Dougie Nairn from the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) was presented with his 30 year Long Service Award outside of St Nicholas Church, with all the Groups leaders present. I asked Dougie if he was happy to share what made him become a Scout Leader 30 years ago.
Dougie joined the Phoenix Venture Scout Unit when he was 17, encouraged by several friends who were already members. Dougie didn’t go through Cubs and Scouts but really enjoyed the activities he took part in as a Venture Scout, and the many new friends he made from across Ayrshire. At the age of 18 best friend Nigel started helping out at the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) as he had been a Cub and Scout with the group, and eventually persuaded him to become an Assistant Scout Leader.
Dougie said‘There have been many great times at camps, particularly when there used to be District camps involving a couple of hundred Scouts from all over Ayrshire. I can remember many such camps at places like Stair, Mauchline, Culzean and Galston to name a few. The Scouts always had a great time taking part in activities like kayaking, climbing and abseiling, zip slides, orienteering, archery, bivouac building and many more activities I have forgotten I’m sure.
Residential weekends at centres like Lochgoilhead also provided opportunities to take part in activities we as a group couldn’t provide, such as sailing, raft building, burn runs, mountain biking, abseiling and hire rope activities. I even got sunburnt feet on one occasion from the amount of time I spent getting kayaks and rafts in and out of the water.
Skiing has for many years been a favourite pastime of mine, so it was great to be able to take Scouts to the snow at Cairngorm for a weekend of skiing. I don’t know how many times we made the trip over the years, but the enjoyment Nigel and I had for the sport seems to have rubbed off on one former Scout who is hoping to become a ski instructor. There are I’m sure many other activities I have forgotten, when we had authorisation there were numerous day trips to hill walk and mountain bike in the Galloway hills or take part in District challenge hikes.’
But sadly after 30 years of Scout Leadership with the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group (Prestwick) Dougie has decided to hang up his neckie.
Adam, Pete, Daniela, Craig, Mark and Fiona (leaders for them 14th Ayrshire Scout Group) said ‘ Dougie, you can be so proud of all that you and Nigel have done with 14th Ayrshire…you have made a tremendous difference to the lives of so many young people. Now you can appreciate those well-earned Friday evenings. 30 years, Dougie…you are an absolute star! 🌟😇🍻
Finally from all the young people, parents and leaders of the 14th Ayrshire Scout Group- new and old, we would like to thank Dougie for all he has done throughout his 30 years. Dougie will be greatly missed, but fingers crossed he will come and see us all soon.
Thank you Dougie!
If you want to get involved or join the Scouts Association in Ayrshire we have groups across the Kyle and Carrick district. Find more information on Kyle and Carrick Scout District
#LifetimeOfMemories #30years #volunteering #Scouts #Prestwick #SkillsForLife
Kyle & Carrick District Scouts 