A very big welcome back from the summer holidays.

I know that a lot of you were out and about, some further afield than others but I know from the stories I’ve heard that there was some great adventures over the holidays. Thank you for all the time and effort that you put in to make these adventures challenging but safe, not an easy combination some times.

A special mention to the Sweden contingent on their return and I look forward to meeting with them and their parents to see how it all went – We also welcome back the Scottish expedition from Malawi which contained a substantial number of leaders and young people from the Region

I am really pleased to announce some new appointments, as follows:

• Colin Hyslop is moving to the role of District Commissioner in Leith with effect from the 1^st October 2011. Tom Attenburgh will take on the leadership of the Leith centenary celebration committee and it will be great to have him still involved. There is no better person for that job I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Tom for his support to Scouting over the many years and particularly as DC.

• 5  [yes 5!] Regional Adviser roles as follows:
  • Alan Fyfe –Activities Advise
  • John Buchanan – Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Adviser
  • Nancy Nichol – Special Needs Adviser ( Challenging behaviour especially communication)
  • Barbara Howie – Special Needs Adviser (Physical Disabilities)
  • John Howie – Special Needs  Adviser ( Visual Impairment)

Isabel McNab and myself are in the process of finalising a how all these roles will operate; contact details etc. and this information will go out to you very soon.

I refer separately in this newsletter to the Boundary Review outcome and would encourage you all to come back with your thoughts on the way forward as detailed elsewhere.

On the 4^th September we had a District Team day (involving ADCs and District Chairmen),  this was well attended and I’m pleased to say that as a Region we are continuing to demonstrate real talent and leadership in moving forward with some really challenging agendas , ones which will ensure that the support for Scouting in South East Region is robust and sustainable into the future.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dorothy McKinney     

Regional Commissioner