Author: Richard Fairbairn

District AGM 2023

We are delighted to invite you to our Annual General Meeting of Midlothian District Scout Council, which will this year be held Face to Face.

The AGM will be held on Thursday 26th October 2023 at 7.30pm at Bonnyrigg Scout Hall, Eldindean Road, Bonnyrigg EH19 2HP.
Google Maps: 14th Midlothian Bonnyrigg Scout Group

We are pro-actively encouraging Groups and Units from across Midlothian to be represented on the District Executive. If you are interested or would like to find out more, please contact dlv@midlothianscouts.org.uk

The AGM is open to:

  • All Adult Midlothian members. including the Regional Commissioner and Chair
  • All Explorer Scouts; A representative of the Troop Leadership Forum, selected from amongst the membership of the Forum
  • All parents of Explorer Scouts. President, Vice Presidents and invited guests.

Blair Atholl 2024

The Scouts Scotland’s 39th Scottish International Patrol Jamborette will take place in Blair Atholl from Monday 15th July 2024 until Friday 26th July 2024.

500 Scottish Explorer Scouts will camp alongside Scouts from around the world, working as a dual patrol of 12, in one of six subcamps.  There is an exciting programme of activities and the opportunity to form lasting international friendships.

Blair Atholl is open to Scouts and Explorers who are 14 – 17. The Jamborette is hugely popular and unfortunately not everyone can attend so selection events will take place locally.

To be eligible, they must be at least 14 years old as of 15th July 2024 but not yet 18 as of 25th July 2024

The camp in 2022 cost £350 per participant for all the activities, catering, evening entertainment etc. Training Camps / Transport were additional, and we will do our best to get grant money and fundraising opportunities to help with the cost. As soon as we are aware of the cost we will let you know.

Should you wish to Register Interest for your Midlothian Scout or Explorer in the Midlothian Patrol please can you complete the form below by Thursday 29th June 2023

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER INTEREST BY THURSDAY 29th JUNE 2023.

Further Information on Blair Atholl, including what happened in 2022, can be found at the main website

Only 44 new adult volunteers across Midlothian are needed to clear our youth waiting list 

1st Midlothian Gorebrbridge Squirrels

Demand for Scouts by young people across Midlothian continues to grow year on year. There is a shortage of adult volunteers at the 7 local Scout Groups which is stopping 254 young people on the Scouts waiting list from getting a place. Only 44 new local faces are needed to volunteer to clear this waiting list and enable more young people to benefit from the opportunities Scouting provides. 

According to the latest Census figures released by Scouts, the number of young people in the Midlothian Scouts District has increased by 4.5% to 484 year on year. While this growth is to be celebrated, more volunteers are needed to help return overall membership numbers to pre-pandemic levels. The Census also shows there has been no growth in the number of adult volunteers. Scouts is so popular that the massive waiting list and lack of new adult volunteer leaders mean Scouts are appealing for help to become Section Assistants or Leaders to ensure there is no barrier to participation. 

More adult volunteers are needed to widen the participation in Scouting, inspire younger people and help teach them the skills they need for life. As a volunteer-led movement; Scouts is only possible thanks to a bank of adult volunteers who help young people aged 4-25. 

Richard Fairbairn, the District Commissioner of Midlothian Scouts District, said: “We have lots of eager young people – boys and girls – wanting to join Scouting. We want to accept them, but we need Leaders if that is to happen. We only need 44 new faces from right across the whole of the Midlothian area to support more young people. We think that’s totally doable and possible thanks to our local communities. The power of volunteering and reducing our waiting list lies with them.’ 

 “At Scouts, we give young people the opportunity to improve their confidence, wellbeing, and resilience. We have so much fun. Midlothian Scouts wants to help young people realise how amazing they are, but the plea for more volunteers to enable this begins today.” 

“We are proud to be inclusive seeing a growth in girls joining Scouts year on year. We are also pleased to have awarded over 30 Top Awards last year from the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to Chief Scout Awards. These build essential employability, personal and character skills that will help improve the quality of young people’s lives.” 

“I encourage anyone to give volunteering with Scouts a try. Anyone can help – working with young people or more ‘behind the scenes’ – and no Scouting experience is essential. Whether it be two hours a month or one or two hours a week. Everyone has a skill and Scouts can help you use it to support the future and the next generation. And we have rewarding flexible opportunities to help adults benefit from Scouting too.” 

Erin Whyte, Squirrel Leader at the 1st Midlothian (Gorebridge) Scout Group said: “I would say that volunteering with Scouts is such a special thing to be involved in. You get to do really cool things that you might not normally get the chance to do. If you think you have some good ideas that could help children then you could be a huge asset to a Group.” 

Although there are 109 voluntary leaders, committee members and administrators in Midlothian, more are needed if the Scouts want to expand and grow their current membership of 484 young people. 

Those interested in learning more about volunteering for the Scouts or joining as a volunteer can find out more information https://www.midlothianscouts.org.uk/volunteer/ or email dc@midlothianscouts.org.uk

District AGM 2022

We are delighted to invite you to our Annual General Meeting of Midlothian District Scout Council, which will this year be held Face to Face.

The AGM will be held on Thursday 6th October 2022 at 7.30pm at Gorebridge Scout Hall, Hunterfield Rd, Gorebridge EH23 4TT
Google Maps: https://g.page/1stMidScoutGroup?share
What3Words ///tiles.pool.teams

We are pro-actively encouraging Groups and Units from across Midlothian to be represented on the District Executive. If you are interested or would like to find out more, please contact dc@midlothianscouts.org.uk

The AGM is open to:

  • All Adult Midlothian members. including the Regional Commissioner and Chair
  • All Explorer Scouts; A representative of the Troop Leadership Forum, selected from amongst the membership of the Forum
  • All parents of Explorer Scouts. President, Vice Presidents and invited guests.

Make a difference by getting involved in our Executive Committee

Make a difference by getting involved in our Executive Committee

Midlothian Scouts does not have a key member of our Executive Committee – a District Secretary and we really need willing volunteer to become a member. Please join our leadership team. We need new volunteers to function AND make a difference at the ‘business end’ of our Scout District.

Please email us to find out more at richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk

The Executive Committee plays a vital role in the running of the Midlothian Scout District. The Executive Committee makes decisions and carries out administrative tasks to ensure that the resources are available so that the best quality Scouting can be delivered locally across our Groups.

You will play a key role by leading the administrative work for Midlothian Scouts. No previous secretarial experience is needed, we just need someone who is good at admin and keeping records.

Joining our Executive Committee is an exciting way to be part of Scouts in a non-uniformed role, playing a valuable role in making sure we deliver the best experiences to our young people.

Midlothian Scouts need a new District Secretary:

Click to read the full role description – Secretary

  • Do you have good administration skills?
  • Would you prefer to support more ‘behind the scenes’?
  • Are you an organised person?
  • Can you help keep our records in order?

The District Executive Committee:

Our Executive Committee is made up of people who shape our decisions, approve our strategy, and monitor our performance.

Though ‘Executive’ sounds a bit formal, it is not like that at all! We are a relaxed group of like-minded individuals! This role is ideal for anyone who does not necessarily wish to work directly with young people but would like to help to support and develop Scouting for a couple of hours or so a month.

As you know, Scouts is both a young person and adult experience – making friends, trying something new, doing something good for both your community and yourself and importantly making memories. It’s adventurous and rewarding. This Scouting adventure is only possible thanks to our superstar volunteers – ordinary people, like YOU, making an extraordinary difference to young people’s lives.

Read about some of our other superstar volunteers:

Click here to read some existing volunteer stories and experiences from Beaver and Cub Leaders to Executive members. https://sesscouts.org.uk/volunteer-stories/ especially some of our other Executive members from the region.

Your opportunity:

This is your chance to be extraordinary and help in a flexible way! Joining our committee is not as posh as it sounds but we do like to have fun.

  • Minimal commitment – only a couple of hours a month
  • Flexible volunteering to fit around you – your skills/interests/time
  • Alongside like-minded people – we’re easy to get on with
  • Great fun – it sounds formal, but it isn’t!
  • Make a difference – get that ‘feel good factor’

As a District Secretary, you will help keep our records in order. Generally, the Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

  • Members of the Executive Committee must act collectively as charity trustees of the Scout Group, and in the best interests of its members to:
  • Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
  • Protect and maintain any property and equipment owned by and/or used by the District.
  • Manage the District finances.
  • Provide insurance for people, property, and equipment.
  • Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fundraising activities.
  • Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
  • Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally.
  • Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community.
  • Appoint and manage the operation of any sub-Committees, including appointing a Chair to lead the sub-Committees.
  • Ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the District.

This is an exciting time for Midlothian Scouts. As a District Secretary and a member of the Executive Committee, you can play an essential part, be impactful and make a difference! This is flexible volunteering to fit around you.

What next?

Would you like to have an informal conversation? Please reach out to Richard Fairbairn, District Commissioner – richard.fairbairn@midlothianscouts.org.uk, for a chat. Feel free to nominate someone and/or share this with your network. Please.

Why not read our Trustee Information Pack HERE.

Please don’t assume someone else will step up, really, we need your help please.

Thank you!

Richard Fairbairn
District Commissione

Virtual Volunteering Information event

Thursday 27th January, 7.30pm on Zoom

Scouts is both a young persons and adults experience – making friends, trying something new, doing something good for both your community and yourself and importantly making memories.

This is only possible thanks to our superstar volunteers – ordinary people, like you, making an extraordinary difference to young people’s lives. Can we Scout on you?

Register to attend this informative online event and find out more about the flexible volunteering opportunities directly with young people and behind the scenes in say our Executive Committee.

The event will last for one hour and be fun.

If you have a question please contact our Scouting Support Officer, Kirstie Armsworth, via email kirstie.armsworth@sesscouts.org.uk

Register Here

The event:

Discover how you can give young people the skills they need to succeed in life and how being part of the Scouting family can be as rewarding for you as it is for them.

As a District we want to continue to offer your child and other local children across Midlothian the ability to participate with all the fun and challenging experiences we do in scouting and continue to offer more young people the ability to try these new experiences and have adventures such as, camping, fire-lighting, climbing and abseiling, and yes, learning how to tie and use knots.

We are looking for new adult volunteers to support our existing leader and executive team. So please consider what you can do and if you know anyone who may be willing to get involved ask them to come along to the event too. Please help us by talking to your friends and family and through your personal social media outlets about this event.

You don’t need to have any specific skills or be Bear Grylls to lend a hand. We have lots of different and flexible roles which means you can give as little or as much time as you like, working with young people directly or behind the scenes.

Scouting has a reputation for helping young people to develop self-reliance, strong character, respect for others, good community skills, and physical and mental fitness. For more than 100 years, our programs have instilled in young people the values and knowledge that they need to become leaders in their communities through developing these Skills for Life.

We would love to be able to explain more about Scouting and the opportunities we have for you to get involved. Please share this invite with a friend.

We anticipate the online event lasting only one hour and we will make it fun and informative for all. In the meantime, if you have any questions about Scouts, volunteering or the event please email Scouting Support Officer Kirstie Armsworth – kirstie.armsworth@sesscouts.org.uk and she will help you.

I look forward to meeting you!

Yours sincerely,

Richard Fairbairn,
District Commissioner

Motion Picture License for Groups and District

Midlothian District Scouts has secured a blanket license for the District and all 8 Scout Groups within Midlothian to show Movies, TV Programmes on any entertainment video on DVD, Blu-ray, video cassette, downloads that are available for rental or purchase

The licence does not however cover performances where you charge entrance, or advertise the film showing publically.

The MPLC Umbrella Licence is the comprehensive yearly blanket licence provider for over 900 studios and producers which include covering major studios such as Walt Disney, Buena Vista, Dreamworks, Touchstone, Twentieth Century Fox, Hollywood Pictures, MGM, United Artists, Miramax, Paramount, Pixar and Universal Studios. MPLC also represent independent producers including Lionsgate, Momentum Pictures, HIT Entertainment, Ealing Studios, Metrodome, Eros International and Sony Pictures Classics as well as the major TV producers, including the BBC.

Further information
https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/running-your-section/administration/motion-picture-licensing/

Full list of rights holders here.
https://www.themplc.co.uk/page/rightsholders

Any further questions email dc@midlothianscouts.org.uk

Midlothian District AGM 2021

We are delighted to invite you to our Annual General Meeting of Midlothian District Scout Council, which will this year be held Face to Face and on Zoom.

The AGM will be held on Thursday 7th October 2021 at 7.30pm in Bonnyrigg Scout Hall, Eldindean Road, Bonnyrigg EH19 2HJ

Those that wish to join by Zoom, you will need to Register Online by Clicking Here by Tuesday 5th October, to receive the login details.

For those attending in person:

  • If you have symptoms, test positive for coronavirus or feel unwell you must stay at home.
  • You must wear a mask indoors (unless exempt)
  • There are Hand Sanitising stations around the hall
  • The Hall will be ventilated, please ensure you have a Jumper / Jacket
  • Being back together face-to-face is still new, and we will all be at different stages of feeling comfortable around other people. Please be respectful of other people’s space.
  • Tea / Coffee and biscuits will be provided.

The AGM is open to all Adult Midlothian members. including the Regional Commissioner and Chair.
All Explorer Scouts; A representative of the Troop Leadership Forum, selected from amongst the membership of the Forum; All parents of Explorer Scouts. President, Vice Presidents and invited guests.

Documents

MDEC-Agenda-AGM-2021Download
Midlothian-AGM-Minutes-2020Download
Midlothian-Financial-Statement-2020-2021Download

Blair Atholl 2022

We are delighted that Scouts Scotlands the 38th Scottish International Patrol Jamborette will take place in Blair Atholl from Monday 18th July 2022 until Friday 29th July.

500 Scottish Explorer Scouts will camp alongside scouts from around the world, working as a dual patrol of 12, in one of six subcamps.  There is an exciting programme of activities and the opportunity to form lasting international friendships.

Blair Atholl is open to Scouts and Explorers who are 14 – 17 on the first day of the camp. The Jamborette is hugely popular and unfortunately not everyone can attend so selection events will take place locally.

The camp itself costs £350 per participant for all the activities, catering, evening entertainment etc. Training Camps / Transport will be additional, and we will do our best to get grant money and fundraising opportunities to help with the cost.

Should you wish to Register Interest for your Midlothian Scout or Explorer in the Midlothian Patrol please can you complete the form below by Friday 1st October 2021

Applications have now closed.