Latest News
Tesco Bag Packing
Well done to everyone who turned out at short notice for the Tesco Bag Packing days on Christmas Eve and a couple of days before that. This was arranged at relatively short notice and we know it was a bad time for many of you, but you still managed to raise a grand total of £2211.06!!!! This sets us in good place looking at 2012 and will make sure we have the equipment we need for camping and activities - especially important as we will be running a minibus expedition in Wales as our summer camp this year.
Note. Summer Camp will be on Saturday 30th June to Saturday 7th July 2012. December 2011
Newcastleton Mo
untain Biking
At
the end of October the 85th scouts went mountain biking down by the
borders outside Newcastleton. This picture shows the scouts as they were
about to leave for their first day Mountain Biking. They were there for
two days and they slept in chalets at whithaugh park owned by Rock UK.
On their second day they went to the borders and saw the border stane.
When they were there they cycled for the huge time of eight hours during
those two days. All of the scouts looked as if they had enjoyed it but
they all looked very tired as on the minibus most of them fell asleep. More video and pictures available in the Scout gallery
Submitted by Matthew Nov 2011
Ben Lomond
Another three groups of Scouts ventured into the hills, this time to
climb Ben Lomond. Although the weather nearer to home was dry and sunny
later, Ben Lomond still had its blanket of Snow nearer the top, and the
wind was very much a winter wind. Our first two groups made it fairly
high up on the final ascent of the hill before being beaten back by the
weather, along with most of the other hillwalkers who shared the hill
with us that day. The wind was proving too much again.
The groups got to try out their Bothy Shelters (pictured) at lunchtime.
These are a relatively recent invention that gives them shelter even on
exposed areas without having to search around looking for shelter behind
boulders like in the good old days. March 2011
Coca-Cola Visit
A
coach load of Scouts and Explorers had a rare chance to tour the
Coca-Cola factory in East Kilbride in March. They were met by Angela,
who also happens to be a local Guide leader, who took us around the
plant. With plenty automation which produces 12.5million bottles a year,
the group saw the bottles being formed from plastic pellets, and then
being filled with drink. Among the different drinks it makes, the East
Kilbride factory makes Coca-Cola for the UK, as well as Appletiser in
glass bottles on another area of the plant. March 2011
The Cobbler 2011
A total of 16 Scouts and Leaders took to the hills in February to try out a wintry Cobbler. The hill had had a fresh fall of snow the day before, so the path was under deep snow, and the hill was in a white-out as well. That may have meant the summit wasn't going to be an option, but it also meant the Scouts got to see how challenging, and how much fun our mountains can be in winter. The groups stopped to try out their ice-axe braking - frankly there's more practice needed there ;0). The tried their hand at digging snow holes as well. Well done to all involved, especially our first-timers who surprised us all by breathing down the necks of the lead group for most of the day. It looks like we have some hardy mountaineers of the future. Photos are available in the Scout Section Gallery. February 2011
Ben Dorain 2011
They say that the Scottish hills never let you down. No matter how miserable the weather looks when you leave home, you'll always come home with something to remember. With pouring rain forecast for the whole day the 85th walkers last week were hoping that the snow would survive at least at higher levels. Either that or the wind could blow hard on them, that's always good fun. In the event, the snow was pretty much washed away at the heights they managed on Ben Dorain, but that's really because the wind came out in style and they couldn't get to the higher slopes.They got a clue about how windy it was going to get as they climbed close to the saddle. Looking at the cliffs above the saddle they could see a waterfall being blown upwards. When they reached the exposed saddle the wind came like a switch had been thrown. Even the strongest had difficulty staying on their feet, so they made the decision to play in the wind for a few minutes before going back downhill. Drew tried jumping in the air, but when his feet left the ground the wind kicked them from under him (see picture) and he landed on his face.The smaller scouts had to be pulled back downhill against the wind (some crawled instead). Great fun! Check out the photos and video in the Scout Gallery. Looking forward to the next walk in February!!!! January 2011
Paracord Survival Bracelets
Cord and buckles have been give out for Scouts to make their own Paracord Survival Bracelets. Check out the instructions in the Forms section and bring them back for inspection on the first night back after Gang Show. November 2010
Activities through to Christmas
Check out the Scout Calendar to see the activities planned through to Christmas. Can you sign up for them all??? October 2010
Cornalees Community Service
A group of our Scouts hit the jackpot at the start of June when they turned up to do some community service at the Greenock Cut Centre near Inverkip (Cornalees in old money). The 18 Scouts hardly noticed the hard work they were doing as they spent the day clearing and burning the debris from a clump of trees that had been felled recently. They had a great time feeding a bigger fire than they have ever been able to build before. The troop would like to thank Paul, Judy and the staff from the centre for arranging and running this great activity. Check out the photos in the Scout Gallery. Note that Clyde Muirshiel may use a couple of these photos in their own site. If you prefer not to appear just mail us via the Contact Us page to opt out. June 2010
Morrisons Bag Packing
Congratulations to everyone who worked one or both shifts at the Morrisons Bag Packing in Greenock. We managed to raise a grand total of £1502.36
towards Scout Funds. This allows us to buy and maintain the equipment
we need for camps and activities, as well as subsidising our
activities. We are now looking forward to our next bag packing event
which we hope will take place later this year. March 2010
Ben Donich
The snow line's a bit higher, and the snow's harder packed that it was a month ago, but it's every bit as cold and the paths are much icier now. Keeping in the spirit of the last couple of hillwalks, the latest walk up Ben Donich was chosen because the group could spend much less time wading through mud before they got high enough to be in the snow. That's because, although Ben Donich is high enough for snow (just short of a Munro), the bus is parked almost 1000ft up it's slopes at the Rest and Be Thankful.
The group set out without knowing if there would be any snow to speak of - all they could see was clouds above the lower slopes. But once they reached the clouds, they found the snow line and plenty hard ice to contend with too. That meant they put on their crampons for the first time this year.
On the way back down from the top, they found a good slope where they could practice their Ice Axe Braking. You can see pictures in the Scout Gallery and some videos including the Ice Axe Braking by to the left.
February 2010
Orienteering Competition
The orienteering competition at Everton was a great experience for all who came. There were two different tea
ms, a senior team and a junior team. None of the 85th entrants were old enough to get into the senior team but they all had fun and most would like to try it again. They had to try and find as many orange clippers as possible by using a map. They clipped the clipper into their sheet of paper and left to find more, all the clippers had a different spike arrangement on them so that the examiners knew if they found them all or not. They all had lunch at the lodge to warm them up for the long 2hr competition, the 85th didn't win anything but it was the fun that mattered. One pair thought that they might have had came fourth.
903m Glencoe
Below it to the West lies Sron Garbh. On its East side it looks down on Stob Mhic Mhartuin and the Devil's Staircase. Its North and South slopes dip into Kinlochleven and Glencoe. Even the shoulder route on the way up has it's own name - Sron a' Choire Odhair-Bhig. But for some reason, no map or guidebook sees fit to give the hill we climbed in January a name. One of it's craggy slopes even gets it's own name - A' Chailleach. Maybe that's been punishment to the hill because - at 903m (2962ft) it falls just 38ft short of being a Munro. Instead it seems to be just known as "903m, Glencoe".Whatever, it was a great hill to climb in the
snow and the weather held dry, even with the odd spell of sunshine. And on the way down it had wide smooth slopes that made for some good sledging as well. Well done to the 14 Scouts and Explorers who waded their way up through the snow to get to the summit. You can find the photos here and a video clip above.
Hawk and Kestrel Patrol Camp
In December, most people are either getting in the last minute Christmas Shopping or 
they're snuggling up in front of the telly with a warm mug of cocoa. Not the the Hawk Patrol and the Kestrel Patrol who had their joint Patrol Camp at the bothy on the weekend before Christmas. A total of 8 Scouts and 2 Explorers braved the cold to try out their Scouting skills including building a bivouac and fire lighting amonth others. 3 of the group even braved temperatures of -2 degrees and slept out in their bivvy, waking up to a blanket of snow in the morning. Well done to everyone who took part, and thanks to Alison for providing yet another masterpiece for Lloyd's Corner.
Kayaking at the Daff Dam
As the summer weather starts to take a hold, 18 Scouts had a great time trying out their kayaking skills for the first time. Thanks to the ex-school and Ardentinny boats kindly made available to us by Inverclyde Council, we are now able to run kayaking as an activity for Scouts and Explorers. The aim is to take Scouts through their kayaking badge, which means taking them through emergency techniques such as capsize drill, through to safety strokes and boat rescues. Eventually we hope to build up enough 
experience in our Scouts to have some of them earn their Expedition Challenge by going on a kayaking expedition as an alternative to the more common hillwalking or cycle trip
This time around all Scouts managed to try out their first capsize demonstrated by one of the first timers in the picture on the left. As usual we have posted this and more photos of the kayaking trip here.
We are now looking forward to some time kayaking on Loch Lomond during this year's Minibus Expedition.
Ben Lomond Trip
Hail Stones in June? Swimming in Loch Lomond? It must have been another 85th hillwalk on Loch Lomond. Last time we attempted this hill, the weather closed in on us, and we had to beat a hasty retreat after reaching as far as the half way point. This time round there were no such problems other than the freak hail shower which came with its cold wind. Our first timers not only managed to complete their first hill, but it was their first Munro as well. Our regulars even managed to find time for some swimming and diving in the loch before home time. Well done to everyone for a good
day out. The picture gallery is available here.
Bag Packing Tesco
Permission forms are now available for our Bag Packing event at Tesco on 15th August.
This is earlier than we would normally issue these forms, but it because we need to confirm numbers before we split up for the summer holidays. Please make sure you return your form by Wed 24th June. If you've lost your form, you can print a spare here.
Laser Planet
As an extra activity for everyone who turned out at the Annual District Parade, we will be going to Laser Plant in Clydebank on Wednesday 17th June. Permission forms have been given out to everyone involved. These need to be returned promptly by Friday 12th June.
Kayaking Event
We are holding a kayaking event on Sunday 14th June. Permission forms are beign distributed. To book your place on either the mornign or afternoon session, complete your permission form and return to your leader as soon as possible. If you have lost you form, a copy is available in the forms section. You will also find a kit list there.
Alton Towers Trip - Permission Forms Now Available
Great News! We will be joining the Greenock & District trip to Alton Towers on Saturday 20th June. The plan is to leave on the coaches late on Friday night, travelling over night and arrive at the theme park around opening time for a day's fun. We'll return on Saturday night. The cost is £40. Permission forms are available in the Forms section.
Rucksack and Boots Buying Guides
Thinking about buying a rucksack, or a new pair of boots? Have a look at our buying guides first for some tips on what's needed, and what's not. These guides are aimed at the typical scout and also have some advice for older scouts or explorers who may be considering some more advanced equipment. You can find the guides in our Forms section.
Beinn Dhubcraig Hillwalk
At the end of March 12 Scouts and one adventurous Cub took part in a hillwalk up Beinn Dhubcraig. The mountain is just over 3000 feet tall a
nd was very windy at its peak!! They got to try out the ice axes while on the mountain, which is near Tyndrum.
Two groups set off up the mountain, one group pushing on towards the peak, while the other group managed to reach the snow line, where they decided to stop and practice using their ice axes.
Although they didn't manage to reach the top the second group had great fun and managed to get in a good amount of ice axe practice. They all hope to reach the peak of the next mountain they set their eyes on.
Morrison's Funds Boost
Congratulations to all Scouts and Explorers who took part in our bag packing day at Morrisons in April. Our first Bag Packing event of 2009 raised a total of £1768.91. These events are what allows us to continue Scouting and maintain all our equipment at such low cost. In the last year we have been able to buy 9 patrol tents, 6 hike tents, repairs to another 3 patrol tents, a chainsaw (leader's use only), hillwalking , caving, kayaking and First Aid leader training course subsidies, stoves, activity subsidies, a ceremonial Explorer Flag, gas lamps, camp tables, camp benches, bothy shelters, crampons, ice axes, safety ropes and lots more. Our most recent addition is a new generator to provide electric lighting for the bothy to replace the old permanent gas lighting as spares for that are no longer available. The next bag pack will take place in August during the summer holidays. It'll be hard to get hold of everyone at that time, so we will be looking for early commitment from everyone to be able to take part in that. Look out for details in the next 2 months.
Ben Lomond
They might look nice and dry in this photo, but they soon got much wetter and more windswept. Our contact in the Met Office made sure we knew exactly how long we had after this photo was taken before we could expect the bad weather to arrive, and as usual he was right. Despite that our 2 parties managed to get onto the plateau on Ben Lomond shortly before the final ascent in strong winds and driving rain by the time we decided we had achieved enough. Photos can be found here and a video of the 2nd party sheltering for lunch in their bothy bag can be found here.
Pioneering Camp
It was a weekend and a half, and the reservoir's in the country took a good filling if ever that was needed. But we managed to defy the rain and learn some pioneering skills - from heaving a landrover up a hill, to building a suspension bridge and an economy prison camp (pictured). Well done to all who took part. The photos are available here.