The Scouts Scotland Blog
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The Scout Promise in Gaelic
Air m' onair,
geallaidh mi gu dìcheallach,
gun dèan mi mo dhleastanas do Dhia agus don Bhanrigh,
nì mi cobhair air daoine eile,
agus glèidhidh mi lagh nan Gillean Deiseil.
The above was sent to us by a Scout leader who consulted with some Gaelic experts at the school he teaches at.
He notes that "There is no Gaelic equivalent for “Scout”, so we have approximated as best we could to what it would be in Gaelic – “Gillean Deiseil” – literally, the “prepared boys”, (which ties in with the scout motto). If you would prefer just to keep the English word, the last line would be:
agus glèidhidh mi lagh nan Scouts."
Where are the other blog posts?
If you have sent in stories for consideration for the blog, please bear with us. We've had a few technical difficulties over teh past months, which we are attending to and which we hope to resolve soon. You will receive and email with your scheduled publish date in due course.
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Permanent Civic Tribute to Scouting in Paisely
To celebrate over 100 years of Scouting in Paisley and District, the The Paisley and District Scout Council has gifted Renfrewshire Council with a statue of a bust of a Scout, which was recently unveiled at a civic reception in the town. Here, District Chairman Dan Harper tells the story of the project.
The late Prof. Roy Sinclair, former District Commissioner of Paisley and Area Commissioner of Renfrewshire, orginally had the idea of making a gift to the area that would appropriately celebrate our centenary.
He wanted the celebrations of the founding of the Scout movement by Baden-Powell to be marked by a tangible gift to the Town, that would commemorate the past and encourage ongoing interest and appeal for the future of the Scouting movement by erecting a monument in Paisley.
Commemorating Scouting's Contribution
Roy Sinclair was the inspiration behind many of the activities during the 2007 Celebrations, including running an exhibition of the past 100years of Scouting in the Paisley Museum illustrating the contribution Scouting had played in the Town's history which attracted many visitors.
Unfortunately Roy's health was in decline due to a serious illness and the last event he proudly attended was the Centenary Celebration Service held in Paisley Abbey.
Before his death at the end of May in 2007, Roy contacted Sandy Stoddart, the local sculptor and Royal Sculptor in Ordinary and asked if he would accept a commission from the District to cast an appropriate bust to represent the “Iconic Scout”, which, Sandy being a former Scout himself readily accepted.
Finding an 'iconic Scout'
The search was then on to find a model for the proposed bust and a visit to Oldhall Scout Troop by Sandy and District President Tom Nixon one Friday evening was fruitful.
Rory Hughes was eventually chosen, and after many sittings in Sandy's studio at the University of the West of Scotland, the clay bust was ready to be sent for casting.
On completion of the bronze cast, the first people to view the Bust in Sandy's studio, were Elen Sinclair (widow of Roy), Tom Nixon and Bill Duncan .
Words could not describe the feeling that day as they viewed the workmanship of Sandy, who seemed to have captured what Roy's vision had been., the “Iconic Scout”.
Finding the right site
Bill Duncan, then took on the task along with Sandy, of finding an appropriate site for the bust , and after many lengthy discussions with the Town Planners, a site was found outside the Library and Museum.
The money for the bust had been donated to the District and the only thing left to find money for was the plinth for the bust, which was also designed by Sandy.
We applied for various grants and was successful in obtaining a suitable funding from the Renfrewshire Environmental Trust, thus completing the project.
The Bust was unveiled by Elen Sinclair while I officially handed it over to Provost Celia Lawson, who accepted the gift on behalf of Renfrewshire Council.
The Council hosted a Civic Reception to mark the occasion of the gift from The Paisley and District Scout Association with many members present.
And now every time a member of the public visits the library or museum, they are reminded of the strong role that Scotuing has played in the Town's history.
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Scouts Teach English in Belarus
Charles Lowe of 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group wrote in with a short story and photo about their recent trip to Belarus where they helped teach conversational English. Seven Explorer Scout Young Leaders from 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group spent an interesting week during their school holidays helping to teach conversational English in schools in Gomel, Belarus. The seven, who spent a week in Aberdeen's twin city, attended English classes in three schools; tried bricklaying and welding at a Technical College; visited a diamond factory; delivered toys to a children's centre and met the Chair of Gomel City Executive Committee. All of the schools involved held a concert for the Scouts, including School No 10 which is pictured above with some of the Scottish Scouts who taught them.
Young Leader Training
You can read more about Young Leader training pn pages 19-20 in the Autumn 2011 issue of Pathfinder which is available online via Issu or the Scouts Scotland website. Additional copies can be requested from SHQ on shq@scouts-scotland.org.uk.
International Events Training
Scottish Headquarters is running a one-day training course on International Events Planning. You can sign up on the Scouts Scoland website where there is also more information and support for those interested in international Scout trips and events.
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Graham Haddock: Scouting Here, There, and Everywhere
In his monthly blog post, Chief Commissioner of Scotland Graham Haddock reflects on the great work that is being done by our volunteers across Scotland, and how we really need to make a point of recognising, thanking and commending those who give so freely of their time to support Scouting in Scotland.
In recent weeks, I have been reflecting on the wide range of Scouting events and activities that take place across the country. It reflects so well on the commitment of our leaders that they give up their time so freely to make Scouting tick across Scotland.
Let me tell you about a few of the events and activities that I have had the good fortune to attend during the month of November:
Working Together
On Saturday 5th, 1000 Scout Leaders and 1000 Guide Leaders attended the first joint service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey (taking the place of the Thinking Day service of the past). In such a historic venue, we celebrated many, many years of leader service in both organisations.
After the service, some 200 plus holders of the Silver Wolf, including a small group from Scotland, were treated to a celebratory lunch in another prestigious venue (picture above of myself and some of our Silver Wolf recipients). The night before the service, the UK Chief Commissioner Team met with the Chief Guide and her HQ team.
A very productive working dinner encouraged us to look to how we could work more closely together as brother and sister organisations. This is something that we should consider at every level of our two organisations.
While only a small number of Scottish leaders were able to attend Westminster, many more deserve recognition for the superb work that they do.
Honouring Good Service
We need to get better at thanking our leaders in whatever role they hold in our Movement. I am particularly keen to encourage nominations for good service awards for Section and Group Leaders….so start thinking if you know anyone in your Group or District who deserves such an award.
On Sunday 6th, 150 leaders attended a SW Regional Leaders day in Kilmarnock. In a packed programme, leaders were able to catch up on many issues and topics of importance and network – something that all leaders value. The Region recognized the service of Duncan Riddell as he retired from the role of Regional Commissioner with a well-deserved presentation.
On Monday 7th, I was truly delighted to be able to present almost 160 Chief Scouts Gold, Platinum and Diamond Awards and six Queen’s Scouts Awards.
Amazing Achievements
One Cub Scout received a special award for having gained every single badge available in the Cub Scout Section – truly amazing! Glasgow City Chambers main hall was packed to the ceiling by proud parents and leaders as well as the award recipients. What a morale boosting evening!
After a short holiday, I returned to have the pleasure of attending Edinburgh Gang Show on 23rd November. It is many, many years since I attended the Edinburgh Show…..but it was well worth the wait.
The main cast of 110 supplemented by a junior cast of 150 raised the roof with song, dance and laughter. It was a modern, energetic and vibrant show, which showcased the talents and enthusiasm of our young members. It also demonstrated what quality work can be done when we work together with our sister organization Girlguiding Scotland.
My month finished with a very productive business meeting with our Regional Commissioners. We have a lot to be pleased about in Scottish Scouting, but we can also improve so much with a little more focused work in a number of areas.
Festive Season Wishes
As Christmas approaches, can I wish all the best for the festive season. I hope you have time together with your families to celebrate the joy of Christmas, enjoy the food and good company and take some time to rest up from Scouting in order that your batteries get recharged for whatever 2012 holds.
Graham Haddock
Chief Commissioner of Scotland
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Kandersteg: A Scouting Experience to Remember
If you're contemplating an international trip for your Scout group in 2012, this report from Keith Mulraney describes a wonderful Scouting experience they had over the summer at the Kandersteg International Scout Centre. You can also sign up for International Events Training at the bottom.
Our group of five leaders and ten scouts, flew to Basle and onto Kandersteg by coach.
The accommodation was excellent, staying in the Kander Lodge with breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The staff were friendly and helpful and provided excellent meals during our stay. Meeting International ScoutsThere were numerous activities to choose from, which gave everyone the opportunity to meet other scouts and have fun i.e pioneering, sports day and the Kander Challenge.
The International evening and the Campfire were thoroughly enjoyed by our group, as they could swap things, talk to other scouts and let their hair down.
We did an overnight hike to the Ueschinen Hut, with stunning views, sharing with two other groups and a herd of
cattle!Goats as Leaders - sans the Wood Badge!
In the morning we were led down the mountain by a herd of goats. What an experience!
We then had a swimming session and barbecue in the village with an early rise for a trip to Interlaken. En route to Interlaken we visited the stunning Trummelbach Falls, ten glacier waterfalls illuminated.In Interlaken we got the opportunity to chill out, do some shopping and enjoy some lovely chocolate, mmmmmm!
Our trip to Oescinensee Lake was awesome. We walked into the village, cable car up and everyone went on the toboggan run, numerous times, great fun. A short walk from there to the lake, as you get the first glimpse of the lake in its setting, it just blows you away!It was an action-packed week with early starts, late nights, singing, dancing, laughter and tears, and that was just the adults!
In the end, all the hard work, bag packing, organising and coordinating to make the trip possible was a great team effort for a scouting experience to remember.International Events Planning TrainingScottish Headquarters is running a one-day training course for those interested in learning how to plan, organise and run international events. Sign up here.
Also don't forget that Scottish Headquarters has an appointed International Advisor and team, including a Travel Medical Advisor, to assist you with any aspects of preparing for international Scout trips and events.
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Scout Band Pipes for Prince Charles
Gary Stronach, ADC Scouts Caithness, recently submitted this blog post about the Caithness District Scout Pipe Band’s more notable gigs – in front of royalty!
The Caithness Scout Pipe Band has been in existence for a number of years, starting its life as the 2nd Thurso Scout Group's own Pipe Band but with diminishing numbers over the years and competition from other organisations it was expanded to become a District Band.
On Saturday 6th August 2011 they provided the music at the Castle of Mey Highland Games for which HRH Prince Charles is the Patron and for whom they played several tunes for his arrival & departure.
The Pipe Major, his assistant instructors and all the Scouts involved with the band have been practising hard all year for their Royal debut and are the pride of their District.
All the hard work has paid off handsomely - they have been invited back to repeat the performance for His Royal Highness Next Year!
Caithness Scout Pipe Band The inspiration for the Caithness Scout Pipe Band came originally from John Ritchie. He had been a founder of the 2nd Thurso scout group in 1958 and it was always his wish to start a scout pipe band. He put his idea into action in 1972 looking for volunteers to learn the chanter. This was the point at which I, Gordon Tait, became involved and I have maintained an unbroken connection with the band ever since, becoming Pipe Major and leading tuition, following completion of my university degree in 1985. The band originally started out within the one scout group, but the local scout organisation is very well integrated and it is now open to all scouts within the area, broadening its name to Caithness Scout Pipe Band. The present squad all started learning within the last three years, and have done well to reach the standard required to perform for Prince Charles at the Castle of Mey.Don't miss the new website
Caithness District have also recenty launched their own website where you can Like and comment on their news and updates for the area. You can visit thier websit at www.scoutscaithness.org.uk.
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18 Scout Brothers Together Again
Here's a fun story from Charles Lowe of the 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scout Group. Recently their Scout camp boasted an astonishing feature on the attendant list . . .a total of 18 brothers all in one place.
9 sets of brothers from the 21st Aberdeen (Cults) Scouts returned from annual camp in August this year.
The 18 brothers in camp was the highest ever recorded number of brothers in camp at any one time. One set of brothers had their sister camping as well.
The brothers were part of 47 Scouts who enjoyed various activities including canoeing, sailing and cooking during the week's camp.
6 Scouts gained the Chief Scout's Award and 2 completed the Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Award.
The picture above shows the 9 elder brothers (back row) with their younger brothers in front. The sister of 2 of the brothers is 3rd from left, her elder brother behind and younger brother in front.
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Graham Haddock: What if B.P Had Facebook?
Graham Haddock reports from the recent Annual General Meeting of The Scottish Council The Scout Association and shares an interesting reply in answer to the question "What if B.P had Facebook?"
Dear Friends,
I am pleased to report that I have just survived my first Annual General Meeting and Council in Conference as Chief Commissioner. I even managed to get Scottish Scouting jumping to my tune! (You will need to ask someone who attended what I mean.)
What if B.P had Facebook?
This year, our AGM was run alongside a workshop for our Group Scout Leaders...a key role in Scouting in Scotland. I was most impressed by the level of engagement of all attendees during the Council in Conference.
After a light-hearted review of the past year of Scouting in Scotland, in answer to the question “What if B.P had Facebook?” (see video above, and many thanks to Barry Hewitt for putting this together for us), two topics of considerable importance were discussed and debated.
Safe Scouting is Good Scouting
Alex Minajew, UK Commissioner for Programme and Chair of the Safety in Scouting Working Group led an important session on establishing a ‘Culture of Safety’ in all that we do in Scouting.
Alex presented some sobering facts and figures, the most surprising of which was that the the increase in the number of safety issues that HQ gets to know about is exceeding the rate at which our Movement is growing. This has to be a concern for us all.
As Alex stated on several occasions "Safe Scouting is good Scouting and good Scouting is safe Scouting". This has to be a message that we must all take to heart.
Recognising achievement
The second session was led by Ross Donald, our Education Links Officer at SHQ. Ross made us focus on what we do as an organisation to recognise achievement, both for our young members and for our adults.
We need to get better at recognising such achievement using the awards that our young members work for and by looking carefully at our adult friends and colleagues and recommeding them for Good Service awards.
I am particulalry keen to see more leaders who work in Sections and Groups recognised for the superb work that they do, week in, week out.
Group Scout Leaders as a key role in Scouting
And what of the GSL’s workshop? Over 65 GSL’s from around the country started working on the Friday night though to the Sunday at lunchtime.
They explored key issues which challenge them in their roles and identified some possible solutions to these problems.
They also explored the six areas of Leadership and Managment that have been identified as critical to success in that role. I hope they had some fun doing this work.
Can I put on record my personal thanks for the hard work that all attending put into the workshop and to the staff and volunteer group that delivered such a quality experience. It is just a pity that only 60% of our Groups currently have a GSL in post. This is something that we have to work on.
A spring in our step
Our Honorary President, Sir Garth Morrison spoke to me at the end of the AGM. In his view, Scottish Scouting has a ‘spring in its step’ at the moment. I agree. He feels that we are in good heart as a Movement in Scotland....and I agree.
It is up to us all to make sure that we keep that ‘spring’ and treasure our ‘good heart’ and spread the word of the good work that we all do for our young members.
Best wishes,
Graham Haddock,
Chief Commissioner of Scotland
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Thanks Again from Eleanor Lyall
Eleanor Lyall wrote in with this special thank you to all members of Scottish Scouting after her Farewell Lunch to all members of Scottish Scouting.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the marvellous gifts I received on my retirement as Chief Commissioner of Scotland and trust you will accept this rather impersonal way of expressing my heartfelt thanks.
I was able to personally thank those who were present at Perth in September but I would like to pass on my grateful thanks to those of you unable to be at the lunch.
I have been so overwhelmed by your generosity. Thank you also for the flowers, cards and letters received from so many. The rewards I have had over the years in being involved in Scouting in Scotland has been more than enough as I will always cherish the memories and friendships made over the years. I do hope I will be able to continue the contact as I continue to be involved in a small way.
Much Love and Best Wishes for the Future,
Eleanor Lyall
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Lights, Camera, Action! For Scouts in Local Film Project
On Saturday 18th of June, the world premiere of the film “Til We Meet Again” took place at the Glasgow Film Theatre, Rose Street, Glasgow, starring the 1st Quarriers Village Scout Group of Greenock & District. Here Scout Leader Martin Buchan tells us more.
An Interesting Learning Experience
For many months, Quarrier’s Charity has been working with the Beaver Scouts, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers, Network Scouts and Leaders from Quarrier’s Village, along with local school pupils who have joined the group as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Every person involved has done historical research, investigation, drama workshops and presentations.
The culmination of this work has resulted in an exhibition at Scotland Street Museum which opened at the end of June (and runs until October) and of course the film, which tells the story of William Quarrier’s vocation to save Victorian children from destitution, alongside the story of Annie Blue, a former Quarrier’s child, based on her diary from 1895.
Scouts in the Mix
Every member of the Scout group has made a contribution to the film, from assisting the director/producer, acting coaching, photography, cinematography, catering, archive research and acting alongside professionals such as John Davidson and Jim McPhee (who has played James Potter in two of the Harry Potter films).
This short film is the first known dramatisation of the man, William Quarrier, on the 140th anniversary of the opening of his first home for orphan children.
The film was written and produced by Michael Lewis who has worked with Quarrier’s charity for ten years, and the director was Seth Gardener from Red Snappa Productions.
A Special Scout Premiere
On the 22nd June, Quarriers and the 1st Quarriers Village Scout Group hosted a screening of the film for parents and family members. The evening was a huge success made even more special as we were joined by Jill Jones, Headteacher of Kilmacolm Primary School, Paul Moore, Chief Executive of Quarriers, and Graham Haddock, the newly appointed Chief Commissioner of Scotland for The Scout Association who was most impressed by the project.
At the moment, an educational topic pack based on the film and exhibition is being produced to complement the Primary Six Curriculum in Scotland as this has already been requested by several schools.
The 1st Quarrier’s Village Scout Group would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Quarriers, especially Michael Lewis, who shared his project with us. It has been a unique experience and one which the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts took very much to their hearts.
Watch the film 'Till We Meet Again
