The work of Scotland’s largest Boys Brigade unit in Scotland has been praised by a local MSP in highlighting youth work in Scotland.
Banffshire & Buchan Coast’s MSP, Stewart Stevenson, was commenting after a debate at the Scottish Parliament that congratulated the work of YouthLink Scotland.
Mr Stevenson used the debate to urge more people to volunteer for youth organisations “that greatly benefit young people in the North East”, highlighting the work of the Buckie Boys Brigade who with a membership of 250 is the largest in the country.
The MSP said: “I visited the annual general meeting of the scouting movement in the North-east recently, which was quite an illuminating experience.
“They had in the room a wide range of projects. Some were outdoor projects to do with self-development, such as the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, for which people were working.
“Others were community-based projects in which the young people were learning to support people in their communities. I thought that it was a very good mix of projects indeed.
“I left very much enthused by what I had seen but there was clearly a lack of people who wanted to step forward and provide the administrative leadership that is necessary to make that infrastructure of grass roots volunteers work.”
Youthlink Scotland is a national agency that seeks to ensure the youth work sector offers sustainable and accessible youth work opportunities, supporting young people to become successful learners and confident individuals.