Scouts from around the world were warmly welcomed to Scotland - for the first time since the pandemic - at a gathering involving 1800 young people and volunteers at Blair Atholl in Perthshire.
The 38th Scottish International Patrol Jamborette, more commonly known as the Blair Atholl Jamborette, began two weeks ago in the blazing heat and Scouts from 15 countries needed to put up tents and sun shelter on their first day together, July 18.
The first week of two was pretty sunny and warm but the first drops of rain fell on Saturday, July 23 when parents and visitors came along for a magnificent open day.
Stalls serving specialities from all nations involved sprang up and there were games and activities too, from yodelling to haggis racing.
The Blair Atholl event, usually held every other year in the grounds of Blair Castle, has an impressive 76-year history.
There were 300 Scouts attending from overseas countries as diverse as Namibia, Japan and Texas in the USA.
Blair Atholl is special because Scouts from different countries camp in small groups together, providing a unique opportunity to get to know other young people from around the world, break down barriers and build new friendships.
Scottish Scout groups made friends too, cooking on fires, and enjoying over 50 different activities including gorge walking, bushcraft and circus skills.
Many brave souls chose to get muddy on the famous Atholl Experience, an assault course that tested everyone’s endurance.
The final night on Thursday, July 28 involved a giant campfire ceremony gathering everyone together one last time. It was streamed live on social media.
Dr Colin Peters, the volunteer camp chief, had said: “We are incredibly proud and excited to welcome our many international friends to Scotland again this year after a four-year absence.
“As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life. We encourage them to do more, learn more and be more.
“The Jamborette is a real opportunity for Scouts from across the world to have fun and adventure in the great outdoors while developing the skills they need to succeed.
“They’ll build on their teamworking, leadership and resilience skills which will give them a fantastic foundation for future wide and varied careers.”
