Carnoustie Scouts set to embark on international adventure

Pictured (from left) are Ross Brownlow, Innes McMillan and Andrew Martin, who will attend next year's World Scout Jamboree in Korea. (Andy Thompson)

Innes McMillan, Andrew Martin and Ross Brownlow, Explorer Scouts from the 1st Carnoustie Scout Group, attended a weekend selection camp in November with more than 100 other applicants from East Unit and Mairi McMillan, deputy group Scout leader, said they were “beyond delighted” to hear just before Christmas that they been chosen to make the trip together.

The three friends will travel to Saemangeum next August with 33 other members of the unit for the two-week visit which also offers them the opportunity to take in some of the local culture.

The jamboree itself, which is held every four years, will take place in a brand new facility which is being purpose-built for the event.

Mairi, who also happens to be Innes’s mum, continued: “Over 40,000 Scouts from all over the world will be attending and they will meet and learn about Scouts from other countries as well as have the opportunity to try lots of activities and make lots of new friendships.

“They will be away for over two weeks with the unit which will include the jamboree and also the opportunity to see some of South Korea.

"We haven’t had anyone from the group selected for a lot of years, so to have three chosen is phenomenal.”

While the boys passed through the initial selection process, it was just the first obstacle and they now have to raise £3765 each to be able to attend.

To that end, they have already started a fundraising drive, which began soon into the new year.

Mairi said: “Obviously a trip like this doesn’t come cheap and the boys have been fundraising already clearing gardens, washing cars and we have a few events planned including a beetle drive at the Carnoustie Scout hall on Saturday, February 26 at 6pm.

"They’re also doing talks for the Rotary and local churches. If any businesses or organisations would like to make a donation they would be very grateful and they’re happy to give talks to any groups in the area.”

Anyone keen to support the boys can do so by emailing [email protected].

They are also young leaders and volunteer with the Scout group’s junior sections to encourage them and also gain leadership skills that they will hopefully use to become the next generation of scout leaders.

In that capacity they are involving the whole group and have been running a competition with all sections to design a special badge that will be worn on all uniforms and the boys will trade with Scouts from all over the world.