AN East Renfrewshire woman has told how she was in "disbelief" after being awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list for almost 50 years of voluntary work with the Scouts.
Retired headteacher Gillian Caldwell is also hoping her achievement will encourage more people to follow in her footsteps by becoming a volunteer.
She said: “I suppose my first reaction was one of disbelief but it is certainly a huge honour to be recognised in this way.
"It is also great recognition of Scouting and the commitment of so many volunteers.
“My volunteering is a mixture of working with both young people and adults but every volunteer activity is ultimately about providing fun and adventure for young people and contributing to their skills and development.
"That’s why volunteering with Scouts is so varied and fulfilling. More adults should have a go.”
Gillian was named in King Charles' first New Year Honours list after clocking up more than four decades of dedicated work to support Scouting in a variety of roles.
She started volunteering in 1997 at her local group in Crookfur, Newton Mearns, as a Cub Scout leader.
From February 2019 to July last year, Gillian was Deputy Chief Commissioner of Scouts Scotland.
Andrew Sharkey, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Scotland, is full of praise for her dedication.
He said: “Gillian has made a significant contribution to Scouting in Scotland and we are delighted that she has been recognised for her efforts with an MBE in the King’s New Year's Honours list.
“Gillian has dedicated 45 years of service to helping young people develop important life skills through Scouting, both in Clyde Region and across Scotland. It is wonderful that her hard work and dedication have been recognised with this honour.”
Gillian remains actively involved with her local group in Crookfur, the 35th Glasgow, as group Scout leader.
After hearing about her MBE, representatives from all sections of the group, including Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, made a surprise visit to her Newton Mearns home to congratulate her.
Karen Imrie, deputy group Scout leader at the 35th Glasgow, said: “Gillian has had a huge impact on the lives of countless young people and their families in our local area, encouraging every member to develop skills for life and reach their full potential.
“Gillian also provides huge support and encouragement to her own and the wider leadership team, willingly sharing her knowledge, skills and experience.”
Scouting provides adventure-based programmes for young people aged between four and 25. For more information, visit www.scouts.scot.
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