A CALL has gone out for more people to volunteer for the Scouts as the youth organisation continues to flourish across Paisley and District, writes David Carnduff.

Scout leaders in Barrhead, Neilston and Paisley say they already have a record 250 volunteers - but more are needed to help as membership grows year on year.

Rob Murray, district commissioner, said they hope to attract youth workers, charity trustees and skills instructors to join their ranks of volunteers.

Scout membership locally is currently sitting at 885, up 13 per cent on last year’s figures. Female youth membership has also soared to record levels - up 37 per cent on last year.

Across the UK, Scouting has seen 12 consecutive years of growth in its youth membership, making it the largest co-educational youth movement in Britain.

Rob said: “We’re delighted to see another year of strong growth in Scouting across Paisley, Barrhead and Neilston. This is largely thanks to the work of our 250+ adult volunteers.

“They are continually working with young people to deliver relevant, youth focused programmes and adventure. We still need more adults to deliver skills for life locally.

“It’s great that parents are choosing to send their children to their local Scout group where they get skills for life, meet new people and enjoy the adventure we offer.

“We do however need more volunteers to help out. We are making it easier for those with limited time to join by being flexible about a range of roles, including group leaders, administrative and trustee positions.”

Fraser Robertson, district youth commissioner, said the continued growth clearly showed Scouting is of importance and relevance in today’s society, giving young people a chance to develop and learn new skills through adventure and fun activities.

"Scouting is shaped by young people in partnership with adults and this ensures our young people are at the forefront of our movement.”

The need to keep recruiting even more adults was also stressed by Chief Scout Bear Grylls, who said: “I’m super proud that we have so many adult volunteers who are helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed in life. Volunteering changes us all for the better. Please join me.”

Last month, five new celebrities signed up to be ambassadors for The Scout Association.

They are Paralympic and Olympic gold medallists Ellie Simmonds and Helen Glover along with Anita Rani, Steve Backshall and Megan Hine.

To join, call 0770 373 2233, email info@paisleyanddistrict.org.uk or visit http://bit.ly/ScoutsApply.