– We managed to do a lot of expedition training this month, focusing on the weekends of 18 and 25 March.

• – There was a Gold Hillwalking training day in the Biggar area, and the Explorers coped very well with a demanding day in real hills.  Many thanks to Andrew, Debbie and Janet for leading it.
• – There were two-weekend sessions for about 70 Silvers (15 cyclists, the rest hillwalkers), starting with evening training in the 108th Scout Hall (many thanks to them for allowing us to use it) covering first aid/emergency procedures, risks, stove use and tents.  The Explorers then walked up to Bonaly to camp, in pretty chilly conditions on the second weekend, before doing navigation and other training on the site and a hike or bike run.  We were helped by many leaders in person: Chris, Dave, Gary, Hector, Bill, Andy, Duncan and Mike, plus others who made themselves available or worked in the background. 
• – The paddlers completed their route planning as well as the bases session providing paddle skills development, nav exercises, camp set-up practice and first aid at Musselburgh Lagoons, with 20 of them on the water on Sunday 26th – 8 Golds and 12 Silvers.  Thanks to Donald, Nick, Stuart, Denise, Allan and Sarah.