Quite a challenge

“It was with sadness that I read of the problems at the International Scout Jamborette at Blair Atholl,” writes Muriel Farquharson of Kirriemuir.

“I had the privilege of spending two weeks at the 3rd Jamborette on the same site in 1950. At that time I was an Angus County Cadet Girl Guide and was chosen to represent the east of Scotland as part of a group of 12 to form the cooking staff for all the Scouters and other staff members. Our ‘kitchen’ was under a canopy out of doors. That was quite a challenge for us.

“It was an unforgettable experience. On our days off we were invited to join groups of Scouts on outings and experienced lots of interesting activities. Meeting people from so many nationalities was enlightening. All the Scouts were keen to share experiences and learn about other cultures.

“We even had our own pipe band formed from Scouts throughout Scotland. Many lasting friendships were formed between different countries throughout the two weeks. In those days the handbook was called Scouting for Boys. No girls were permitted to join the Scout Movement.

“One day a small group of us was invited to have afternoon tea in Blair Castle with the Duke of Atholl, who was a charming host. On our days off we were invited to join the Scouters for lunch. That was a nice change from doing the cooking! One day the late Raymond Baxter, the television presenter, was my lunch companion. Prior to joining the BBC he had been a wartime Spitfire pilot, so was a most interesting conversationalist.

“On our work days we were busy producing appetising meals, which we knew were appreciated. The Scouts prepared their own meals on camp fires, as each group had different tastes.

“On site it was always colourful with each country displaying its own flag. Evening sing songs around a massive campfire were really enjoyed. Although that event took place many years ago, and I am now over 80 years of age, I still have vivid memories.”

Nora Anderson has provided today’s photograph which was taken in the 1930s at West Anstruther Primary School – no longer there. “Maybe some readers would be able to put names to faces,” she says.

The “kitchen” at Blair Atholl Jamborette. See above for more.