an association of former Scouts and others, who wish to remain, or become, full members of the Scout movement.
all persons over 18, male or female, who accepts the aims of the Guild and who are prepared to make, or re-affirm, the Scout Promise. It is not necessary for prospective members to have been Scouts.
This is Ayrshire's only B.P. Scout Guild, but it is very active, and holds monthly meeting in Troon Old Parish Church hall on the first Tuesday of the month, over the winter months.
| Programme 2008-2009 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date | Topic | Location / Guest |
| Dec 2nd | Yes Minister! | R House |
| Jan 13th | Scouting in Hospital | John Kitson |
| Feb 3rd | Ron Boyd, Minister, Portland Church | |
| Mar 3rd | "AGM" | |
| Apr 7th | Dinner | Bowling Club / Brian Johnson |
| May 5th | New Season / D Fraser | |
| Jun 2nd | Outing |
The objects of the Guild are
1- To keep alive among its members the spirit of the Scout Promise and Law.
2-To carry that spirit into the communities in which they work and live.
3-Whilst remembering their own responsibilities, actively to support Scouting and Guiding in their communities.
In November 1947, Lord Rowallan, then Chief Scout, recommended that the 40th Anniversary of Scouting presented an opportunity for launching and developing "Old Scout Branches". This was launched as the "BP Guild of Old Scouts" in June 1948.
In the summer of that year, the Ayrshire Scouts held a competition to see how many old Scouts could be found. This produced 2269 names. They were invited to a Rally at Butlins on 12th December 1948. Lord Rowallan of course was there and probably did more than any other man to bring to reality BP's vision of a world wide body of men in touch with the movement.
In 1949 there were 35000 registered members. The Troon Branch was formed on 6th February 1951. There were other Ayrshire branches in Irvine, Kilmarnock and Largs.
In 1966 the name of the Association was changed to the Scout Association. Venture Scouts were launched and it was recommended that there should be changes to the 'adult support' of the movement. In 1977 The BP Scout Guild was to close and all the adult supporters were to transfer to the new 'Scout Fellowship'. However in February 1977, the Scottish Scout Committee agreed that it would continue to recognise the BP Scout Guild, and this meant that Scotland was alone in the UK.
Our numbers are still low, under 200, but we feel that there are still these millions of Old Scouts out there. How often does one meet someone on hearing the name "scouts" says "Oh, I used to be in the Scouts ( or the cubs)." We want to hear from these people. We want them in the Guild. We can assure them of a warm welcome if they come along to see us.