Jamboree

Was on official business this evening near the foothills of Loch Lomond as the Minister for Children and Young People spoke at the opening of the Auchengillan International Scout and Guide Jamboree. Around 800 young people from across the world gathering for a week of fun, challenges and making friends. The forecast is for - as one of the leaders said - liquid sunshine. But mild.

Scouts from New Zealand, Australia, Ukraine, Scandinavia, Canada, Europe, Germany England , Ireland, Pakistan. And of course Scotland. All managed by the Clyde Scouts Region.

So different to when I was a Cub Scout. No rock bands, amplifiers, large TV screens then. It was camp fires and sing songs. But still the fun and enjoyment - even in the rain - remained the same.

The inflatable stag was a novelty too - representing the sub-group of "Jura". It ended up body - or should that be deer - surfing the crowd during the speeches.

Great fun had by all and we left them doing the conga in the gloaming to Beyonce as we headed home for midnight.

Work as a civil servant can be varied - and fun!