Edinburgh South Scouts joined their local Member of Parliament Ian Murray and 150 young people in Scouting and volunteer Scout leaders from across the UK to mingle with MPs at the annual prestigious Speaker’s reception.• The event, hosted by the All Party Parliamentary Scout Group and the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow MP, is a unique opportunity for young people in Scouting to experience meeting with their own and other MPs in the House of Commons to talk about the challenges facing Scouting, such as the lack of adult volunteers.

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Emily Au a 16 year old Explorer Scout who was given the opportunity to attend the reception said,

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“Being here today has given me such a fantastic opportunity for me to talk to so many different people who can really make a difference to the Scouting Movement today.• It also gives us a chance to voice our own concerns on common issues that affect young people like the increase in university fees.”.

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Ian Murray MP said,

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“I was delighted to meet some of the Scouts from South Edinburgh and that they were given the opportunity to attend such a special event.• I also enjoyed meeting Scouts from other parts of the UK to learn about what they do every week with support from committed adult volunteers.• It is clear that Scouting continues to be relevant and dynamic, providing young people the chance to try out new adventures, from hiking to snowboarding to working within their local communities.• I have learned more about the challenges faced by the movement such as the lack of adult volunteers.• I look forward to supporting the groups in my constituency through raising awareness of this issue in parliament.• It should not be underestimated how important adult volunteers are in organisations such as the Scouts, as they become role models to these young people and must be supported.”

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