Brora Scout leader receives highest possible honour after years of service
A SUTHERLAND Scout leader has been awarded the Scout Association’s highest honour.
David (Davie) MacDonald, leader of the 1st Brora Scout Group has been awarded the Silver Wolf “for services of the most exceptional character”.
Mr MacDonald received the award - a small silver wolf on a green and yellow neck ribbon and a framed certificate signed by former Chief Scout Bear Grylls - at a camp in Moy late last year.
It was presented by Ryan Maclennan, regional commissioner for Scouting in the Highlands and Islands.
It had been hoped that a second presentation ceremony would take place in Brora but this could not be arranged.
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Mr MacDonald, who is in his late 70s and has been part of the Scouting movement for 67 years, said he was “overwhelmed” by the honour.
“I joined the Scouts in 1957/58 and I never left. It has been a continuous service ever since,” he said. “I went straight from patrol leader to assistant Scout leader to chief leader and various other positions in between.”
Presenting the award, Ryan Maclennan said it symbolised the spirit of Scouting and the values of integrity, respect, care, belief and cooperation.
Davie’s citation reads: “Davie's current role is a section leader with 1st Brora Scouts. With Davie’s support, this group regularly helps with Burns suppers, ceilidhs, fundraising fetes and also support East Sutherland Rotary Club at Armistice services locally.
“Davie is a nights away assessor and was previously the regional international advisor. Davie has for decades maintained a strong relationship with a local landowner enabling Scouting to enjoy camping on the shores of Loch Brora.
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He has for a number of years maintained a link with a partner Scout group in Austria and has run several trips over the years allowing young people to access international Scouting.
Since 1973 Davie has been instrumental in supporting the Cally Rally (an annual activities weekend held in the Highlands) in roles such as the land activities coordinator, transport coordinator and despite his years, still plays an essential role as part of the site services team.
“Despite being in his late 70s, Davie can often be seen building industrial sized camp kitchens, or climbing on the roof of his Land Rover to strap down the camp flagpole.”
