The Mission - Be Prepared!

Last year I took on Manchester, this year I am taking on my hometown marathon in Edinburgh.

Please take time to have a quick read to better understand my motivation and, if able, donate to the cause.

Why fundraise for Scouts Scotland?

I started Scouting in 1986 when I joined the 87th Inverleith Sea Scouts as a Beaver and then progressed to become a Cub. I moved to the 4th Leith troop to start Scouts alongside my friends and continued into my early 20s as a Venture Scout. Fast forward almost 40 years and I now find myself leading a Beaver section in my home village of Dunlop (23rd Ayrshire) - a role that I find as rewarding as I do great fun.

Scouting provided me with much much needed respite in my formative years and also presented me with the opportunity to learn new skills, have fun and burn off excess energy. I travelled locally and internationally, camped, played wide games, lit fires, canoed, abseiled, ate copious amounts of 'bean feast', and loved every minute of it. Friday nights at Scouts with my friends was where I often felt the most alive and free.

I volunteer with Scouts Scotland as I hope that the children that I am responsible for on a Monday or Thursday evening are provided the same opportunities that I greatly valued growing up.

Roughly 10% of the population of the village in which I reside is directly involved with Scouts Scotland, be they volunteers or children attending one of the many sections. The percentage increases exponentially when you consider the individuals who have an indirect association having either previously attended or volunteered. It is a valued part of the community that provides a wide array of opportunities for the young people in the village and surrounding areas.

It would be my hope that money raised via this fundraiser will be put to good use supporting the establishment and running of sections throughout Scotland in turn broadening the reach of the Association.

About Scouts Scotland:

Every week Scouts Scotland helps young people across every community in Scotland, including remote and rural communities, to have fun, make friends and learn skills that will help them to achieve now and in the future.

Scouts is proven to help young people to develop resilience, optimism and self-belief as well as skills in problem solving, leadership, team-work and emotional intelligence - skills that are more valuable today than ever before.

Scouts Scotland is passionate about growing Scouting where it is needed most. 10% of groups already operate in the most disadvantages areas of Scotland and a core part of their strategy is to open many more groups in rural communities and areas of deprivation.

Scouts Scotland is passionate about the power of the outdoors. Scouts see first-hand what research now proves, that outdoors and adventure plays a hugely beneficial role in young people's wellbeing and self-development.

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