This year it was the turn of Wales to host the Junior Home Internationals (JHIs) where the four home nations come together to compete for the glory. Having held aloft the Trophy at the Junior Home Internationals hopes were high on the long bus journey down that the double could be achieved like last year where on Jon Musgrave’s last year as Scottish Junior Orienteering Squad coach they raised both the Junior Inter Regional Championship (JIRCs) Trophy and the Junior Home International Trophy.
Scottish Orienteering is excited to launch a brand-new Junior Photo Competition – and we want you to be part of it! This is your chance to showcase the spirit of orienteering through your own lens – whether it’s about fun, adventure, beautiful places – or something else! Read on for what we’re looking for and how to enter – the closing date is 30 November.
The last weekend of September saw junior athletes and senior athletes from across the nations converging on the Lakes to take part in the Junior Inter Regional Championships (JIRCSs) and the Senior Home Internationals(SHIs). The JIRCs involves all 12 of the British Orienteering Federation associations bring their juniors to compete against each other and the SHIs involves the home nations (England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales) bringing their best senior athletes to challenge each other for dominance over a weekend of orienteering.
Every year we celebrate the contribution made to the sport by our young people. This year we have decided to deconflict our Young Orienteer of the Year award with Volunteer Week in June by asking for nominations later in the year and presenting the trophy at the Junior Inter Areas in October. We are eagerly looking forward to hearing what our young people have been up to in our clubs and squads. This award is not about performance but rather contribution to the sport through volunteering and in the past we have had activities as diverse as running school clubs, mapping, writing newsletters, coaching and officiating at events recognised and celebrated.
Ruari Cottier and Peter Owen – joint winners of last year’s award.
Do you know a young person under 21 who is inspiring others? Consistently assisting with club activities? Or making a difference by raising the profile of our sport through their volunteering?
Use the form to nominate your young hero and give them the recognition they deserve.
We’re very excited to share the news that the British Schools Orienteering Championships are coming to Scotland this year, hosted by Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club – and ENTRIES ARE NOW OFFICIALLY OPEN!
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.
Junior planners having a goGuess the area!Read More…
A course combining theory and practical for juniors with some knowledge of orienteering (TD3 standard ), who are interested in helping with coaching in a club, squad, camp or school setting. This course is a fun and sociable introduction to aspects of coaching and is in 2 parts:
1.5 hours online (one evening during the week before the practical day)
A fun practical day (10am – 4pm) on Sunday 23rd November 2025.
You are required to attend both parts to complete the course.
Cost:
The training is provided free of charge but you will be required to commit to a period of mentored volunteering.
Course Content:
Discussion around what to coach and how to coach orienteering; practical self and peer evaluated exercises.
Pre-requisites:
Competent orienteers at least at TD3; age 14+
OTHER NOTES:
This course counts as a pre-requisite for the SCCO Level 5 Club Coach course.
MORE DETAIL:
This course will be held in Stirling or Edinburgh depending on location of participants
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.
The 2025 Scottish Schools Orienteering Festival brought together over 350 pupils from across the country for a day of activity, adventure, and fun. This year, we invited schools to share their own reflections on the event — from training and preparation to the experience on the day itself. Read on to hear from two schools who took part.
On Thursday June 5, Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline welcomed pupils from all across Scotland, hosting the much-anticipated Scottish Schools Orienteering Festival. This year’s event was a resounding success, bringing together almost 400 enthusiastic pupils to showcase their navigational skills, sportsmanship and teamwork.
Congregation for prize giving!Picturesque start locationRead More…
