Home   News   Article

Elgin Cub Scout first to earn new Red Squirrel Challenge badge launched in Moray


By Lorna Thompson

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

MORAY District Scout Association handed out the first of a newly launched Red Squirrel badge to an Elgin Cub Scout this week.

The Red Squirrel Challenge badge has been funded and developed in Moray before it is rolled out across Scotland.

The much-loved woodland creature was chosen as the emblem after a vote among Moray's 11 Scout groups – including Dufftown, Aberlour, Keith, Fochabers, Mosstodloch, Forres, Kinloss, Hopeman, Lossiemouth, and the two Elgin packs.

The first Red Squirrel Badge was awarded to keen Elgin 1st Cub Finlay Dodds (8) on Thursday, September 30, by the assistant district commissioner Mandy McIntosh.

Finlay Dodds is the first cub to earn the Red Squirrel Badge, which was created in Moray. Handing over the badge is leader of 1st Elgin Cub Scouts Kenny McKenna and Mandy McIntosh, assistant district commissioner for Moray District Cubs. Picture: Becky Saunderson.
Finlay Dodds is the first cub to earn the Red Squirrel Badge, which was created in Moray. Handing over the badge is leader of 1st Elgin Cub Scouts Kenny McKenna and Mandy McIntosh, assistant district commissioner for Moray District Cubs. Picture: Becky Saunderson.

The badge launch forms part of celebrations as Moray District Cubs approach their 105th anniversary in December.

As part of these celebrations, leader of 1st Elgin Cub Scouts, Kenny McKenna, has taken on a series of walks to raise money for the Moray District Scout Association and MFR Cash For Kids.

Kenny set himself a challenge to walk home to Elgin from each Cub pack location across Moray.

Leader of 1st Elgin Cub Scouts Kenny McKenna and Mandy McIntosh, assistant district commissioner for Moray District Cubs. Picture: Becky Saunderson.
Leader of 1st Elgin Cub Scouts Kenny McKenna and Mandy McIntosh, assistant district commissioner for Moray District Cubs. Picture: Becky Saunderson.

The first of the hikes took place on Friday, July 30, between Dufftown and Aberlour to Elgin. In August he walked a route from Keith to Fochabers on to Mosstodloch then Elgin. In September he took in Forres to Kinloss then Hopeman and Lossiemouth.

His final hike in October will go from Lossiemouth to 2nd Elgin Cub Scouts to 1st Elgin, when he will have walked just under 70 miles in total.

Meanwhile, the Moray District Scout Association is keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering. More details are available here.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More