GIRLGUIDING SCOTLAND CELEBRATES CENTENARY AT ONE O’CLOCK GUN IN EDINBURGH

In order to continue their Centenary celebrations, Girlguiding Scotland was given the opportunity to be present at the firing of the One O’clock Gun in Edinburgh on New Year’s Day. 12 Guides from 170th Edinburgh Guides unit and 1st Peebles unit, supported by Senior Section members and five adult volunteers, represented Girlguiding Scotland at the One O’clock Gun in Edinburgh. The Guides were also delighted to be joined by Gillian Cooke, World Bobsleigh Champion and Girlguiding Ambassador.

The girls enjoyed lunch at the barracks at Edinburgh Castle, before meeting Sgt. Jamie Shannon for the firing of the gun. After the firing of the gun, the girls were treated to a free tour of Edinburgh Castle.

Gillian Cooke, Girlguiding Ambassador, said: "My time as a Guide gave me so many valuable experiences; of working as part of a team, of pushing my own boundaries by trying activities I would not have tried otherwise and learning to appreciate differences in customs and cultures through meeting Guides from other nations at International Camps. All this has stood me in good stead, both in my sporting career and in day to day life. For me the New Year is a time to reflect on the past year and, more importantly, to look ahead to what you want to accomplish in the coming 12 months. Over the past century, while Girlguiding has moved with the times to stay up to date, its core values have remained intact. Showing my support for the Girlguiding Centenary celebrations on this special day joins me with the millions of girls and young women around the world who Girlguiding will support over the coming year to be the best that they can be."

Dinah Faulds, Scottish Chief Commissioner, added: “Hogmanay is a great time for recalling past times and looking forward with new resolve. One hundred years ago the Guiding Movement began. Our first Scottish unit was registered in June 1910 and ever since then Girlguiding has been leading the way until today we are the largest organisation for girls and young women in Scotland and the World! What better way to announce we are here to champion girls’ causes, concerns and development in the next 100 years, than to announce it with a bang? I am delighted that we have been given the privilege to be present at the firing of the One O’clock gun, as the start of a year of ground-breaking events and celebrations.”