22 SUCCESS Hike triumph for BB pack
First win in 36 years for EK team
The 2nd East Kilbride Boys’ Brigade are celebrating after winning the Kilbryde Hike for the first time in 36 years.
The team of Lewis McClinton, 17, William Craigie, 17, Matthew Stewart, 15, and Kyle Hamilton, 15, held off competition from last year’s winners – 25th Stirling BB – to clinch the title they have not won since 1981.
A total of 19 teams took part in this year’s Kilbryde Hike.
Now in its 48th year, the hike – which is organised by a group of BB leaders and volunteers – welcomed teams from as far afield as Inverness and Dunbar who joined up with teams from East Kilbride, Vale of Leven, Stirling, Wishaw, Bearsden and Glasgow.
The hike has now established itself as the largest event of its type for youth organisations in the area, and regularly welcomes teams from all the youth organisations, many of whom use it as practice for their Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.
The hike started at Darvel Church Hall, East Ayrshire, and the participants camped overnight at Lochfield Farm – the birth place of Alexander Fleming.
The hike finished at the church hall in Eaglesham with a meal and prizegiving ceremony where everyone was congratulated for their efforts and support.
This year the catering was supplied by Jim Irwin, captain of the 2nd East Kilbride Company, and supported by staff and waitresses from several boys’ brigade companies from across the town; their efforts over the weekend were greatly appreciated.
Prizes were presented by Stuart McIlroy, the outgoing convener of the hike who stood down last year after 16 years in the role.
A presentation was made to him by new convener, David Crawford, to thank him for his commitment and contribution to the hike over many years.
It was fitting that in the first year he wasn’t directly involved with the hike, he was able to see his grandson Jamie complete his first hike.
At the prizegiving, 2nd East Kilbride were declared overall winners – beating 25th Stirling by over 30 points.
Mr Crawford said: “Congratulations to the boys from 2nd East Kilbride who are worthy winners after the time and effort they have put in preparing for this year’s event.
“As always organising the hike is a massive team effort, and I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who has assisted with this year’s event, from sponsors and landowners, to volunteers who have assisted throughout the weekend and the committee who have been working away for the last 10 months to make it a success.”
To complete an East Kilbride double, the 7th East Kilbride BB were named winners in the junior hike category for teams with participants under the age of 14.