Scouting in Scotland

Scouting in Scotland is largely represented by Scouts Scotland, a registered Scottish Charity No. SC017511 that is affiliated to the Scout Association of the United Kingdom. The Baden-Powell Scouts' Association also has a presence in Scotland.

There are five student associations at various universities in Scotland, each of which is affiliated to the Student Scout and Guide Organisation (SSAGO): Aberdeen University Scouts and Guides (serving University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University, University of the Highlands and Islands Guides and Scouts, University of Strathclyde Guides and Scouts, University of Dundee Guides and Scouts, and Glasgow SSAGO (serving Glasgow Caledonian University, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow School of Art, University of Glasgow and University of the West of Scotland).

History of Scouting in Scotland

The First Glasgow Scout Group has a claim to be the first Scout Troop, as it holds a registration certificate dated 26 January 1908. No other Scout troop has documentation that pre-dates this.

The 24th Glasgow Scout Group's published history has it forming January 1908, although this is not currently recognised by The Scout Association. The 3rd Glasgow (Waverley) Scout Group are also listed as one of the first Groups to have started in 1908.

Oral tradition (at least as of 1976) was that the 12th Glasgow (1st Lenzie) troop was the first troop outside central Glasgow. The story told by leaders in the mid-70s was that the 12th Glasgow was the second formed but had to take the number 12th as the first 11 numbers were reserved for city troops.