2012 annual report

LIFE IS ANADVENTURELIVE IT.Highlands and Islands Region Scout Council

2011 - 2012 Annual Review

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HIGHLANDS & ISLANDSHAS OVER2,250MEMBERS....That’s worth shouting about

THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION

PATRONHer Majesty the Queen

PRESIDENTHis Royal Highness the Duke of Kent

FOUNDERRobert Baden PowellFirst Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell, OM

CHIEF SCOUTBear Grylls

UK CHIEF COMMISSIONERWayne Bulpitt

CHIEF COMMISSIONER, SCOTLANDGraham Haddock

THE PURPOSE OF SCOUTINGIs to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as responsible members of their local, national and international communities

THE SCOUT METHODScouting uses a Method, which is young people, in partnership with adults• enjoying what they are doing;• learning by doing;• participating in varied and progressive activities;• making choices for themselves;• taking responsibility for their own actions;• working in groups;• taking increasing responsibility for others;• taking part in activities outdoors;• sharing in prayer and worship;• making and living out their Promise

Be PreparedTo have funTo take the challengeFor the adventureTo get connected

HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS REGION

PRESIDENTThe Right Honourable The Viscount Thurso MP

VICE PRESIDENTGavin Bernard

OFFICIALSRegional Commissioner Jenny StevenRegional Chairman David MortonRegional Treasurer Robert Emmott

Assistant Regional CommissionersAdult Training Sonja FiskenCommunications Graham EdenExplorer Scouts Fiona SmartScout Network Jamie Gordon

District CommissionersCaithness Andrea SmithInverness Callum SmithLochaber (Acting) Jenny StevenOrkney Steven FindlayRoss and Sutherland Frank HalletWestern Isles Ian Denny

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CONTENTS

IntroductionsForeword 2Chairman’s Report 2Regional Commissioner 3

Region Events Cally Rally 5Elements / Bear in the Air 6

Region SupportCommunications 8Safeguarding 8London 2012 Paralympics 9Young Leader Training 10Adult Training 10

District ReportCaithness 11Inverness 12Lochaber 13Orkney 14Ross & Sutherland 15Western Isles 16

Census Census of Membership 17

FOREWORDOur Highlands and Islands Region is a very large area equivalent to the size of Belgium, covering the whole of the North of Scotland with the exception of Shetland.

The Region is made up of 6 Districts, Inverness shire, Lochaber, Ross and Sutherland including the Isle of Skye, Caithness, Orkney and the Western Isles. At present there are 49 Scout Groups across the Region and between them there are 1858 Youth members and 396 Leaders. Each District carries out their Scouting activities and arrange their own District events such as Camps, Competitions and Beaver, Cub and Scout events.

The Scout population is from a City, a number of Towns, Villages and Hamlets. This great area and the differences in the catchment area of the Scout Groups will mean that the young people will see things slightly differently dependent on

their location.

One thing that is common is the Scout Law and Promise, and the activities that they do in Scouting. Scouting encourages outdoor activities, such as Camping (and cooking for themselves.), Climbing, Hill Walking, Canoeing and Sailing. This Region of ours gives great scope for all of these.

The Region also organises Events such as The Caledonian Rally ( The Cally Rally) Regional Camps and Training for both adults and our young people.

I attended the recent inaugural Regional Camp on the shores of Loch Ness at Dores. The leaders and helpers were working very hard to make their activities a success and the Scouts showed that they had succeeded by the big smiles on the faces of everyone.

Scouting is where young people learn to do things for themselves, to work with others and to develop into people who will play a big part in our society.

I really think that no matter what Scouts are doing IT MUST BE FUN.

Gavin BernardRegional Vice President.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORTThe year under review has been one of great change for the Region Team. Some “well kent” faces moved on, and others found themselves in new roles. For me personally, the AGM 2011 saw the start of a new challenge. I was honoured that the AGM approved the Regional Commission-er’s nomination for me to become your next Chairman. In doing so, aged 24 and still a youth member myself, I became the youngest Regional Chairman in Scotland. I hope you have found me up to the task.

I must pay tribute to several of our office bearers who have moved on. First and foremost, I salute my predecessor, Duncan Alexander. Duncan is a true gentleman and ran the Regional Executive with such passion and commitment for many years. I also pay tribute to Sonja Fisken (our ARC (Adult Training) who for much of the previous year acted as Secretary, Treasurer and all round general administrator in the face of many vacancies. Thank you Sonja!

Looking forward, I was delighted to welcome Robert Emmott on board as our Treasurer. With a day job in local govern-ment finance, Robert has an eagle eye for the detail, and makes sure our money is well spent. Based in the Western Isles, Robert’s appointment marks the first time an office bearer has hailed from the Island part of the Highlands & Islands. It would also be extremely remiss of me not

to recognise that the year under review saw Jenny Steven formally appointed our Regional Commissioner. Jenny has been a stalwart figure and a dedicated deputy and laterally acting Commissioner. But now, Jenny, there really is no escape!

Although not technically in the year un-der review, May 2012 saw the largest event in the Region’s history with 900 (yes, you did read that correctly!) members from all over the Highlands & Islands attending our first ever Regional Camp, Elements 2012. Despite the massive organisational challenges, a (literally) flying visit from UK Chief Scout Bear Grylls topped off what was clearly an excellent weekend for the young people. On behalf of the Ex-ecutive, I thank everyone, in particular the core team, who made the event happen.

During the year the Regional Executive has continued to run the “business” side whilst always aiming to deliver the best possible support to Districts in terms of our key objectives of development, adult training and communication. We have seen our training team produce a new training calendar available to all, includ-ing a spread of training dates, times and places like never before. Plans are also afoot for a new Regional Newsletter – watch this space! (Well not literally this space, but you catch my drift!)

Even now, four years after Regionalisa-tion, there are some in Scotland who question what Regions do, and the benefit that they bring. Put simply, we’re here to support you! In particular in our three key areas development, adult training and communication but we’re also another band of Scouters from which to seek sup-port, bounce ideas or simply ask that daft question you’ve long been wanting to ask!

My challenge to the Regional Executive for the year ahead is to continue the strong focus on our key aims but, as we move to further our own development as a Region, let’s ask ourselves a key question “Why?” Why this, why that, why X and not Y?

With the momentum of Elements show-ing us what we can achieve, and our fifth birthday ahead, I believe this is an extremely exciting time to be a part of Highlands & Islands Region. I have been honoured to steer the ship and work with so many dedicated and passionate leaders and young people across our massive Re-gion. You are the stars of our show – and long may it continue!

David MortonRegional [email protected]

Scouting is where young people learn to do things for themselves, to work with others and to develop into people who will play a big part in our society.

It is difficult to believe where the last year has gone and what a year the region has had. I would like to start by giving everyone a flavour of the achievements of some of our young people across the region.

As you read the various reports in this Annual Review I am sure you will be impressed by the commitment of our adults and the achievement of our young people across the Highlands and Islands.

A YEAR IN REVIEWQueen Scout AwardsScouting’s Top Awards are not easy to get and require a lot of hard work and effort to achieve, so well done to all who achieved this top award and especially to Chris Plum from Western Isles who made the journey to Windsor in April for a very special parade where Her Majesty The Queen was in attendance. Unfortunately the weather was unbelievable as the heavens opened and the Queen’s Scouts all had to wear plastic see through raincoats. Not to be deterred the Scottish Scouts tucked the plastic into their kilts, so they could be seen, and marched their way round the quadrangle with kilts swinging with pride. The day before saw everyone enjoy the sights of London and the weather was a bit kinder to us.

Explorer Belt - Poland 2011Last summer saw 4 young people from the Western Isles travelled with me to Poland to complete their Explorer Belt. They were a pleasure to spend time with and represented the region with distinction. In 2013 I am leading a Scottish Explorer Belt expedition to Estonia and already we have several from Highlands & Islands wishing to participate. This increase in numbers is very encouraging and we could, in the future, organise our own event. Watch this space!!!

23rd World Jamboree, SwedenLast year was also a World Jamboree year and a joint contingent from the North East and Highlands & Islands travelled to Sweden to join with 40, 000 other scouts from around the world, for an experience they will be unlikely ever to experience again.

This summer Highlands & Islands were well represented again at the Blair Atholl Jamborette (mini jamboree) and had a fantastic time camping with 1000 scouts

from oversees for 10 days in beautiful surroundings.

Bear in the AirEach region in Scotland was asked to organise an event for the Chief Scout’s visit in May this year. I think I can honestly say that both my team and I were amazed by the number of young people and leaders who attended the Elements Camp on the shores of Loch Ness. We hoped for around 400, but on deadline day Christine Horne’s living room was snowing with applications. In total the camp had around 1000 participants. This number was, in proportion to census, possibly the largest event in the country. The Chief Scout Bear Grylls, was very impressed by the camp and although pretty shattered by his Scottish visit, thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to speak to us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team for all their hard work in making this event a success. We learnt a great deal from the event and plans are already underway for another in 2014.

Cally RallyOne of our most popular events on the calendar is Cally Rally, who each year manage to produce an event to which the young people keep on coming. Well done to James and his team for the producing such a quality event in Highlands and Islands last year and the UK Chief Commissioner Wayne Bulpitt, was very impressed with the dedication of all leaders and especially the distances people will travel in the Highlands & Islands. His comment to me afterwards was that he was home to Guernsey before The Western Isles folk were.

Recognising AchievementNot only are our young people achieving great heights, but our adult leaders are also showing incredible day to day commitments to groups, district and regions alike. Many congratulations must go to Dr Russell Lees for his Bar to Silver Acorn, Jo Busby and Kathleen Murray for their Silver Acorns. Sadly Kathleen passed away, but she had her award presented to her in hospital.

I know that many other certificates have been landing on my doormat throughout the year and my congratulations and thanks to all those who give up so much time for Scouting in our Region.

West Coast DevelopmentFollowing on from the Road Show which toured the Highlands & Islands SHQ decided that our region had the potential to increase its membership. Following the region gaining the top spot in the 2010 census where we were top region in the UK, they decided to provide us with some development funding. Initially

REGIONALCOMMISSIONERREPORT

10%Growth in rural membership

this amount was pretty small, but after some negotiations, we managed to secure enough funding to have a part time (15 hours a week) development officer. This post had a clearly defined area within our region where the development would be targeted. Lochaber District used to have 11 groups, but sadly fell to 2 and the extreme parts of Ross & Sutherland had also suffered the closure of groups. Alicia Chappel was employed and the rest is history as they say. Alicia was previously a head teacher on Skye & Rathsay, so brought with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills needed to speak to schools, pupils and parents within these target areas.

Initially her remit was for an 8 month period, but following many successes, SHQ were persuaded to continue her post for an additional year. The current time is March 2013.

Contacts made during the road show gave Alicia a starting point and now seems to have hit on a winning formula. To date I am proud to report that we have new groups up and running in Strontian – Cubs and Beavers (Scouts hopefully starting soon), Spean Bridge – Cubs and Beavers (Scouts attending Kilmallie at Present), Portree, Skye – Beavers, Cubs & Scouts (78 young people in the first week) and Lochalsh due to launch on 21st September. These will be closely followed by Ballachulish, Isle of Muck (never had scouts), Acharacle and in the future Fort William.

I know also there is hard work being undertaken in all parts of the region and would encourage all the DC’s to shout about them.

I would like to take the opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to my team, Graham Eden (Communications), Sonja Fiskin (Training), Jamie Gordon (Scout Network) and to my 5 District Commissioners, Stephen Findlay (Orkney), Ian Denny (Western Isles), Andrea Smith (Caithness), Frank Hallett (Ross & Sutherland), Callum Smith (Inverness) and for the special advisors, Brian Lamond (Safeguarding), Robert Preece & David MacDonald (International), James Welsh (Cally Rally) and Mark Grant (Water Activities) for sticking with me during my first proper year as Regional Commissioner. I don’t always find it easy to manage time to continue my Scottish role, Acting District Commissioner of Lochaber and Regional Commissioner, but without you it would be impossible. I am passionate about Highland & Island Region and determined to continue to support you all and visit you on at least an annual basis, but as you know distance is a barrier to us all. Please continue to invite me and I will do my best to attend any event you think appropriate.

Thanks once again to everyone and let’s look forward to an exciting 2012/13.

Jenny StevenRegional [email protected]

I am proud that we have new groups up and running in Strontian, Spean Bridge , Portree, (78 young people in the first week) and Lochalsh due to launch on 21st September.

The 39th rally was held over the weekend 21 - 23 October 2011 and was attended by 368 participants. Including leaders/staff there were well over 500 involved.There was a lot of rain in the days leading up to the rally and we had to spread straw for safety in vari-ous communal areas – it all had to be raked up afterwards!I was again impressed by the participants - for the fourth year running they came to flagbreak without having to be rounded up and none were referred to the Camp Chief for discipline reasons. After the aforementioned rain we were again lucky with the weather during the rally though on the Saturday it was rather windy for Loch Ness. Activities included various Water Activities - Kayaking, Sailing, Cruis-ing, etc., and Land Activities - Land-mark, Crate Climbing, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Rope Bridge, etc.. Due to the ground conditions the 4 x 4 off road driving took place on a stubble field with the Aberdeen leaders running the aerial runway in a corner of the field. Quad biking was much improved with it now being at Black Isle Quad Biking- a bit further afield but well worth the extra travel.This year’s highlight was the visit by the UK Chief Commis-sioner, Wayne Bulpitt. Due to an important meeting in London his visit was curtailed to the Sunday only so a planned question and answer session for leaders had to be dropped along with a visit to Inverness district. Wayne pre-sented Duncan Alexander with his 50 years service award and also a wood badge, an explorer belt and a Platinum Award. This last presen-tation embarrassed the explorer receiving it as she was wearing a cow suit and was mentioned in Wayne’s blog!Four explorers from one unit were invested by their leader.

Again I wish to thank all - Rally Team, instructors, leaders, partici-pants, etc - who worked so hard to make the rally such a success not forgetting Hon Alexander Baillie, Donald Fraser, British Waterways and all our other supporters.The rally organising team are now

working hard for the milestone 40th rally. Scottish Chief Com-missioner Graham Haddock has accepted an invitation to attend.

James WelshCamp [email protected]

CALLYRALLY

Scouting across the Highlands and Islands continues to work towards a structured internal and external communication strategy.

2011/2012 has very much been a building year, with the Communications Team working with each District to identify key needs and how best to provide practical support.

Over the last 12 months we have had 2 huge media events which have generated a lot of positive publicity. We had a national opportunity with Bear Grylls joining our B&Q Community Week project on Loch Ness, and most recently we were privileged to have 4 Explorer Scouts and a Leader light the Paralympic Flame at the top of Ben Nevis. A truly once in a lifetime opportunity.

As a region we have been continuing to work on our online presence, through our website and also through social media. The start of 2012 saw the launch of our facebook page facebook.com/hiscouts, which has already pass the 100 “likes” barrier. Quite an achievement for our Region. We will continuing to work in these areas to further promote Scouting across the Region.

Internally, we are working on regular structured communication to our membership. This sounds easier than it is, as it is important to avoid duplication of communications from Scottish and UK Headquarters.

Over the next year we will be working to develop the skills base in the Communications team within the Region, and work locally with Districts to support. We are hoping to be able to offer a basic media training for adults in 2013.

We have a tremendous amount of good working and good news around the Region. It’s time to “shout for Scouting”

Graham EdenAssistant Regional Commissioner(Communications)[email protected]

During the last 12 months Christine Horne and I have been visiting Districts across the Region delivering 20 Safeguarding Workshops. to over 100 adults

Changes in the rules of the Association now require all Leaders to take part in Safeguarding training as part of their appointment review every five years in the same way that first aid qualifications have to be undertaken every three years. This is all part of the policy to make Scouting safe for young people and provides the opportunity for Leaders to be updated with the latest information.The Scout Association has recently issued a document of Frequently Asked Questions with answers in relation to this rule change:

Why has this change being made?The Association reviews its safeguarding arrangements constantly and, following a formal internal review and external advice from the NSPCC, it was decided that training in safeguarding should be an ongoing requirement as it is with first aid. The issues facing Scouters in keeping young people safe are changing all the time and it’s essential that we provide up-to-date training

Who can deliver this training?Safeguarding Awareness Coordinators have completed specialist training provided by Headquarters and in Cheshire they are the only people able to deliver this training.

How should we record this safeguarding training?There is provision on the Member Membership System for training to be recorded

Which appointments does this rule applied to?All those subject to an appointment review, essentially anyone who holds an appointment except for Occasional Helpers, Scout Active Support and those in

elected roles.What is the phase-in period of this rule?The rule should be implemented immediately. From 30 June 2011 reviews should only take place where the relevant training has been completed

I am a police officer, social worker, teacher. Why should I have to be trained again?Professional training for the likes of police officers, social workers or teachers will not have any Scouting context. For example, a specialist police officer will have detailed understanding of the law and investigative techniques, but will not (by virtue of their professional background) have an understanding of what the Scout Association stance is in respect of alcohol on activities or best practice in terms of the Yellow Card.

Why should I have to do the same training every five years?Safeguarding training is constantly reviewed and our understanding of the issues faced by young people change over time. The content of this training will, therefore, change to reflect this.

Brian LammondRegional Safeguarding [email protected]

SAFEGUARDING

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Explorer Scouts Christina Sheffield, Joseph Tangnay, Edward Brown and Robyn Gunning and Assistant Cub Scout Leader Jason Ridgley from Highlands and Islands were chosen to help light the Paralympic Torch at the top of Ben Nevis as it start of its journey from Scotland to London. The Scottish Flame was one of four Flames created across the UK as part of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay. The group set off at dawn on Wednesday 22 August, with a group of LOGOC officials and mountain guides after a warm welcome to Ben Nevis by John Hutchison, Chairman of John Muir Trust which owns the top part of Ben Nevis. The Flame will be created by the Scouts at the summit with assistance from Lochgoilhead Activity Centre instructors Gemma Grewar and Thom Bodey, a Mountain leader and bushcraft expert respectively. Ben Nevis is the United Kingdom’s highest peak, standing at 1,344 metres (4,409 ft) above sea level. The climb is took in the region of four hours each way and the Explorer Scouts were led by local mountain guides. The Scouts were all chosen from communities local to Ben Nevis. Jason was also chosen for his inspirational story of overcoming a spinal condition to become an elite athlete, as profiled earlier this year in the Scouts Scotland blog.

London 2012 Paralympic

Torch Lighting

The number of our young people participating in the Young Leader Training programme continues to grow. More importantly, young people from all our districts are participating in the programme.

After several years at the helm, Fiona Smart has left the region for Edinburgh with work. We thank Fiona for all her efforts time in working to develop the Young Leader provision in the Highlands and Islands.

2012, has seen the team deliver two residential weekends, 1 in Inverness, and a second in Badaguish, nr Aviemore. We also made every effort to offer a weekend in Caithness, which sadly was cancelled due to low numbers.

The Region remains committed to offering the Young Leader training over 2 residential weekends, as local as is practicably possible. That said, we’ve

found that Young Leaders in the Island communities are desperate to get off the Island, and come to the mainland. It brought me great laughter to be told that Inverness has “joined up shops!”

Looking ahead to 2013, again we are looking to offer 2-3 weekend residentials, 1 in Inverness District, a second in Ross & Sutherland, and hopefully a weekend in Lochaber.

Our Young Leader’s programme conitnues to produce the leaders of tomorrow. Growing numbers of young people who go through the Young Leader process, are going on to becom adult volunteers with The Scout Association, and also as volunteers of other voluntary groups.

Graham [email protected]

ADULTTRAININGAdult Training is tailored to an adult’s appointment, and therefore most (but not all) adults are required to work towards a Wood Badge. You are required to com-plete your Wood Badge within three years of the issue of your provisional appoint-ment.

Gaining your Wood Badge is not the end of the story. Every adult with a Wood Badge has to do a minimum of five hours ongoing learning each year. This is to ensure they continue to acquire new skills and keep up to date with new trends and policies.

32 leaders have gained their Wood Badge since the beginning of 2011. This is a great number and I would like to congratulate all of you.

The 2012 training was taken out across the Region more than in previous years, and will be travelling more again in 2013.

Our aim for 2013 is to increase the number of validations taking place and so the 2013 dates will also give an additional oppor-tunity to come along and have modules validated whilst the team is in your area.

Sonja [email protected]

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YOUNG LEADER TRAINING

Caithness Scouting continues with District Explorers, three Groups with all three sections and two Groups with two sections. Highlights this year included celebrations for the Highlands & Islands Elements Camp at Dores, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics, Blair Atholl & a visit from our twinned German Scouts from Brilon in Germany continuing a forty year friendship and as always usual/unusual weekly meetings.

Explorer Scouts have continued to grow in numbers both for Leaders & young people.We are fortunate in having two new, well experienced Leaders from the USA : both are involved in next year’s USA Jamboree. Explorers have been to the Cally Rally, the Woolly Jumper, Blair Atholl as a joint patrol with Orkney Scouts & our summer camp at Badaguish with Brilon Scouts & Leaders. A mass investiture took place at Holburn Head. They also helped the Guides in building a Beacon for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations at Harold’s Tower by Thurso, despite a freezing gale. One Explorer Scout has gained his 99 Nights Away Badge & is still counting! Some have attended Young Leader training and returned with much greater insights and had a great time too.

Scouts have had a fairly quiet year but enjoyable meetings have taken place regularly.The week at Badaguish & Home Hospitality (HoHo) was a great experience for all & those Leaders involved in the planning & fund-raising did an excellent job. It took much time & effort…our District is fortunate to have such a team.

One Scout from Wick has gained his Chief Scout Gold Award…his present Leader was given her own equivalent by his father when he was Scout Leader.

Cub Scout Packs have been active with visits to various localities, have performed different community tasks, had assorted speakers in & had themed sleepovers, in addition to regular meetings & end of term sausage sizzles. A couple of District events have taken place.

In Sept, the Annual Cross Country was run in Dunnet Forest with assistance of Caithness Athletic Club with Dunnet Bay winning. The parents did a great job in providing refreshments. In March, the Swimming Gala took place in the Thurso pool with assistance from the Thurso Swimming Club, winners were Dunnet Bay. One Cub from Wick and another from Dunnet Bay have their Silver Chief Scout’s Award.

Beaver Scout Colonies are growing & this is a good sign for later sections.

Lots of parties to celebrate everything, sleepovers & happy weekly meetings.

The annual Fun Day at Dunbeath was enjoyable & included bouncy castle, face painting, space hopper races, campfire singing and ice-cream to end with. Beavers even managed the long journey to Dores for the Regional Camp…Nessie did appear as a reward to all. Chief Scout Bronze Awards were gained by seven Dunnet Bay and one 1st Thurso Beavers

One Group, Dunnet Bay spent a day at

Fairburn Activity Centre with a supper from La Mirage. All went for ‘free’ thanks to fund-raising for a couple of years & the idea from Susan Davidson & support from the other Leaders.

Thanks to the Elements Camp we now have much closer relations with Orkney Scouts…we look forward to continuing this link.

One Assistant Cub Scout Leader was involved with swimming trials for the Paralympics & did really well to raise our Scouting profile.

Our District Pipe Band was asked to play again at the Mey Games in early August.

It was the day that Brilon Scouts & ours came back north from Badaguish, so all attended. Two Band Instructors were given Thanks Badges by Prince Charles…perhaps a first?

Lastly, many thanks to Leaders & also to their families, who are wonderful supports & without them all, Scouting here would not happen. As always, we could do with more Leaders but thanks to several Leaders who are willing to assist in keeping sections going, Caithness Scouting is alive and well!

Andrea SmithDistrict [email protected]

ROUND THEDISTRICTSCAITHNESS

District Covers; Caithness

Total Membership 266Number of Groups 5

Beaver Scouts 89(6-8 year olds)

Cub Scouts 77(8-101/2 year olds)

Scouts 37(101/2 - 14 year olds)

Explorer Scouts 20(14-18 - year olds)

Leaders /Adult Support 43

The last 12 months has been a year of mixed fortunes for Inverness District.

Callum Smith, has recently has to step down as District Commissioner for family reasons which has led Inverness Scouting seeking it’s 5th District Commissioner in as many years. We have been fortunate to have Brian Lammond volunteer to take on the task of leading Scouting in Inverness and the surrounding communities.

Looking back over the year, has seen a variety of challenges, but for each challenge there have many more positives.

Providing programme support remains the key function of the District, and with John Horne taking over as Assistant District Commissioner (Beavers) and Jonathan Richards as District Explorer Scout Commissioner, the District has a complete support team for the 5 sections gong forward. Jonathan has taken over from Graham Eden, who supported Explorer Scouting across the District for the last 4 years, but has moved to the Region support team. We thank Graham for his contribution over these last few years.

With the completion of the programme support team at District, the year has seen a focus on stabilisation in the District, with the key focus having been on Training.

Christine Horne, who has recently taken over as Assistant District Commissioner (Adult Training) has undertaken a power of work to organise training in the District, and of equal, if not of greater importance, has been working tirelessly to update historical records, and get the training records up to date.

It’s not all about support in Inverness, with the District’s 2 largest events having taken place in the last 12 months. The annual Inverness City Scout Post having taken place, and once again setting records for delivery, with in excess of 27,000 cards having been delivered, with in excess of £5,000 raised for local Scouting. Scout Post is now firmly ingrained in the public mind, with MFR even commenting “the scout post boxes are in the shops, Christmas is round the corner”.

Hot on the heals of Scout Post was the biennial Inverness Area Gang Showat Eden Court. A smaller cast than normal, took to the stage at Eden Court, and delivered 5 fantastic shows. What the Gang lacked in numbers, they made up for with their dedication and enthusiasm. The present economic climate continues to present challenges (financially) to running such large scale event, and we continue to be extremely grateful to Inverness Common Good Fund for the their ongoing support, and in particular the support of Cllr John Ford, in championing Gang Show at the Town House. With the finances of Gang Show

secure, plans are already under way for 2014.

One of our key elements with our volunteers, is to recognise their achievement and dedication. It was particularly please that Russel Lees and Jo Busby were recognised in this year’s St. George’s Day Awards

Looking forward, the District has a bright future ahead, with stability in the leadership of the District going forward, there is massive potential for consolidating Scouting in the District, and of more importance, to bringing Scouting back to communities of old, and to new Communities.

on behalf of Inverness DistrictGraham EdenARC (Communications)[email protected]

INVERNESS

District Covers; Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey







District Covers; Lochaber







LOCHABER

A year of development on all fronts has been the theme in Lochaber.

Firstly, there has been significant work to increase the number of communities in which Scouting operates in Lochaber. This work has been aided greatly, but the appointment of Alicia Chappel, who has been employed as a Development Officer for the local area.

Alicia has been working tirelessly with myself to develop scouting along the west coast, to revitalise Lochaber from the current 2 groups back to the 1980s hey day of 11 groups. To date Groups have been opened in Strontian (10th Lochaber) and in Spean bridge (6th Lochaber), each with about 40 young people.

Work continues with the prospect of new groups in Ballachulish and the Isle of Muck, and work continuing in Acharacle and Fort William.

Development continues at the Insch Campsite, near Spean Bridge, with a key strand of work being the replacement of the ageing toilet facilities. In a gale force wind in May, the toilet block arrived and was installed. Sadly, too late for the Summer Season, but will be in full operation for next year. The campsite continues to be busy, with booking growing each year, bringing essential income for developing the site and District further.

Scout Active Support have equally been busy fund-raising to raise critical funds to support the District and Groups across Lochaber. They have been involved in a wide variety of challenge activities, all held in the local area.

Turning to governance of the District, I am delighted that we have managed to appoint a District Treasurer, which eases the workload considerably, with work ongoing to recruit the rest of the office bearers to reestablish a District Executive Committee to take on the governance of the District.

Whilst I write this report, I am well into my second year as Acting District Commissioner, which whilst it has been wonderful to be involved in the establishment of new groups in Lochaber, it is essential and of great importance for the development of Scouting in Lochaber, that a full time District Commissioner is found. Work continues to seek a suitable person to take on the role of District Commissioner for Lochaber, who can provide solid support, whilst also being local.

My thanks once again go to all those who have supported the District during this last year, and with the future looking very positive for Scouting in the outdoor capital of Scotland, the potential to being the Everyday Adventure of Scouting to more young people is increasing.

Jenny StevenDistrict Commissioner (Acting)[email protected]

Numbers in Orkney are staying around 80-85 members

KirkwallKirkwall having the largest number of members, Beaver numbers is down as nearly all are ready to move on to Cubs, this making Cub numbers on the increase. Cubs have been busy along with Beaver section gaining their Chief Scout Award, sleepovers and camps have been regular. Kirkwall Cubs have a good bond with the West Mainland section having joint camps and activities.

Scout section have been attending lots of camp weekends this year as well as Regional Camp and Blair Atholl, Zodiac camps. Chief Scout Gold Awards for 7 members, well done to all.

The Explorer Section, numbers growing, just completed their own room in the Kirkwall hall, sailing boat and rubber inflatable going to be restored under the guidance of the local Sea Cadets. Duke of Edinburgh hike taking place along with members from Shetland in August

West MainlandThe West Mainland Group continues with good numbers for such a small area, badge work high in the programme, weekend camps on a regular base involving the Kirkwall section-cubs-scouts-explorers. Fund raising has been very successful by Amanda. Group will have all four sections after the summer.

SandayThe Sanday group, all meet in the local school and are looking to get into the camping side and nights away aspect of the Scout programme.

Orkney District joined the Guides and Army Cadets in lighting a beacon on Ward Hill (881ft, that is the second highest hill in Orkney) and in parades with the Legion for the Diamond Jubilee, parade with the Armed Forces day.

The district engaged with in community service as part of the recently relaunched Scout Community Week, planting 1000

trees. (who says there are no trees in Orkney)

As the year drew to a close before summer, the Region training team came to the Islands to provide a training weekend. It was a fantastic opportunity for leaders on the Islands to see that they are not alone! With the opportunity to discuss challenges and for both the leaders and training team to get to know each other, and the differing styles of scouting across the Region

With summer approaching, Kirkwall prepare for summer camp at the end of August on the outer island of Westray, Orkney.

Steven FindlayDistrict [email protected]

ORKNEY

District Covers; Orkney Isles







District Covers; Ross & Cromarty, Skye & Lochalsh, Sutherland







ROSS & SUTHERLAND

Ross and Sutherland District has met with mixed fortunes this year, on the downside we had Frank Hallett stepping aside from the DC’s chair, and the recent passing away of Gordon Macrae who was Area Commissioner between 1988-92.

On a more positive note, the past year has again seen an increase in membership with a growth of 12.5 %, and our census returns show the largest ever recorded in Ross and Sutherland. Indeed our total membership now stands at 762 Members, which includes 116 leaders, up from 104 last year. These figures do not include the resurrection of the 31st Ross-Shire (Portree) after an absence of 10 years and the formation of a new group, 25th Ross and Sutherland (Lochalsh) that will now provide Scouting in the Kinlochshiel area for the first time

The geography of the District is such our furthest Group to the west is in Portree and our furthest Group to the east is the Tarbat Group based in Portmahomack some 130 miles apart. Our furthest Group to the south is Muir of Ord and our furthest Group to the north is Brora some 65 miles apart, and this continues to be a challenge in arranging District events and Leader Training, and places some strain on our Training Advisers.

Grass roots Scouting has continued to show an increase to such an extent that not only have we started new groups, but the existing Groups have expanded their Sections. Our new Air Scout Group based in Gairloch is a shining example having first started with Cubs is now running a

Scout program and also has Explorers. Indeed there are now three Explorer Scout Sections in operation in the District, covering the Black Isle (and the West), Tain & Golspie, and Avoch - which is a Sea Scout Explorer unit. We also have 11 Explorers working their way through the Young Leader Training Scheme.

It is also refreshing to see that due to the hard work put in by the leaders throughout the district, that more and more Cubs, Scouts and Explorers experienced a life under canvas throughout the year.

We held a District Development Day last April with the assistance of a Development Grant from SHQ with the object being to show the modern face in Scouting - and assisting in that object Scottish Headquarters kindly offered us the use of e Publicity caravan which covered two locations – Dingwall and Portree in Skye.

At the Dingwall event we were able to hire a Climbing Wall which proved a great success and logged more than 170 separate climbs during a wet and soggy day, and the caravan distributed many pens, balloons, and leaflets etc. The Publicity caravan also went to Portree and we are indebted to Jenny Steven the Regional Commissioner who oversaw that event – which eventually led to the start of two new Groups in both Skye and Lochalsh.

Other highlights were of the Cally Rally, the Regional camp at Dores as well as the many smaller camps around the District.

As a District we were well represented at the 2011 World Jamboree in Sweden with four Youth Members and 4 Adults. The Young people attending had the experience of a lifetime, and have made lifelong friends. Their eyes were opened to

Scouting around the world - forming part of a huge Jamboree where a temporary city of 38,000 appears just for a fortnight. The hard work started a year before the event, with endless fund-raising done by all participants in order to raise the money to make it happen, makes it especially worthwhile and commendable. There must have been times when that final pound seemed such a long way off…

The modular based Scout Training Scheme continues to have a positive impact throughout the District resulting in five Wood Badges being awarded to Leaders. We have also made inroads into First Aid Training, and the Safeguarding requirements. During the year we had a number of Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards presented and in addition one Chief Scouts Award which was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Ross-shire at the annual Church Service and Parade. 5 Leaders were honoured by the Chief Scout with the Award of Merit.

The Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Mrs. Janet Bowen, who is our President, has supported us at a number of events during the year. This Included the District Jubilee Church Parade, where we were joined by members of the local Guide Association, and we are indeed grateful to this very busy lady for her commitment to the young people within Ross & Sutherland Scout District.

In conclusion, it has been a busy and exciting year for Ross and Sutherland, with Air Scouts and Sea Scouts reaching new heights, numbers on the rise and leaders working harder than ever to make things happen … Long may it continue.

Ken WilsonDistrict Commissioner (Acting)[email protected]

Since the recent leap in recruiting throughout the District it was decided to take a year out to consolidate each group both in the sense of leaders and young people. This has proved invaluable and we can identify where the strengths and weaknesses are throughout the District in respect of numbers.

Although over the year Scouting has been progressing well we have had one or two set-backs, one with the resignation of both the District Explorer Scout Commissioner and Explorer Scout Leader. The other loss has been our District Secretary who after years of devoted service behind the scenes has also decided to resign. Luckily we now have a new volunteer who has quickly stepped into the role and has already completed Module 1 training. On the up side we have recruited two new Explorer Scout Leaders and they are already making their presence felt within the unit. Also on the up side we have had one member awarded the Queens Scout Award, something that has not been seen in the Western Isles for 50 years. We have also obtained a new Akela for the 1st Laxdale, very many thanks for taking on this task, I’m sure you will do well. The previous Akela can now concentrate with her favourite Section, the Beavers so I suppose we will see the numbers increasing before long.

Two members of the Explorers attended the World Jamboree in Sweden and four other members of the Explorers undertook their Explorer Belt award in Poland with another three attending the annual Woolley Jumper Camp. Of course we had

the usual Cally Rally where we made our presence felt. The second Hebridean Hullaballoo was successfully run last year and although we did not have such a large attendance as the first the events were more thought provoking. A large contingent attended the first Region camp held at Dores where the highlight of the weekend was the chance to meet the Chief Scout. This was followed by the Community week project where we were asked to repaint the replicas of the world famous Lewis Chessmen and the recently restored water mill. Finally we were asked to participate in the Armed Forces week and were given the honour of raising and lowering the flag and taking part in the actual parade.

With the Diamond Jubilee taking place this year the District played the lead in the lighting of the three Western Isles beacons, the most spectacular was lit at the top of the Clisham, the highest mountain on the Western Isles.

With the new adult Training team being established, we now have a full programme of training available to all new Leaders.

Although no new Groups have opened up this last year we are still engaged in promoting Scouting in Harris, namely Tarbert and Leverburgh. We have been greatly assisted by four volunteers who are anxious to see scouting start in both of these locations. This is still an on-going project. ConclusionNow this is the last item on my report,

I will be standing down as District Commissioner this time next year. As many of you know, the District Commissioner appointment is supposed to be for only five years but next year will be my fourteenth. I believe we now have enough trained and able Leaders that could take over.

Ian DennyDistrict [email protected]

WESTERN ISLES

District Covers; Lewis, Harris, North Uist, South Uist and Barra





Exlorer Scouts 10(14-18 - year olds)


CENSUS OFMEMBERSHIP INHIGHLANDS & ISLANDS

For year ending 31st January 2012

Male Female TotalYouth Membership This Year Last Year This Year Last Year This Year Last Year

Beaver Scouts 387 441 34 126 486 567

Cub Scouts 558 532 149 148 707 680

Scouts 371 394 139 113 510 507

Explorer Scouts 105 90 39 54 144 144

Scout Network 9 2 2 0 11 2

Total Youth Membership 1430 1459 428 441 1858 1900

LeadershipLeader including Group Scout Leaders 130 146 135 150 263 296

Sectional Assistants & Skills Instructors 34 19 20 6 54 25

Scouters (District & Region) 4 3 2 2 6 5

Commissioners (District & Region) 7 9 10 6 17 15

Total Leadership 175 178 167 165 342 343

Organisational SupportAdministrators 4 8 1 8 5 16

Officials 8 9 7 6 15 15

Scout Active Support 15 8 13 10 28 18

Individual & Associate Members 3 3 3 4 6 7

Total Organisational Support 30 28 24 28 54 56

Members 1630 1663 616 633 2246 2296

Associate Members 5 2 3 1 8 3

Total Membership 1635 1665 619 634 2254 2299

Statistical Information

Young Leaders 33 33 4 22 37 55

Network Members (Total) 17 12 4 5 21 17

Units & GroupsBeaver Scout Colonies 37Cub Scout Packs 44Scout Troops 33Explorer Scout Units 12Scout Networks 3Scout Active Support Units 2

handiscouts.org.ukHighlands and Islands Region Scout Council, c/o 16 East Mackenzie Park, Inverness, IV2 3SR

All reports are the view of the Author and not necessarily the views of the Editor. Any questions or comments should be forwarded to the ARC (Communications).Designed by Graham W J Eden, [email protected]

2012 annual report

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