GRAMP and MAROC have, to ensure that no one is disappointed, extended the deadlines for entries.

Following the success of the Scottish Junior Cup during 2021 covid restrictions, and as part of the drive to encourage and maintain junior participation in the sport, the Scottish Junior Cup returns for 2022.

Remember to enter this years Scottish Schools Orienteering Festival. Closing date 23rd May!

This years event is being held within the stunning grounds of Scone Palace, by Perth on Wednesday 1st June.

The venue will be familiar to some from previous sprint events and schools festivals.

Ahead of our first face-to-face AGM in 2 years on 28th May at 5pm at Crathes Hall, we are making our annual accounts for 2021 available for members here. Please note these remain in draft form but it is hoped a final version will be available prior to the AGM as the paperwork is currently with our independent examiner. We will publish the finalised accounts as soon as they are available.

In order to make voting on important matters within Scottish Orienteering accessible to all members, we are able to offer online proxy votes to those unable to attend the AGM in person. The online proxy voting form is available here

The agenda, details and full AGM booklet is available here

East Juniors met the West Juniors (SWAT) on Sunday at Beecraigs to focus on compass and pacing work. What a great day out – finishing with an exciting relay.

We are kicking of our monthly community conversations on the important topic of Child Protection. Child Portection is everyone’s responsibility. If someone in your club/you need to join the Protecting Vulnerable Group (PVG) scheme as a coach or volunteer or have questions about the process to getting a PVG through SOA this session is for you! We will provide an update on the process and offer plenty of time to answer questions. Join us at 7.30pm on Zoom.

We will cover: Who needs a PVG? How do I/member apply for a PVG? How do I get my ID verified? We will also give na update on Child Protection within the SOA and how your club may want to incorporate any changes in their policies and processes.

Following the British Championships, Northern Championships and the JK, Scottish Juniors across a range of ages have been selected for international competition and a range of training camps. The performance of all the Scottish juniors at these events was fantastic with some very tough competition from juniors from the rest of the UK and Europe.  It was great to see the breadth of Scottish junior talent as well as the fun and friendship they gain from the sport.

With some of you having perhaps spent April preparing for the JK or TAY’s Not the JK are you ready for what May has in store?

Thanks to TAY, ESOC, GRAMP and MAROC we have two double header weekends starting with the Scottish Middle/ SOL3 on the weekend of 14^th/15^th May and swiftly followed by the Scottish Championships and Relays on 28^th/29^th May.

The SOA AGM will take place on Saturday 28th May at Crathes Hall following conclusion of the Individual Scottish Championship event. Given we have been communicating through online platforms for 2 years we are excited to have the opportunity to have some face to face discussions about matters that are important to the sport.

Today we have published the AGM Booklet which includes all proposals and nominations of Directors which require your voting. There will be the option of proxy voting by post and online but crucially we hope to engage in some dialogue prior to voting in person. We still welcome further nominations for the vacant Board Director positions and truly hope you will consider putting your name forward.

We have outlined all the proposals for voting below.

We are pleased to announce the SOA Board has agreed to co-opt Paul Rayner as Communications Director until the AGM. Paul previously worked for the SOA on a fixed term contract to assist us with our communications and marketing, so brings to the role of Director a sound understanding of Scottish Orienteering and our existing communications strategy. Following the apppointment of Fanni Gyurko, as Performance Director, last week we are excited to have some new Directors joining the Board as we go into our 2nd year of our 4 year strategy cycle. We look forward to working with Paul especially as we seek to raise the profile of the sport ahead of WOC2024.

Welcome on Board, Paul!