Brigade Conference 2018, Year of Young People
Wednesday 2nd January 2019Conference was led by young people. Themed on 2018 – Scotland’s Year of Young People, the event brought together 200 BB volunteers from across the Brigade to develop skills and shape the future of the organisation.
The conference weekend opened on Friday evening with a reception and remarks from the Right Honourable Frank Ross, Lord Provost of Edinburgh a former a member of The Boys’ Brigade.
Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP also a former BB member, praised the values promoted by The Boys’ Brigade in a keynote address on Saturday morning. He also emphasised the importance of youth organisations, like The Boys’ Brigade in tackling the poverty-related attainment gap.
As part of the programme for the weekend there were workshops on improving youth participation, additional support needs, growth and sharing faith. In the morning, delegates heard from several young people from across the organisation sharing how BB has shaped their lives.
Fiona Graham, young leader with the Blackburn BB group in West Lothian, said: “The Boys’ Brigade means opportunities without boundaries. As a young leader, it has given me the opportunity to discover myself, develop skills and grow in confidence in a safe environment.”
On Saturday evening the conference dinner included first-class performances from young BB leader Ross Fettes, the Wishaw & District Brigade Band and members of 10th Leith Company. Sunday morning worship, held in Palmerston Place church, was led by Rev Dr George Whyte, Principal Clerk to the Church of Scotland alongside BB members from across Scotland.
