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.
