“BB taught me that people are to be valued for themselves and while we are all different, we share common bonds and community.”
I was born and raised in Edinburgh and have lived here all my life. I followed in the footsteps of my elder brother, Stuart, and joined the Juniors at 19th Leith as soon I was old enough to go.
BB was a regular highlight of the week. Learning new skills while being with friends was always fun. The wide variety of badgework meant that it was rarely dull – unless it was learning to tie knots!
The leaders always seemed to strike the right balance of ‘work’ and fun. Being allowed to play football in the hall afterwards was great and I learnt how to interact with boys who were older and bigger.
In addition to the weekly meeting those in the Seniors were encouraged to attend Bible Class on a Sunday morning which helped with me learn about the core values of the Christian faith. This was a natural progression from Sunday School. ‘Will Your Anchor Hold’ remains a favourite hymn and I was the recipient of the 19th highest individual honour – the Houston Bible in my final year.
BB taught me that people are to be valued for themselves and while we are all different, we share common bonds and community.
Growing up I often thought if you couldn’t play football then you weren’t very good. BB helped me discover that everyone is good at something, they just have to find it.
It turned out I was good at journalism. I have pursued a career as a Sports Commentator and Broadcaster, and have worked on a number of sports, principally football, for over 25 years. I currently cover Football, Rugby Union and Bowls and have also covered Shinty, Ice Hockey, Golf, Horse Racing, Handball, Rowing and Curling.
I have been fortunate to work with so many great broadcasters and former players. I am freelance and work for BBC Scotland Television, BBC Radio Scotland, SPFL Television, and talkSPORT amongst others.
I’ve had the privilege of commentating on domestic, European and International sport – and I have covered Scotland at the top level for both football and rugby on both television and radio. My work has sent me to 30 countries and many fantastic venues.
I do think BB taught me many lessons: Not all of these were always easy. I loved playing football, cricket and badminton at BB, representing the Company at athletics and captaining the Battalion football team was an achievement. I was highly competitive, vocal and demanded much of my teammates. But I did eventually learn to be more patient with people. I catch myself when I am being impatient these days, and look back at my time in BB. We had many very good leaders and I looked at the way they carried themselves and how they led in various situations.
It is hard not to go through several years of BB and not be left with memories and hopefully skills that can be taken forward and applied throughout all stages of life. The group presents an opportunity to get away from the everyday of video games and phones to learn skills that may spark an interest in something that could lead somewhere.
There is also a level of gentle discipline to be found in turning up regularly and on time, wearing the uniform and playing your part in group activities. There is satisfaction in completing badge work and as you get older helping the younger members to develop.
I have had the privilege of being the Inspecting Officer at several BB Parents Night displays. I am always impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm still shown.
I hope more people see the value of organisations like The Boys’ Brigade and the part that it can play in young people’s development. It can help develop character, patience, resilience in a strong supportive environment. It can also be great fun.
