Frequently Asked Questions

What are Beaver Scouts?

Beavers are the youngest members of the Scout Association. They are a group, known as a colony, of boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 8 years old. For more information see the Beaver Scouts page.

Do they wear a Uniform?

Yes. Beavers in Stornoway wear the mandatory uniform items of Turquiose sweatshirt and Group Neckie. These are available to purchase online from Glasgow Scout Shop priced at £13.05 (not including postage). Further optional items such as baseball cap, activity trousers and polo shirt are also available, but we must stress that these are optional and may be purchased at parent's discretion.

Do Beavers go camping?

No. The Scout Association strictly prohibits this. However, Beavers can take part in an indoor Sleepover. We iusually organise this between Easter and Summer.

Is there a cost involved?

Yes. Beavers are required to pay a fee which we call "subs" (subscriptions). This fee pays for the rent of the Hall, various items and resources that we need, as well as contributing towards our insurance fees each year. Subs are payable a Term in advance. You will be notified of this in writing as well as in the parents section of this website.

But Scouting's just for boys isn't it?

No. It's been a long time since we were the Boy Scouts! Scouting in the UK has been co-educational since 1990 and, here in the Western Isles, since 1999. We actively encourage boys and girls to join in the fun of Scouting.

Is there a commitment from Parents?

To a certain extent, yes. We would hope that you would support us in whatever way you could, whether that's coming along to help with an event or teaching the Beavers a new skill. Of course, we would gladly welcome you as a new Leader if you wanted!

My child is almost 8. Should they still join Beavers?

Providing there is space, children are able to join Cubs (the next section in Scouting) from 6 months before their eight birthday. Due to Scout Association Policy, they are not able to join any earlier than this. Therefore, the decision to join Beavers would be yours.

My child wants to join but doesn't want to wear the uniform. Can they do this?

No. we are a uniformed organisation and, as such, must comply with policy from both our Scottish Headquarters as well as our main UK Headquarters in London. It is also partly a requirement of our Insurance cover.

Are any of the Leaders Gaelic speakers?

Yes, currently one member of the Leadership Team is a Gaelic speaker and another Leader is taking a year out from Beavers to learn Gaelic.

Why do you not have details of when and where you meet on the site?

We are following advice from UK Headquarters regarding Child Protection. Therefore you will not see details of our meeting place or time posted on the public part of the website, neither will you see pictures of our Beaver Scouts. If you wish further details, please send us an email.