Introducing the New Scottish Squirrel Thistle Award!
There’s an exciting new adventure for Scotland’s youngest Scouts. We are delighted to launch the brand-new Scottish Squirrel Thistle Award, giving Squirrels the chance to explore Scotland’s culture, communities, history, and wildlife in a fun and engaging way.
Designed by volunteers, led by Erin Whyte and tested by Squirrel Dreys across Scotland, the award has been created especially for young people aged 4–6. It aims to help Squirrels connect with their local area, discover Scottish traditions, and build a strong sense of belonging and community identity.
The launch means Squirrels can now join the more than 3,000 Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts who earned their Scottish Thistle Award last year.
What is the Scottish Thistle Award?
The Thistle Awards celebrate Scotland’s people, places, culture, and traditions while encouraging young people to learn through adventure and creativity. Across the programme, Squirrels complete activities focused on outdoor adventure, skills, and the wider world.
Activities include:
- Exploring local landmarks and learning about their community
- Discovering Scottish wildlife on nature walks
- Learning myths and legends from across Scotland
- Taking part in mini Highland Games and “Haggis Hunts”
- Creating their own tartan designs
- Tasting traditional Scottish foods
- Learning Scottish songs and Scots words
The award has been designed to be flexible, accessible, and full of opportunities for teamwork, creativity, and outdoor fun.
Tested by Squirrels
The award has already been trialled by Squirrel Dreys, with leaders and young people sharing glowing feedback about the experience.
“1st Midlothian Gorebridge Squirrel Scouts had the best time completing the Thistle award. The young people particularly enjoyed the outdoor elements, like our Haggis Hurling at our campsite, and the eating challenge where they tried haggis, neeps and tatties and a little taste of Irn Bru. It was exciting for everyone learning about Scottish facts and history. We hope everyone will love it as much as we did.”
— Erin Whyte, Lead for Squirrels
“Our squirrels really enjoyed the different aspects of the Thistle badge; lots of opportunities for teamwork, crafting and outdoor activities. It was a joy to run, and see our young people identify with their own country, culture and history. I certainly learned a lot too! Delighted that this badge will be a part of more squirrel journeys.”
— Rachel, Squirrel Team Member
Young people also had their own highlights from completing the badge.
“I really liked throwing the haggis and tasting the Irn Bru”
— Finlay, Squirrel Scout
For volunteers, the award also offered a chance to help young people work towards a longer-term goal while still celebrating achievements each week.
“I think working towards the Thistle badge over several weeks was a really interesting challenge for the Squirrels. Each session still had its own self-contained activity, giving the young people that important sense of instant achievement, but seeing how everything built together into a larger award was a new experience for many of them — and a valuable lesson in itself. Plus, it’s never too early to learn that wild haggis have two legs shorter than the other two so they can run around hills faster!”
— Neil, Squirrel Team Member
A Uniquely Scottish Adventure
The Thistle Awards provide a uniquely Scottish experience for young people across all sections. From visiting local landmarks and learning Gaelic phrases to designing tartan and hosting Scottish-themed events such as Burns Suppers, the programme encourages young people to celebrate the culture and heritage around them.
The new Squirrel version builds on that tradition by introducing Scotland’s youngest Scouts to adventure, teamwork, and community in an age-appropriate and exciting way.
You can find the full award requirements and resources here:
All Scottish Thistle Award badges can be purchased directly from Glasgow Scout Shop.
Scouts Scotland would love to hear how Squirrel Scouts get on with the award. Groups with stories or photos to share can email hello@scouts.scot.
More Squirrel Adventures
Squirrels looking for even more adventure can also take part in the popular Squirrel Scramble events at Fordell Firs. These action-packed days give young people the chance to try activities including grass sledging, climbing, low ropes, tree climbs, bungee trampolines, and campfire fun.
Find out more about upcoming events:
