Scouting and rugby history in Inverness |…

Skilful scouts and rugby heroes - Beachdairean sgileal agus gaisgich rugbaidh

Did you know that the Northern Meeting Park has a long association with the Scouting movement?

Scouting dates back to 1908 when the movement's founder, Robert Baden-Powell, published Scouting for Boys. Many parts of the Highlands soon had their own Scout troops.

In September 1911, a Scout rally, attended by Baden-Powell, the Chief Scout, took place to tie in with that year's Northern Meeting Games. Over 600 Scouts attended from as far away as Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire, Kingussie and Banffshire, with some coming in a special train from the north. Imagine their excitement as they met in Farraline Park (now the bus station) in the town centre and then marched over to the Park to take part in displays of their scouting skills.

A further rally took place in the Park in 1912 then, in 1913, the event was incorporated into the Northern Meeting. Scouting events have continued to take place in the Park since then, including May 1935, when the Park was the venue for a big Highland Scouting display marking the Silver Jubilee (25 years) of King George V's reign.

Black and white group photograph of the Gairloch Troop of Boy Scouts, taken at the Northern Meeting Park, Inverness, on 19 September 1913. Scout leaders in kilts flank rows of uniformed boys holding staffs.

Gairloch Scout Troop, 1913

Black and white lantern slide photograph viewed from outside the boundary wall of Northern Meeting Park, showing a large procession of Scouts assembled on the field beyond, with spectators lining the perimeter and a Victorian villa visible in the background, c.1911.

Scouts march, 1911

Black and white photograph of Boy Scouts erecting a wooden frame structure on the field at Northern Meeting Park, watched by a crowd of spectators, as part of a public display of Scoutcraft skills, c.1911–13.

Demonstrating bridge-building skills

Did you know? - An robh fios agaibh?

In 1913, Inverness residents were asked in the local newspapers to supply home baking for the Scouts to eat when they arrived in Inverness for their one-hour display at the Park. The 511 Scouts who took part would certainly have needed energy for their 'excellent exhibition of Scoutcraft', including signalling, physical drills, fire lighting, Highland dancing, tent pitching, bridge building, first aid, life-saving and despatch running!

Black and white photograph of the Ullapool First Troop Scouts and Cubs, taken during Silver Jubilee celebrations for King George V, with boys in uniform holding mugs.

Ullapool Scouts and Cubs, 1935

Black and white photograph of uniformed Scouts running across Northern Meeting Park during a skills display, with Inverness Cathedral and a decorated Union Jack-draped platform visible in the background, c.1911–13.

Scouts display, 1911

Black and white photograph taken from an elevated position showing hundreds of Scouts and spectators spread across Northern Meeting Park during the 1911 rally, with a large crowd lining the perimeter, a Union Jack flying, and a marquee tent visible in the background.

Scout rally, 1911

'Highland glory finish' - 'Gloir don Ghaidhealtachd'

This was the headline in the Sunday Mail on 14th March 1976, after Highland Rugby Club clinched the Second Division Championship with a score of Highland 28, Selkirk oat the Northern Meeting Park. The match marked the final stage of Highland's three-year journey from the Fourth to the First Division under captain Nairn McEwan.

The match attracted lots of interest in Inverness, with around 5,000 spectators, BBC coverage, and huge excitement for Highland rugby fans. It was probably the highlight of the long period in which Highland Rugby Club played their home national league features in the Park.

Find out more about Nairn McEwan.