A TEAM of Explorer Scouts and their leaders had to find their sea legs after their latest adventure off the west coast of Scotland. 

A total of 24 young people from Rosyth, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour and Kelty set sail on board two 72-foot yachts.

After orientation and safety drills, the group learned how to take the helm and took part in a night sail along the River Clyde before taking a voyage up Loch Long and Loch Goil.

Rosyth District Commissioner Terry O’Neill said it was an adventure the youngsters will find hard to forget.

“Sailing at night was a brand new experience for everybody, which required a great amount of team work, navigation skills and communication,” he said.

“It was incredible to see how many skills taught weekly to Scouts were put into practice in just one night.

“The Explorer Scouts took shifts on duty where they used all of all the yacht’s sails to tack the boat into the wind.

"When off duty, they were in the galley preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner; a talent in itself when the yacht was moving up and down, back and forth.

“This opportunity was perfect for young people and adults to learn more about each other, themselves, and how to put into practice the many skills that Scouting teaches young people.

"It isn’t every day that you get to sail a 72-foot yacht!”

A new Cub Scout pack is to open in east Dunfermline and it is hoped to start new Beaver and Scout troops if sufficient volunteers come forward.

Anyone interested can contact Terry at rosythdc@yahoo.co.uk. Joining enquiries can be made at scouts.scot/join. More details on the new pack are available at an open day at Fordell Firs on Sunday. 

To register, go to rosythscouts-new-group.eventbrite.co.uk.