The last time we visited Balquhidder was in 1966, and and we returned in 1971, as we did with so many popular camp sites across Scotland.
The weather that year was sunny and hot, ideal for camping. Mr R.B.Young was the Group Scout Leader and Eric Carbarns was Scout Leader. The site was surrounded by trees with a path leading to the nearby river, which was ideal for water activities. We travelled to Perthshire in a removals van, along with the tents and other gear, something that Health and Safety would be jumping up and down about today. Although not the most comfortable way to travel, it worked and without incident.
During summer camps we usually had a day trip somewhere and in 1971 we went to Blair Drummond Safari Park. On the second Sunday parents and friends came to visit for the day. We had the much repaired two man canoe and rubber dinghies, and ‘cottage’ tents that the Juniour Leaders liked, because the canvas was thick and dark, ideal for light mornings.
Mr R.B.Young (group scout leader) with his pipe, a regular fixture, in moment of contemplation, as scouts (Colin Lumsdaine right), enjoy the river. Flag break, everyone gathered in best dress. Mr Young making sure there is regular hot water for the tea! Jimmy Sinclair organising the camp flag pole Camp fire late at night, songs, food and fun and camp fire stories and blethers! Meal time on a very hot day River fun as scouts enjoy swim in the river. Enjoying some water sports in the river. Aerial runway fun, as everyone takes turns to cross downhill. Colin Henry, Eric Carbarns, R.B.Young, Malcolm Lee, Donald Clifford, Iain ? and Tam at supper time Enjoying river fun on a beautiful day. On a day visit to Blair Drummond Safari Park 1971 Football break Gemini Patrol all turned out smartly for daily inspection. Patrol and kit inspection, part of the daily routine. Eric Carbarns, Jimmy Sinclair, Colin (Coco) Henry, Donald Clifford and Malcolm Lee. Off on a walk in front, Steven Gordon and Robert Smart. Donald Clifford organises the camp flag ploe Donald Clifford and scout prepare a fun activity Travel to and from camps was in a removals van, here you can see the troop all packed in with the gear and viewing the journey to Balquhidder from the rear of the van. Junior Leaders Tam, Malcolm Lee and Donald Clifford enjoying the great weather that year. Petr Hay and Colin Gordon dig a pit for our camp waste. Camp fire fun, food and songs with Eric Carbarns and his guitar Group getting ready to go out on the water. Neil Sinclair braves the aerial runway Tam, Malcolm Lee and Iain ? pitching a tent. Enjoying water sports in the excellent summer weather Malcolm Lee watching someone whizz along on the aerial runway Mr R.B.Young (group scout leader), Jimmy Sinclair (cub leader), Donald Clifford, Tam and ERic Carbarns (scout leader) Eric Carbarns (scout leader) enjoying supper Donald Clifford enjoying canoe with Malcolm Lee Everyone gathered round the camp fire, enjoying camp fire snacks and camp fire songs, usually led by Eric Carbarns on his guitar. The older scouts and leaders football team about to take on a scout select team. (back) Jimmy Sinclair (cub leader), Donald Clifford, Eric Carbarns (scout leader), (front) Malcolm Lee, Tam and Colin (Coco) Henry. Some of the scouts at camp in Balquhidder (back row) Iain ?, Peter Hay, ?, ?, ?, ?, (front) Ian Sinclair, Ian Haxton, Neil Sinclair and ? I think this was a scout select team that was about to take on the older scouts and leaders at football. Jimmy Sinclair (cub leader), Donald Clifford, Malcolm Lee, Tam and Eric Carbarns (scout leader) Steven Gordon eating meal cooked on small fire as part of a patrol activity. Eric Carbarns, watching a scout light a fire just below rope walk, not sure if that’s intentional!
