A CARDRONA man has been elected as chairman of the World Scout Committee.

Craig Turpie will hold the position until 2020 at the World Scout Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Prior to his new role, he was appointed as the Scout UK Commissioner for Programme in 2014, and helped improve support for the six to 25 Programme and contributed successfully to the work of Team UK.

Originally from Stirling, the 42-year-old has extensive experience in the Scouts’ youth programmes, which include; youth involvement, social impact and strategy development.

He also served as chairman of the European Scout Committee from 2004 to 2013.

Tim Kidd, UK Chief Commissioner said: “Craig’s knowledge and understanding of Scouting around the world, coupled with his experience as UK Commissioner for Programme, is a great asset for the movement.

“I’m sure everyone will join me in congratulating Craig on his success and offering him our support.”

Craig’s wife Cheryl, is the Group Scout Leader of the Cardrona Scout Group.

Tony Reid, chairman of the Cardrona Scout Group, told the Peeblesshire News: “We are bursting with pride at finding ourselves home to the chair of the World Scout Committee.

“We join with Tim Kidd in expressing our delight and full support for Mr Turpie.”

Before working his way up the ranks, Craig studied graphic design at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a Masters Degree in Design from 1996 to 1997, specialising in new media looking at visual communication through new technologies.

For more information about the Scouts and for further details on local groups across Scotland, go online to: www.scouts.scot