Scouts are well prepared to gain movement’s top award

Jul 2 2009 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

HARD working Bathgate Scouts have received four gold awards for their hard work.

Over the past two years Scouts from the 31st West Lothian Troop have been working towards their Chief Scout’s Gold Award.

The badge is the highest award available in the Scout Section and is presented on completion of eight Challenge badges.

Last weekend a group of Scouts aged 12 to 15 took part in a 65 mile cycling expedition over two days. The challenge involved them planning the trip, using maps to navigate the route and preparing by training on cycle routes.

The expedition left from Ballinliug just south of Pitlochry following the river Tay to Kenmore, the full length of Loch Tay to Killin and The Falls of Dochart before heading down to camp at Strathyre overnight.

Sunday’s route then involved heading south towards Callander, Aberfoyle and Drymen.

Successfully completing the Expedition Challenge has enabled Alistair Nisbet, Cameron Clark, Jordan Prentice and James Russell to complete their Chief Scout’s Gold Award.

Forth Valley Scouts District Commissioner Graham Whitehouse visited the troop last week to present the awards.

Following their success the boys will now form Bathgate’s first Explorer Scout Unit.

Additional applications are welcomed from local boys or girls aged between 15 and 18.

For more details visit www.scouts.org.uk/explorers/ or call into the Scout hall in Bathgate, Thursdays from 7pm.