GALA'S Gail Fox is taking on a new challenge as one of Girlguiding Scotland’s most senior volunteers.

And the 47-year-old is hoping others will follow in her tracks by also joining in the fun and adventure.

Gail, who had been a Guide in her youth, returned to the charity 16 years ago as a leader with the 1st Tweedbank Guides.

Since then she’s taken on a wide range of roles and has now been appointed deputy chief commissioner for Girlguiding Scotland.

Gail, alongside the rest of the senior leadership team, will now be supporting the charity’s strategy to help even more girls join the guiding community.

With nearly 200 girls on waiting lists in the Scottish Borders and a further 140 wanting to join when they reach their fifth birthdays, Gail is on a mission close to home to find new helpers.

She told the Border Telegraph: "Volunteering with Girlguiding Scotland has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

"I’d just given birth to my youngest child – one of four – and while that was certainly keeping me busy I knew I wanted a new challenge, something different from my everyday routine.

“I loved being a Guide when I was young so when out local unit was looking for helpers it seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something new.

"Being a Leader is such a rewarding experience and a great way to gain new skills and confidence. If you would have told me when I first started that I’d be taking a group of girls camping or on trips around the world I’d have said 'no, not a chance' but the training and support I received helped me to feel confident taking the girls on new adventures.

"And 16 years on I can say I’ve had some amazing adventures – from taking girls and volunteers on trips to Mexico, Switzerland and Paris to trying all sorts of adrenaline-racing activities like white-water rafting and zip-wiring and even partying away with more than 8,000 Girlguiding Scotland members at our biggest ever pop concert this June.

"I’ve also been inspired to see the girls taking action and making a difference in their communities and beyond; just this year Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Senior Section members in our county - Girlguiding Tweed Valley raised over £8,000 for the Margaret Kerr Unit at the Borders General Hospital."

Girlguiding Scotland is the leading charity for girls and young women in Scotland, offering around 50,000 members, aged from five to 25, an action-packed programme encompassing everything from outdoor adventure to international volunteering, camping to campaigning.

Girls are also encouraged to earn badges in all sorts of skills like sports, science, survival and film-making.

But they can only do this with a network of volunteers.

Gail added: "As a volunteer with Scotland’s biggest organisation for girls and young women I feel really proud to help girls enjoy new experiences, learn new skills and develop the confidence to speak out and take action.

"What I didn’t realise before I started volunteering, was just how much it would help me to push myself and try new things too.

"In my new role as deputy chief commissioner for Girlguiding Scotland, I’m really excited to have an opportunity to help even more girls and women join in the fun and benefit from everything the charity has to offer.

"Some people might worry that they don’t have the right skills or enough time to commit but there are lots of different ways you can support Girlguiding in your area – from joining your unit’s helper rota, to providing behind-the-scenes support as a unit treasurer or unit admin assistant, or becoming a leader or assistant leader.

"Whatever role is right for you, you’ll be given tailored support and training every step of the day, plus have the opportunity to make memories and friendship that will last a lifetime, all while empowering girls to be all they can be.”

To find out more about how you can support Girlguiding Scotland by volunteering - or to enquire on behalf of a young member - visit www.girlguidingscotland.org.uk/get-involved