Longcraig – Net Zero over the winter
Over the past few months, we’ve learned how effective the solar energy is during the darker days of winter.
Energy kept on generating – only a very few days when it was dull did the output fall to low levels. Certainly, the power totals were much less than they were over the summer months – a step change showed around the end of October. And several busy days at the Centre helped reduce the battery power to low levels, and they remained low through until late January. Nonetheless, a large portion of our energy did still come from the sun (or just daylight) but for the future we do need to more carefully ‘manage’ our consumption.
For a while we were able to have a daily run with the Heat Pump which serves the changing facilities – the result was that they have been thoroughly dried out which in its own makes them so much more comfortable – but also sustains some background warmth right through the customer facilities. Best of all, every day we had some work days, we were able to heat up individual areas as required, which made a huge difference to everyone’s comfort.
By February, the longer days quickly started to show it’s might, and by late February the batteries were once again reaching fully charged which means that we can run most of the Centre for a day from within the available energy to us.
In conclusion – the generated energy is of course much lower than in summer. We’ll learn more about that over the next few years, and we’ll also learn about energy saving measures. For example, we’ve now committed to upgrading all the light fittings which were not included in the facilities upgrade, this itself contributes some 1200 watts reduction in power just from our lighting.
Come and see it all in operation for yourself!
National Directory of Waters – the New Version
As part of the regular review of the entries in the Directory – which provides details of every piece of navigable water in the UK – the usual reviews have taken place. Each Area/County/Region is responsible for the waters within its own boundaries, but this time, locally, South east Region conferred with our adjacent parts of Scotland and made sure that there was correlation in regard to the classifications of shared pieces of water – such as the Firth of Forth – governed by South East Region, East Region (in Fife) and Forth Region to the west. There have also been substantial efforts to make sure that classifications are made to common standards across the country.
Remember it is the activity leader’s responsibility to verify the appropriate classification for any water to be used for Scout activities, but also remember that a Dynamic Risk Assessment is needed for any adventurous activity and factors such as weather, time of the year, age and experience of the participants, all have an influence on the final decision making about what activities are suitable or appropriate.
The fully updated Directory has now just been published, so go find all the details at Scouts.org.uk.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP Training and Assessment Day
On Saturday 8th March we had our first training and assessment event of the season; we had 10 volunteers within scouting attend from various regions for our Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Event. The event was held at Longcraig Scout Water Activities Centre with the training being facilitated by Liam Watson from Scout Adventures Lochgoilhead in his role as one of the SUP Assessors for Scouts Scotland.
During the event the volunteers in attendance were taught; various SUP board configurations, methods of attaching safely to the boards, techniques to improve their own technical skills, rescue drills for quick rescues and a fun game to play with those in the sessions.
The culmination of the event was when those within Longcraig Service Team were advised they could apply for a restricted permit to the “Home Waters of Longcraig” as defined by our operating procedures as well as all being offered to attend additional courses at Longcraig to further their own development within the Stand-Up Paddleboarding community as we as development courses to professional awards.
Future Training Opportunities
RYA Powerboat Level 2 – 12th April 2025 (Fully Booked) please contact us to register interest for future courses
RYA Marine VHF Radio – Please contact to register interest for future courses
RYA Safety Boat Driver – Please contact to register interest for future courses
Paddleboard Development Training – Please contact to register interest for future courses
Volunteer Drop-in Sessions at Longcraig Scout Centre
Are you interested in volunteering with Longcraig Water Sports Centre? Join us for our upcoming drop-in sessions and discover how you can get involved!
These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity to see our centre in action as we prepare for our official launch day on 12th April 2025. Whether you’re passionate about Water Sports, enjoy working with people, or simply want to give back to the community, we welcome individuals of all backgrounds and skill levels.
During your visit, you’ll have the chance to chat with our current volunteers, hear first-hand about their experiences, and learn more about the roles available. You’ll also receive a guided tour of our facility, showcasing our equipment, activity areas, and the exciting opportunities we offer. The visit will conclude with a short presentation, giving you further insight into our mission, upcoming events, and how you can play a part in our team.
No prior experience is required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help! Whether you’re looking to assist with Wate Sports, maintenance, administration, or event coordination, there’s a role for everyone.
Come along, meet like-minded individuals, and explore the rewarding world of volunteering at Longcraig Scout Centre. We look forward to seeing you!
We will be running a staff day on 26th April 2025 for our existing volunteers, you can come down to meet our existing volunteers as we prepare for the coming season with skills discussions and equipment preparation for our season starting in May 2025.
Dates for your diary: – just pick one that suits best for you!
Wednesday 9th April 7pm
12th April 2025 at 1pm
26th April 2025 This is scheduled to be one of our staff familiarisation/development days so we invite you to attend at 1pm and there may be an opportunity to get out on the water in the afternoon.
Please let us know if you would like to come along to any of these sessions – getinvolved@longcraig.info
New Adventurous Activity Permit Scheme:
With the introduction of the new scout membership portal by Scouts UK, Scouts UK have streamlined the application process for adventurous activity permits. The new process will allow volunteers to apply for a new permit digitally with updates received on every stage of the application process, you can also apply for permit renewals via the same process in the portal.
If you complete an NGB (National Governing Body) Award you can apply for the relevant permit; if you were to complete an Archery GB course, you can apply for a permit via the new process by providing a copy of your certificate as well as any relevant documents such as logbooks and suggested restrictions. This will allow you to receive the appropriate permit as either Leadership or Supervisory, which is applicable based on skills. Within Scouts, though, you do not generally have to hold a NGB qualification – the Permit Assessment process will assess your actual ability and can award an activity permit based upon that assessment. Clearly, by holding a NGB qualification, it is an indication that you have already met a recognised set of capabilities which can simplify the process for the assessors and speed up the process overall.
Once you have gained your permit you can use it to run the activity it is for up to the level permitted by any restrictions placed on it. POR requires all activities to have the approval of your Lead Volunteer and that they are operated within the rules of POR and relevant activity guidance.
