What a sensational, action-packed year it has been for our Scouts! From smashing massive personal goals to conquering the great outdoors, our troop has been unstoppable.
Badges and achievements
This year we were thrilled to award two of our Scouts with their Chief Scout's Gold Award! This is no easy feat and requires relentless determination, fierce commitment and a spirit of adventure. They did it, and we couldn't be prouder!
Stay tuned, because we are highly confident more of our Scouts will be claiming this award before the year is out. Our Scouts have been on an absolute badge-collecting frenzy too, capturing a staggering 201 badges so far between Challenge Awards and Activity Badges, with more to be handed out in the coming weeks!
Adventures, camps and more
The Scouts have been very busy taking part in loads of fun adventures and trips throughout the year. In January, a group of fearless Scouts and Leaders braved the cold to attend Brass Monkeys Camp, experiencing freezing, sub-zero temperatures of -1°C.
In March, Scouts attended a Badge & Games weekend organised by our friends at the 29th. They unlocked vital new survival skills, mastering backwoods cooking, precision navigation, expert first aid, essential site services and more.
The month also saw one of our Scouts attend Meggernie's Survival Skills camp solo! We were inspired by their tenacity and determination to attend such a big camp on their own, where one of the nights involved sleeping outdoors in a shelter constructed from raw, natural materials. Unbelievable!
Scout section update
We love learning new skills and collecting badges while doing it! Throughout the year we put together a programme to cover as many badges as possible, with plenty of input from the Scouts themselves.
- 🎵 Making Music - we had Scouts showcase their musical talents.
- 🚑 First Aid - a visit from St John Scotland taught the Scouts CPR.
- 📜 Remembering the Past - a local historian visited to tell us about the history and impact of WWI and WWII on Livingston and the surrounding West Lothian towns.
Orienteering
Some Scouts put their navigation skills to the test at a local orienteering event hosted by Interlopers Orienteering Club. They were challenged to decode topographical maps, master compass work and locate hidden checkpoints scattered across the area. The event required sharp focus, quick decision-making and excellent communication as the Scouts raced against the clock. It was a fantastic opportunity to sharpen their practical fieldcraft skills, and every participant showed impressive skill and determination from start to finish.
Expedition weekend
A group of Scouts explored the Pentland Hills while taking part in the District Expedition Challenge, where they had to navigate, hike, cook and camp independently. The Scouts did themselves proud and showed great determination and teamwork throughout the weekend to gain their Expedition Challenge Badge.
Cycling adventure
Six of the Scouts set out for a 20km cycle around Livingston and the surrounding areas. On a lovely summer day, the Scouts and Leaders journeyed along National Cycle Route 75, taking in woodlands, bridges over the M8, the Pyramids Business Park at Bathgate and back to the Livingston Inn. Powered by custard creams, chocolate bourbons and sheer determination, all riders finished the route tired, but with big smiles on their faces.
Representing the 14th at Blair Atholl Jamborette 2026
The Blair Atholl Jamborette is a major international Scout camp held every two years in the grounds of Blair Atholl Castle in Perthshire, Scotland. To select the patrol representing West Lothian, a dedicated selection weekend was held, putting young people through various activities to earn a place. We are very proud to share that two Scouts from our troop were selected to represent the 14th.
During the two-week camp they took part in a wide range of activities, including water sports, climbing, bushcraft and more. Beyond the adventure, it was an incredible opportunity for them to connect and build lasting friendships with overseas Scouts and Explorers from 14 different countries!