The Boys’ Brigade was founded on 4th October 1883, in Glasgow by Sir William Alexander Smith.

The Boys’ Brigade was 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 being held in Tignabruiach in 1886.

The Boys’ Brigade has come a very long way in the past 140 years, and currently 40,000 young people participate in the Boys’ Brigade & Girls’ Association programme. This programme is delivered by over 11,000 dedicated volunteer leaders.

The current 1st Cowal company was formed in 2010 and has gone through a number of changes over the past 13 years, but one thing has always persisted – that we believe every child regardless of their sex, gender identity, religion or culture should be welcomed and able to participate in our programme.