Over the years the SOA Development Fund has supported Scottish clubs wishing to undertake projects with the aim of developing the sport. As we look to continue to build on the new Scottish Orienteering Strategy we are therefore focusing the current SOA Development funding on projects which support Lifelong Pathways for improvement which is one of our four strategic aims.  These Lifelong Pathways within orienteering relate to progression of orienteering skills as well as personal development opportunities for our volunteers.  

We are therefore looking for applications which support this strategic aim of Lifelong Learning and supports the expansion of the sport within the 20 to 40 age group through retention of young adults or introduction of the sport to this group. We are asking clubs to come forward with any proposals which build on these themes.

Planners and future planners – we have offerings for you as well. Our tried and tested Planners’ workshops series ( adult and junior) are being run again this winter by Colin Eades and his team of trainers. In addition we are delighted to say that some experts have volunteered to give existing and new planners the benefit of their experience by hosting 3 planners discussions. We also have a range of ESWs to suit all. All these workshops are free to SOA members.

Looking to improve your navigation skills or try a new sport? Scottish Orienteering are organising an adult beginner day at Cammo Estate, Edinburgh on the Sunday 10th August. From the day you will gain the skills and confidence to navigate with a map. No prior knowledge required – just a sense of adventure. All physical activity at whatever level you choose. The day runs from 10-4 led by one of our experienced tutors. 

We are always looking for ways to help you – our hardworking volunteers – and one of our offerings is organisers’ courses.  Organising can be something that folk find off putting due the seeming enormity of the task.  If you would like to help your club by organising an event but don’t know where to start then one of our organisers’ courses is the right place.

The June session in the SOA’s monthly online Community Conversations series focused on supporting inclusion and wellbeing. The session was introduced by Ken McDonald, the SOA’s Equality, Welfare and Diversity Director, followed by open discussion around aspects of inclusion that clubs and SOA might now focus on.

Ken set the scene by outlining what we mean by inclusion and what Scottish Orienteering wants to achieve. Key to this is developing an understanding of the barriers different people may face and proactively addressing these to maximise access, increase participation across the board, and drive wider benefits around the sustainability of our sport and positive experiences for everyone. Inclusivity is part of the bedrock of the Sport for Life strategy of sportscotland (our major funder), to support a more active Scotland and public health goals as well as Scottish sporting performance.

The 6th event of the 2025 Scottish Inter Club Championships saw Inverness Orienteering Club (INVOC) host a regional event in the delights of the Carse of Ardersier on 29th June. This left it open to the northern clubs to gain points to allow them to make a move on those clubs slightly further south.

By Louise Adams – SOA Lead Development Officer

Scotland’s junior orienteers turned out in force for the annual Jamie Stevenson Trophy, held this year on Sunday 15th June at Hill of Alyth. With stunning views, great weather, and a fantastic buzz at the assembly, the event celebrated both competition and community — and inspired many new memories for the juniors involved.

The Jamie Stevenson Trophy is a much-loved date in the junior calendar — a chance to represent your club, build team spirit, and enjoy a full day out with friends from across the country. This year, Forth Valley Orienteers (FVO) retained the coveted trophy for the 4th year in a row, holding off a strong challenge from INVOC who were just 4 points behind. Moravian completed the podium.

Strong governance is the essential foundation of the success and sustainability of Scottish Orienteering and so our sport. It’s vital that we now ensure effective succession for Board membership. Two particularly important roles will become vacant at the end of this summer: the SOA Board Chair, and the Scottish Six Days (S6D) Board Chair. In addition there are other Director roles to fill.

Could YOU step forward to join the team taking our sport forward? We are seeking people with real drive and ambition for Scottish Orienteering to ensure future generations continue to enjoy our fantastic sport.

Yearly, at the Interareas weekend SOA gets the opportunity to ask most of the juniors in Scotland for feedback on how we can improve orienteering for juniors. Again, last year at Inverness Youth Hostel we asked juniors for feedback. Responses to this feedback session included: more socials, more area coaching and a junior hangout area at events.

Sunday 15th June saw Scottish juniors for over 10 clubs travel the Hill of Alyth to compete for the Jamie Stevenson Trophy. An event aimed at encouraging participation from juniors of all Scottish Clubs.

It was a day of friendly rivalry with the sun shining after a few days of dreich weather. Face paint was applied and club tshirts were worn proudly.

To start the juniors in time honoured tradition paraded their flags around before a mass warm up which this year saw them all opening the gates, feeding the chickens and giraffes before kicking the badgers out of the farmyard?!?