SCOTTISH SCOUTS CRISIS

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 December 1933, Page 8

SCOTTISH SCOUTS CRISIS

BONNET BAN DEFIED The insistence of Lord Baden-Powell and the Imperial Scout Headquarters on the wearing of the Scout Hat by Scottish Rover Scouts, in preference to the Balmoral bonnet, is in danger of wrecking the senior Scout movement in Scotland. The crisis is a sequel to what was originally merely a request by Lord Baden-Powell, which the majority of Scottish Rovers were content simply to ignore. Now that the request has become an order, however, a feeling of revolt has spread throughout Scotland and resignations on a wholesale scale are regarded as inevitable. The first step in this direction has been taken by the 2nd Highland Rovers, who have their headquarters at Elgin. Following a decision to dis- I band, they have resigned in a body. I They are arranging to launch a new I movement with similar aims, in I which it is expected that they will be joined by the greater number of the 5,000 Rover Scouts in Scotland. The Scottish Rovers, who attribute the official veto to the jealousy which the English rank and file are alleged to have revealed at Jamborees at the picturesque appearance of the Scots in their kilts and Highland bonnets, justify their revolt by pointing out that it is a common practice to allow* the Scouts of other nations to adopt their own traditional dress.