As a means of sharing the progress of our sport we have prepared our first Annual Impact Report.  The impact report links the strategy set for the next four years by the board (2025-2029) to the reality of the work of our staff and clubs across Scotland. 

It has been a very busy year.  There are lots of great examples included here, and the case studies really help to bring it to life.  Finally, we hope you enjoy the many photos that show the breadth of our sport – orienteering truly spans the generations. 

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.  

Following the success of Deeside 2025 this summer, Graham McIntyre of Interlopers was appointed as the Perthshire 2027 Scottish 6 Day Co-ordinator. Following the decision by the Scottish Orienteering 6 Day Event Company to ask the areas to take the lead in the organisation of the event, East Area are taking the lead on the central organisation for Perthshire 2027. Graham’s position is a volunteer role and we are very grateful for him volunteering to fulfil this role. Graham has been involved in the sport for many years both as an elite athlete and working to support performance athletes at British Orienteering before working outwith the sport but he continues to participate both as an athlete and as a very experienced event official.

Do you have a passion for Orienteering and want to see high quality training delivered for young adult athletes who are currently at TD 5 standard? 

We are looking for someone who can act as the coordinator for the Scottish Elite and Development Squad (SEDS).  The role of SEDS is to encourage the retention and development of young adults (20 to 39 years) within the sport by providing training in a sociable environment.

The last Scottish Orienteering Urban League (SOUL) event of 2025 was hosted by Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club at Newhaven this year and saw the 2025 SOUL League winners receiving their trophies.

Scottish Orienteering recently delivered a practical orienteering taster session for secondary PE teaching students at the University of Stirling, giving future teachers the chance to experience how orienteering can be introduced simply and effectively in schools. We had some extra fun as it was the last day before the holidays so everyone arrived in festive attire!

A total of 24 students took part in the two-hour session, which was led by Louise Adams (SOA Lead Development Officer), with support from STUOC President Laura Brown. The session focused on easy-to-learn, easy-to-set-up activities that are well suited to school environments and adaptable for different ages and abilities.

Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club (ESOC) has been trialling a new initiative, Ozone, aimed at supporting young juniors at local events through fun, informal activities that build confidence, skills and enables them to meet other children at events.

Although still in its pilot phase, the Ozone has so far provided a strong example of best practice for engaging younger participants and their families, while supporting progression into independent orienteering for juniors that currently participate with their parents.

The World Anti-Doping Agency recently released the 2026 Prohibited List, which comes into effect on 1 January 2026. The Prohibited List is updated every year and outlines the substances and methods that are prohibited in sport. Every athlete and their support (parents or coaches) should familiarise themselves with the changes and what methods and substances are prohibited.

Last night, we held our December Community Conversation focused on safety within our sport. The meeting was led by the Scottish Orienteering Association Safety Director, Tim O’Donoghue, who shared updates regarding how safety is managed at the British Orienteering Federation (BOF) level and learnings which could be taken from incidents reported.

With Christmas fast approaching Three Wise Men* (accompanied by a former SOA Events Manager – Colin Matheson) made an initial site visit to Grandtully, chosen venue for next year’s Scottish Individual and Relay Orienteering Championships.  The timing of the visit coincided with a paid pheasant shoot, but fortunately it was determined they would be heading west while we headed south.  The area is less green than the last day of Strathearn 2019, and the area around the likely changeover and finish location is delightful.