Scouts’ jamboree fundraiser

Atrio of Angus Scouts are getting ready for the trip of a lifetime to South Korea. They include a brother and sister who will be part of the 25th World Scout Jamboree next year.

Jamie Brown, younger sister Kirsten and Jay Leitch are among the 36-strong contingent from the east of Scotland heading to Saemangeum.

They will join more than 40,000 Scouts from around the globe at next August’s gathering.

It is eyes down for the three pals today as they keep the focus firmly on fundraising for the adventure.

Since being selected from 140 applicants at a regional camp last year they have been working hard to raise the £3,765 they each need to make the trip.

A prize bingo night in Keptie Street Scout Hall, Arbroath, tonight at 7pm will hopefully boost their total.

“We are very grateful to local businesses who have generously donated prizes, including Route 66 Carwash, The Original Factory Shop, Costa Coffee, Morrisons and Chalmers cinema,” said the trio.

Jamie, now 17, has been involved in Scouting since he was six-years-old.

He is an active Explorer and a young leader with his old Cub pack.

After earning his bronze, silver, gold and platinum Chief Scout’s Awards he is now working towards his diamond award.

As a Scout, he was the leader of a patrol that went to the national camping competition finals two years in a row.

He said: “As one of the oldest members of the unit, I will have a leadership role and am looking forward to developing my leadership skills, broadening my horizons and meeting other Scouts from all over the world.”

He will also be able to look out for younger sister Kirsten, who has also worked her way through the sections since the age of six.

Kirsten, who will be 15 when she takes part in the jamboree, is also an Explorer

Scout and young leader with her former Scout troop.

Jay, 13, has had his sights set on the event since a presentation by former Scouts Eilidh and Ciara Walker who went to the World Jamboree in America in 2019.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people from all over the world and experiencing different cultures,” he said.

“We are all excited to have been selected to represent the East Scotland Region at the jamboree, which is going to be an amazing and life-changing experience,” they added.

Earlier this summer around 1,800 Scouts converged on Perthshire for the first international jamborette in four years.

The Blair Castle gathering had taken place every two years since 1946 before being curtailed by Covid.

We are all excited to have been selected

SCOUTS: Kirsten Brown, Jay Leitch and Jamie Brown.