Last week was World Orienteering which aims to increase the visibility and accessibility of orienteering to young people. We are very proud that Scottish clubs held 33 events and activities across Scotland increasing the visibility of the sport. This included a Scout Orienteering Festival, parkrun takeovers, schools tasters and coaching aimed at adult beginners, alongside events. In this article we highlight a few of the activities that happened throughout the week
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle of Sportscotland strategy and one which as a sport we are in terms of our funding are bound to promote. Having pulled together a group last year to discuss inclusivity within the sport and ways in which we could encourage the sport to be more inclusive we are looking to hear your views.
Scottish Orienteering Association is committed to clean sport and supported UK Anti-Doping’s (UKAD’s) Clean Sport Week campaign from 19 – 23 May.
We are notifying all members of an Extraordinary General Meeting being held on Monday 9th June at 7pm online. The EGM Booklet detailing the proposed membership changes is attached and includes a printable proxy voting form together with a link to an electronic proxy voting form.
The Scottish Championship saw the handing over of the trophies and essential chocolate prizes for the 2024 Scottish Inter Club Championships. As previously indicated Forth Valley Orienteers (FVO) claimed both the Senior and Junior Large Clubs Inter Club titles last year with STAG (St Andrews Orienteering Club, Glasgow) claiming the Senior Small Club Iner Club title and Tayside Orienteers (TAY) claiming the Junior Small Club Inter Club title. Well done again to all involved.
When someone within EAST area suggested Barry Buddon as a possibility for the location of the Scottish Championship perhaps the collective memory had forgotten the administrative burden of dealing with the Ministry of Defence/ getting access to a live firing range as it had been 10 year since it had last been used. EAST area were delighted to have arranged for the red “danger” flags to be down on Saturday and Sunday so everyone could safely enjoy a rare outing on an extensive dune range.
A wee update for those SOA members who have donated in a number of ways to our Ukrainian registered charity Pickups for Peace.
Thank you-you are saving lives
“This weekend we delivered our 20th Pickups for Peace Aid convoy to Ukraine, including our 600th vehicle with the largest convoy ever of 55 vehicles. Yet again an amazing group of all ages and walks of life uniting in fellowship and friendship around a common purpose to drive across Europe to Lviv.
Our former chair and keen Mountain Bike Orienteer, Keith Dawson, attended the 2025 World Masters Mountain Bike Orienteering Championship in Mercia where the IOF flag was handed over to him by Ursula Hausermann, the Mountain Trail Bike Orienteering commission chair. He was receiving the flag on behalf of the Scottish Orienteering Association as organiser of the 2026 World Master Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the powerful impact of orienteering on mental well-being — backed by research and lived experience alike.
At Scottish Orienteering, we believe the benefits of our sport extend far beyond the finish line. While orienteering is well known for its physical and navigational challenges, a growing body of research suggests it may also offer a significant boost to mental health.
The SOA Board got together last Saturday for one of their regular Board meetings. As a group they meet in person 7 times a year both in person and online. At meetings they ensure the staff team are delivering in terms of the Scottish Orienteering Strategy and the SportScotland development targets with each of the Directors focussing on their focus area.
