After a period of reflection, Malcolm Leckie has made the decision to step down from his roles as Chair and ASU Manager at Longcraig Water Sports Centre from the end of June 2025. Malcolm will remain part of the Leadership Team but feels it’s the right time to step down from the two key roles he has been performing for many years. A summary of Malcolm’s contribution to Longcraig and Scouting is detailed below:
Malcolm Leckie’s Contribution to Longcraig and Scouting
Malcolm’s Scouting journey began with 107th Craiglockhart (Merchiston) (Pentland and Almond Valley), where he honed his paddling skills and general Scouting knowledge. In the early 1990s, he joined Longcraig ASU, offering his expertise in paddling. Malcolm’s skills and expertise developed substantially during his work and responsibilities at Longcraig.
Leadership and Development at Longcraig
- Event Planning & Management:
In 1998, Malcolm was the event planner for the Official Opening of Longcraig’s new building by Lord Airlie, supported by Lord and Lady Rosebery, dignitaries, and funders. This marked the transition from wooden huts to a permanent steel-clad facility.
- Transition & Reorganisation:
After taking over from Ian Harrower as LSC Manager, Malcolm helped navigate the dissolution of FEWAC and the integration of Longcraig into City of Edinburgh Scouts, serving East, Mid, and West Lothian. Later, with the regional reorganisation of Scotland, Borders Area was added, forming South East Region.
- Infrastructure & Fundraising:
He played a key role in overcoming challenges from the new building project, including budget shortfalls and unfinished works, through hands-on efforts with the ASU team. His leadership in fundraising between 2001-2008 helped upgrade and expand equipment, raising over £118K. Malcolm managed the 5-year plan which included the capital and assets ‘shopping list’ – the bulk of the fundraising was carried out by a delegated fundraising team and support at times from City of Edinburgh Scouts and subsequently from S E Region.
Major Events & National Contributions
- Scouting’s Millennium & World Jamboree:
Longcraig hosted major Millennium events and Malcolm led a team of 12 at the World Jamboree in Chelmsford, providing equipment and supporting activities on the water for 25,000 young people over 10 days.
- Youth RIB Competitions & Regattas:
Malcolm supported the RYA Honda Youth RIB competition and later helped replicate the format within the Scottish Scout Regatta, working alongside Lochgoilhead and Sea Scout Groups across Scotland. He also contributed to Scottish Regattas, including at Longcraig.
Saving & Strengthening Longcraig
- In 2017, when Longcraig’s future was uncertain, Malcolm helped lead efforts to secure its survival, ensuring continued operations and securing investment, with key support from Margery Naylor.
- He drove further investment in boats and equipment, including a security compound, additional Drascombe sailing boat, safety boat, replacement tractor, and paddleboards.
- Spearheaded facility upgrades—improving changing areas, showers, and toilets—through funding from South East Region and Sport Scotland.
- Led a Net Zero project, securing CARES and Energy Scotland funding to introduce renewable energy solutions and efficient energy management at Longcraig.
Ongoing Commitment & Expertise
- Regularly attends Scout Centre Managers’ Conferences, RYA conferences, and assessor forums.
- Developed IT and electronics skills at Longcraig, implementing alarms, CCTV, Wi-Fi, and online documentation systems.
Working with the Regional Trustees
As chair and service team lead (ASU Manager) for Longcraig, Malcolm provides regular updates on the performance and development of the Centre to the Regional Trustee Board, specifically reporting on performance against budget and other matters requiring support from the Trustees. It is through Malcolm’s regular dialogue with the board that ideas for development or improvements to the Centre have been tabled for Regional financial support. Malcolm’s passion and commitment to the Centre has always been clear to the Trustees and his leadership of Longcraig has been greatly appreciated.
John Cannon, Regional chair, said “I’d like to thank Malcolm personally for all he has done and continues to do, to make Longcraig such an integral part of the Region.”
Malcolm’s long-standing dedication has been instrumental in shaping Longcraig into a thriving activity centre, ensuring its growth, resilience, and sustainability for future generations of Scouts.
Next steps
A process will begin shortly to seek successors for the roles as Chair and Service Team Lead and information about how people can express an interest in these important roles will be communicated through our usual channels.
