An Aberdeenshire Guide group were able to celebrate 60 years since their unit opened with a trip away to PGL Dalguise in Perthshire. 

Girls from 1st Cornhill Guides, based in Banffshire, were directly involved in the planning of the excursion, including organising what kit to take and choosing their activities. 

They were challenged to take part in raft building, board a giant swing and complete a sensory trail.  

For some of the girls this was also their first trip away from home without a parent or carer. 

Speaking about the trip, unit leader Jess Brook said: “As we celebrated 60 years of 1st Cornhill Guides, this funding enabled our Guides to have a fantastic trip to PGL in Dalguise, Perthshire. Guides were directly involved in decision-making for our trip. 

“For some of our girls this was the first time away from home without their parents/carers. Showing others the great things our Guides can do will hopefully encourage more girls to join us as we continue to promote a positive image of young people in our community.” 

The unit was supported to undertake the adventure through the Generation CashBack project – a Scottish Government-funded programme which aims to increase opportunities for disadvantaged young people – and also received a grant from Girlguiding Scotland’s Good Guiding Fund.  

Speaking about CashBack’s support of the unit, Girlguiding Scotland’s CashBack development officer Anna said: “This is a rural unit and the cost-of-living crisis has had a big impact on rural areas. A quarter of farming families are living below the poverty line. 

“For this unit to experience big adventures, they have to travel further than city-based units. Guiding should give all girls access to adventure and we’re proud that our projects enable girls from rural communities to reach new heights.” 

Find out more about how the Generation CashBack project supports Guides and Ranger units to increase opportunities for disadvantaged girls here. 

You can also read about the Good Guiding Fund and find out about the next set of application dates here.