Boyhood friends

This year marked the 130th anniversary of the Boys’ Brigade and while times have certainly changed since Sir William Alexander Smith founded the organisation, our aims and objectives remain the same – to provide opportunities for young people to learn, make friends, enjoy new experiences and learn about the Christian faith.

It has been a year of celebration, but also a year in which we have achieved a great deal. It’s our ability to adapt and evolve that has kept us relevant to Scotland’s young people and has resulted in a resurgence in membership, with more than 20,000 young people taking part in our 450 companies each week.

Reflecting on this year, we have much to be proud of: more than 400 Queen’s Badges awarded; 200 camps and residential activities provided; 170 Duke of Edinburgh awards presented; and seven new groups started.

We couldn’t have achieved this without the help of thousands of dedicated volunteers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our work. As we look to 2014, it promises to be an exciting year as we continue to build on the positive work of 2013. We look to further increase membership while ensuring the organisation remains relevant to the needs of our young people through a progressive programme of events and activities.

Bill Stevenson

Director, the Boys’
Brigade in Scotland

Carronvale House, Larbert