears that camping is still something that Explorers are quite comfortable with, which is by no means always the case with DofE candidates from outside Scouting. The main focus was on developing navigation skills, mainly on a hike designed for this purpose, which was only possible because 26 different adult leaders volunteered their time; some of them enjoyed it so much they came on both weekends. Bronze level training is under way with at least three major training programmes run by Districts. As we finalise the allocation of leaders to the expeditions planned for May/June (Practices) and August/September (Qualifiers), we would encourage anyone who can offer to help support them to use our form to check dates and let us know when they could be available – even for one day. Hill permits are not necessary, as the Leaders in Charge will have these, though additional leaders with permits are very welcome. We would also like to thank the Unit leaders and others who helped by ensuring that their Explorers turned up with the correct kit, as this is an essential part of the process. John Buchanan and David Newton for SEEE
Ukraine Day
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) Scout Group In February we welcomed a group of young Ukrainians to Bonaly to give them a taste of the kinds of adventurous activities we get up to in Scouting. South East Scotland and Scouts Scotland are working together with the AUGB (Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain) in Edinburgh to establish a Scout group which meets the needs of local young Ukrainian people and their families, the majority of whom arrived in Scotland following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The group of Scout and Explorer aged young people were shown around Bonaly by Co-Warden and Activity Manager Sean Crossan, before settling down to a seriously competitive archery session led by SES Support Officer Nacho Luna Borras and Scouts Scotland Local Growth Officer, Calum Harvie. Also attending were SES Scouting Support Officer Amy Irvine, along with Martin Elliot, Mike Treanor and John Cannon. After the conclusion of the archery session (a great way to learn how to count in Ukrainian, btw!), we warmed up in the Bonaly bothy and talked about Scouting and to discuss with the young people their hopes for the Group. There was great enthusiasm from the young people – a number had been involved in Scouting in Ukraine – and the team from Scouts Scotland and South East Scotland Region was delighted to answer the many thoughtful questions presented. Work to establish a Scout Group with the Ukrainian community continues to progress.
Regional Mindfulness Day – A Huge Success!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the Regional Mindfulness Day on 8th March 2025 such an incredible experience! The day, held at the beautiful Bonaly Scout Centre, was filled with energy, learning, and meaningful connections. Our special thanks go out to the amazing professionals from PsychEd, Edinburgh University, whose mindfulness workshops and activities were informative, fun and inspiring. The outdoor activities were a real highlight — fun, hands-on, and deeply engaging. It was powerful to see our young people fully present and embracing the positive impact of being in nature. We’re also incredibly grateful to our Adult Scout volunteers, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. Your dedication helped make the day not only possible but unforgettable. And, of course, the grand finale around the campfire was nothing short of phenomenal. Songs, dances, laughter, and togetherness created the perfect ending to a meaningful day. Thank you again to everyone involved—participants, leaders, volunteers, and professionals. This event truly demonstrated the values of our Scout organisation and how outdoor activities can positively impact our lives. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
Supporting Explorer Scout Young Leaders
Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders? Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorers or Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, or Scout Troops. They’re not just helpers; they’re role models, innovators, and crucial members of the leadership team. If you’ve got a Young Person in your section from school years S2 to S6, make sure they’re registered with your District! This will ensure they have access to all the training, support, and opportunities they need to thrive as Young Leaders. All Young Leaders aged 13.5 to 18, whether in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, or Scouts, should be members of a Young Leaders Unit, even if they don’t attend Explorers. There are three types of Young Leaders: Explorer Scout Young Leaders: Part of both an Explorer Unit and a Young Leader Unit. District Young Leaders: Dedicated to their role within the District Young Leader Unit, without being part of an Explorer Unit. Volunteer Young Leaders: These are members of the public or Girl Guiding who volunteer with Scouts, often as part of their Duke of Edinburgh or other Top Awards. While they aren’t members of the Scout Association, their contribution is invaluable. Young Leaders and Top Awards: The Path to Success For Explorer Scout Young Leaders and District Young Leaders, the sky’s the limit! They can work towards Explorer Badges, Staged Badges, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the prestigious Top Awards – Platinum, Diamond, and King Scout Awards. Leaders are encouraged to talk with their Young Leaders about how the programmes they help deliver can also contribute to these achievements. It’s all about recognising their hard work, passion, and commitment. The first Young Leader Activity Day was an undeniable success, and it’s clear that these budding leaders are ready to take on any challenge. They’re building skills, making memories, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Here’s to many more adventurous days like this – and to the Young Leaders who make Scouting so vibrant and exciting! Young Leader Camp During the Youth Forum, held at Bonaly during the Autumn Young Leaders Day, Young Leaders told us that a camp would be a fantastic event to hold next. With this in mind, we are planning a two-night camp for Young Leaders from across the region. This will take place at Bonaly from 14th – 16th March 2025. Arriving Friday evening at 7pm, setting up camp and getting ready for a brilliant weekend, Saturday will see them heading into town to take part in their very own Edinburgh Monumentopoly. Returning to camp for a Campfire and with the winners being announced on Saturday night they will then have a second night camping before heading home on Sunday morning. The event is open to all Young Leaders in South East Region, the event has been sent to the Young Leader teams through OSM, please check with them if you would like to attend. It would be fantastic to see as many of them joining in as possible with them being able to enjoy spending time with their friends and other Young Leaders from across the Region. We are also looking for leaders and network members to support this event, either for the weekend or for Saturday if you can’t commit to the whole weekend. If you are available please email Allison.Gamble@sesscouts.org.uk We are also looking for Young Leaders to help at the Regional Gala day in September, details will follow in due course. Got questions about the Young Leader Programme? Reach out at youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk and get all the information you need!
A New Face at Bonaly
Welcome Sean Crossan as our new Co-Warden and Activity Manager In Mid-January we were delighted to welcome Sean Crossan to join the team at Bonaly as our new Co-Warden and Activities Manager. Sean has just completed a Masters at University of Edinburgh in Outdoor Education and has worked in the outdoors for seven years including spells as a site manager of an activity centre in Oxford, a ski instructor in Canada and an instructor in other international centres. Peter Casebow, Chair, Bonaly Scout Centre said “It’s fantastic for Bonaly and the Region to have been able to recruit someone of Sean’s quality for this role. Sean’s role includes leading our team of Volunteer instructors as well as developing the programme and activities on offer at Bonaly and we’re really looking forward to working with Sean in the coming years.” Sean replied “Bonaly is such a fantastic site and has the most dedicated team of Volunteers behind it. I can’t wait to get started and help everyone to make the most of what Bonaly and Scouting has to offer.” Leaders Training Day -10th May If you want to brush up your scouting skills or learn new ones why not come along to our free leaders day on 10th May which will focus on traditional scouting skills and campcraft, getting to know other leaders and running sessions with your groups. The day will start at 9:30 and finish 16:30. Sessions will include; Camp Craft- Pitching a campsite, tool handling with a group & whittling Fire Lighting- Methods on how to light a fire, Fire Safety with a group & running a fire session Shelter Building- Introduction to shelter building methods using all natural materials as well as tarps. Knots 101 & Flintstone Cars- Introduction to basic knot tying and lashing, building a Flintstone car with other leaders using these skills! Axe Throwing- Axe throwing on the range with Tomahawks and Angel Axes To register your interest please email: sean.crossan@sesscouts.org.uk
Parties and Planning for SEEE
SEEE Social SEEE was delighted to host its first social meeting for the volunteers who help make expeditions possible for some 150 Explorer Scouts and Network members, with options this year for hillwalking and biking. As well as providing an opportunity for the team to catch up and swap ideas for this year, Martin Elliot, Lead Volunteer, dropped in to present a number of Awards. We picture Neil Wotherspoon and Colin Gibson receiving Commendation Awards for all their work providing expeditions for those with individual needs, and Kyla, a recent King’s Scout Award recipient and expedition participant, giving Neil our new SEEE necker. Martin also presented an Award for 15 Years service Award to longstanding SEEE volunteer Janet Paterson, and we’d also like to recognise Val Bichener and Phil Young for recently received Service Awards. Expeditions 2025 We are in the process of sending out information to set up the expeditions and training for Silver and Gold Hillwalking expeditions. Biking will follow shortly. The deadline for Bronzes to apply for an expedition is 2 February, and their training and expeditions will be arranged in Districts, where possible. DofE in general Those starting DofE and those moving up a level are reminded that they should register as explained on our page https://see-expeditions.org.uk/register-for-bronze-silver-or-gold-dofe/. Our website contains up-to-date information on expeditions, and general advice for all participants. Adult helpers needed We are currently recruiting adults to help with training at Bonaly in March, for Practice expeditions in May/June, and for Qualifying expeditions in August/September. If you think you could help (and you do not need a permit) please complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/sesscouts/helping-hillwalking-expeditions-202 . After submitting it, you will receive a link that allows you to modify it directly if things change. You can also contact us on seee.team@sesscouts.org.uk.
Put these Key Gang Show Dates in Your Diary
The Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 will be held between Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th November 2025 at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre The audition dates for the Edinburgh Gang Show 2025 are as follows: Main Gang Auditions – (Scouts, Guides, Explorer Scouts, Rangers, Network) Sunday 27 April @ St Anne’s Parish Church, Kaimes Road, Edinburgh Junior Gang Auditions – (Cub Scouts & Brownies) Sunday 11 May @ Blackhall, St Columba’s, Columba Road, Edinburgh Full details about auditions will be in following newsletters.
Who Are Explorer Scout Young Leaders?
Explorer Scout Young Leaders are Explorers or Duke of Edinburgh volunteers who volunteer alongside adult leaders in Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, or Scout Troops. They’re not just helpers; they’re role models, innovators, and crucial members of the leadership team. If you’ve got a Young Person in your section from school years S2 to S6, make sure they’re registered with your District! This will ensure they have access to all the training, support, and opportunities they need to thrive as Young Leaders. All Young Leaders aged 13.5 to 18, whether in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, or Scouts, should be members of a Young Leaders Unit, even if they don’t attend Explorers. There are three types of Young Leaders: Explorer Scout Young Leaders: Part of both an Explorer Unit and a Young Leader Unit. District Young Leaders: Dedicated to their role within the District Young Leader Unit, without being part of an Explorer Unit. Volunteer Young Leaders: These are members of the public or Girlguiding who volunteer with Scouts, often as part of their Duke of Edinburgh or other Top Awards. While they aren’t members of the Scout Association, their contribution is invaluable. Got questions about the Young Leader Programme? Reach out at youngleaders@sesscouts.org.uk and get all the information you need! Young Leaders and Top Awards: The Path to Success For Explorer Scout Young Leaders and District Young Leaders, the sky’s the limit! They can work towards Explorer Badges, Staged Badges, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and the prestigious Top Awards – Platinum, Diamond, and King Scout Awards. Leaders are encouraged to talk with their Young Leaders about how the programmes they help deliver can also contribute to these achievements. It’s all about recognising their hard work, passion, and commitment. The first Young Leader Activity Day was an undeniable success, and it’s clear that these budding leaders are ready to take on any challenge. They’re building skills, making memories, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. Here’s to many more adventurous days like this – and to the Young Leaders who make Scouting so vibrant and exciting!