Bear factor encouraging youngsters to try Scouting

THE Bear factor is being credited for a renaissance in Scouting as Taysiders are given the chance to reflect on a century of success.

Past, present and potentially future Cubs and Scouts flocked to Forfar’s The Meffan for the opening of a new exhibition focusing on the movement’s origins in the burgh. It also looks at the far-flung corners of the globe local pack members have reached.

Leaders revealed the halo effect of action man chief Scout Bear Grylls has seen youngsters flock to the door of the town’s two packs.

A waiting list may have to be put in place unless enough adult volunteers step up to help run the groups.

The town has the 3rd and 6th Forfar groups, based at St Margaret’s Church and Lochside Road respectively.

The 6th Forfar Group Scout leader Stuart Mackie said: “Between the two there are probably about 140 kids involved, which is a very good number. Our group average was around 40 for many years, but there is no doubt the appointment of Bear Grylls as chief Scout has given Scouting a new popularity. The youngsters see him and they think Scouting is cool.”

At 34, ex-special forces soldier and survival TV star Grylls became the movement’s youngest chief when he took up the role in 2009.

“A lot of other factors are important and if you have a strong committee that makes a huge difference, but you also need committed adult leaders,” added Mr Mackie.

Mr Mackie and current 3rd Forfar group leader Leilah Wallace said they hoped interest in the exhibition, staged as part of the 2018 Year of Young People, will encourage more children to join the town groups and perhaps piece together more of the movement’s local history.

Bear Grylls