Founding and Early Years (1908–1911)

The County Register of Boy Scout Troops records that the first official meeting of the Troop - later named 1st Stirlingshire - took place in Stirling on 21 December 1908.

A letter to The Scouter magazine in 1948 claimed that our first meeting occurred in August 1908, which may have been an informal gathering leading to the formal registration in December. As this cannot be confirmed, 21 December remains our official birthday, marking the day the infant Scout Movement first paraded in Stirling.

By 1909, we held our first fundraising event - a Cake and Candy Sale at Park Villa, Park Place. Just two years after formation, Scouting in Stirling had grown to 10 Troops, with 8 representatives attending the 1910 King’s Rally at Windsor.

In 1911, our Scouts assisted police during the Daily Mail Air Race, marshalling crowds in King’s Park. Scouts L. Farman and J. Drummond marked the landing site for the first plane at the request of Provost Bain. That same year, John Jamieson, a founder member, received the Boy Scout Bronze Cross for Gallantry for saving a boy from drowning in the River Forth.

Community Connections and Traditions

Late in 1911, a concert was held for children at Miss Croall’s home, beginning a tradition that lasted until 1967.
The Rovers later visited the renamed Whinwell Home every Christmas Day to help Santa distribute gifts, a tradition cherished by all until the Rover Crew was disbanded following the Advance Party Report.

Scouting During Wartime

Records of our activities during World War I are scarce, but we know that within hours of the outbreak, a patrol left for coast-watching duties at Nairn. Scouts also served as messengers, clerks, and orderlies for local troops, while others knitted scarves for soldiers under the guidance of Lady Scoutmaster Miss Lorraine.

During World War II, camping was encouraged but restricted in certain areas. Tents had to be camouflaged, and blackout rules observed. Camps were frequent in 1940, with instructions such as "Each boy to bring 1/9d plus 4 teaspoons of sugar." As rationing intensified, Scouts supplied more of their own goods.

The Queen Street Scout Hall, opened in 1939, was briefly used for billeting troops early in the war.
One of our former Scouts even “liberated” a German copy of the Stirling Ordnance Survey map, now displayed in our hall.

Growth and Milestones

• 1921–1926: A Junior Troop was formed to ease pressure on leaders managing over 100 boys. The Rover Crew was re-established in 1926 under Mr. Finlayson.
• 1929: Forty-five Scouts and Rovers attended the 21st Birthday Jamboree at Arrowe Park, Birkenhead. The plaque presented to the Scottish contingent leader, Major Crum, still hangs in our hall.
• 1930: Our first overseas camp took place in Rouen, France, with a visit to Paris—a bold adventure at a time when a local cruise was considered extravagant.

Uniform and Identity

For many years, possibly since formation and certainly until 1967, the Troop wore navy blue short-sleeve shirts, an uncommon color among Scout Troops. The neckerchief has always been sky blue, though Rovers wore Black Watch tartan until adopting sky blue in 1948.

Golden Anniversary and Achievements

Our Golden Anniversary in 1958 was a highlight:

• The Rover Crew team of Colin Walker and William McCabe won the County Commissioner’s Thumbstick for a daring canoe trip in a snowstorm.
• For the first time in 29 years, the County Flag was brought back by P.L. Craig Reedie and the Eagle Patrol.
• We also won the County Diving Cup.

The Rover Crew continued to excel until disbandment in 1967, winning the Thumbstick in 1966 and 1967, and placing second in the Scottish Rover Challenge Hike, covering 55 miles in 24 hours.

Modern Era

• 1960s–1990s: We assumed full responsibility for the Queen Street Hall in the 1960s and modernized it in 1998 with a National Lottery grant.
• International Camps: Denmark (1969), Sweden (1971), and Haarlem (2003 onward, every four years).
• 1981: Girls joined the Venture Scout Unit; today, all sections welcome girls.
• Beaver Colonies: Established when the age group was introduced; now two colonies, including one in Gargunnock.

Modern activities include climbing, hiking, canoeing, hill walking, and biking. Our district minibus enables adventures far beyond the early days of trek carts!

Legacy

Today, fewer than 60 Troops in Britain can claim continuous existence since 1908—only six in Scotland.
The 1st Stirlingshire Scout Group remains proud of its heritage and committed to offering exciting opportunities for young people.