The Boys’ Brigade was founded on 4th October 1883, in Glasgow.
Our founder is Sir William Alexander Smith.
We were the world’s first voluntary uniformed youth organisation, and many of the world’s uniformed youth organisations can trace their origins back to the history of the Boys’ Brigade. Even the Scouts came about as a result of BB.
Argyll itself has played a key role in the history of the Boys’ Brigade, with the very first Boys’ Brigade camp taking place in Tighnabruiach in 1886.
Our organisation has come a long way in the past 137 years, and currently over 40,000 young people participate in the Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Association. These young people are supported by over 11,000 volunteers.
The 1st Cowal was established in Dunoon in 2010, and since then has gone through various periods of change. However, one thing has remained steadfastly true – we believe that young people regardless of sex, religion or culture should be able to benefit from participating in our programme.
We have faith in young people to learn, grow and discover so that they may live their lives to the full
In 2020, the 1st Cowal were extremely fortunate to receive a £2,000 donation from the CalMac Community Fund to support us offer COVID safe activities to our young people.
Over the next two years we will be using the funding provided to improve the range of activities and opportunities we can offer to young people across Cowal – thank you to CalMac for the generous support
Our Team
Meet our team of volunteers who help keep the ship sailing…
Jamie
Captain
As Captain, Jamie has overall responsibility for the Company and ensures everything we do is safe and inline with the aims and objectives of the Boys’ Brigade.
Jamie has been involved with the BB for 28 years, and Captain of 1st Cowal for 2 years.
Bobby
Leader
Bobby is our Leader in Charge of Juniors, taking responsibility for planning our programme for 8 – 11 year olds.
Bobby has been a leader with 1st Cowal for 3 years.
Claire
Leader
Claire is our Leader in Charge of our Anchors, taking responsibility for planning our programme for 5 – 8 year olds.
Claire has been a leader with 1st Cowal for 1 year.
Sam
Leader
Sam is our newest volunteer supporting Anchors & Juniors as well as most recently our Social Media.
Sam has been volunteering with us regularly since September 2022.
Jen
Trustee & Church Rep
Jen is one of our Trustees who oversees the running of our charity, as well as our representative to the Cowal Kirk, our sponsoring Church.
Jen has been a leader with 1st Cowal for 3 years.
Eowyn
Leader
Eowyn is one of our support Leaders, who volunteers flexibly with us to support the delivery of our programme and works across all our age groups.
Eowyn has been a leader with 1st Cowal for 3 years.
Andrea
Trustee & Treasurer
Andrea is one of our Trustees who oversees the running of our charity, as well as our Treasurer who ensures our finances are in check.
Ruth
Company Chaplain
Ruth is our Company Chaplain. Ruth supports our faith development and provides a much needed extra pair of hands for busier evenings.
Ruth has been the Company Chaplain for 9 years.
