South of Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth has taken up the challenge to complete the new Scouts Scotland Youth Advocacy Award.

In the same way that Scouts earn their badges, he will earn the award by completing four requirements that were chosen by young people in Scouting to help MSPs learn the skills for life that Scouting offers.

Colin Smyth started work on his award with a visit to the 8^th Dumfriesshire Scout Group in Dumfries on Thursday (February 13), the Scouts were learning about emergency first aid.

Colin Smyth MSP said: “I’m delighted to be taking part in the Scouts Scotland Youth Advocacy Award over the coming months.

“Scouting makes a huge difference across the South of Scotland, in helping young people develop skills for life. I’m really looking forward to working together with young people in Scouting to achieve my badge.”

Tudor Westwood, Chair of the National Youth Advisory Group for Scouts Scotland said: “The exciting thing is that this badge encourages politicians to see and engage with, first-hand, the extraordinary work Scouts Scotland does every single day in Scotland.

“Each week, we give almost 40,000 young people in Scotland the opportunity to enjoy fun and adventure while developing the skills they need to succeed and I believe this advocacy award will help to inspire more of our young people to engage with democracy and work towards social change.”

The award is also designed to give politicians a greater insight into the work that Scouts Scotland is undertaking week in week out in Scotland.

Scouts Scotland believe in preparing young people with skills for life by encouraging young people to do more, learn more and be more.

To find out more about Scouting or to join your local group visit www.scouts.scot.