West Region has welcomed its new Lead Volunteer James Cumming.

James has tremendous experience in Scouting at all levels and is looking forward to hitting the ground running.

He said: “The potential within West Region is massive. There are so many brilliant groups delivering excellent Scouting and I want to ensure they are being properly supported by Districts and especially by the Region.

“I want to ensure that all involved in Scouting know who the Region are and how we can help them. I want to raise the profile of Scouting in the Region and work hard with Lead Volunteers across the Districts to ensure we are doing what we can to bring in leaders and retain the ones we have through development and learning.”

Barry Donald-Hewitt, Chief Volunteer of Scotland said: “James brings a wealth of Scouting experience and leadership skills from both his Scouting and professional life. His passion for Scouting is evident.

“I also want to express our collective thanks to Ian Hunter for his dedicated service as the Regional Lead Volunteer for the West Region. Ian’s passion and efforts have made a significant difference in the lives of so many.

“I would also like to thank John Kitson, who has stepped into the role of Acting Regional Lead Volunteer on a couple of occasions. We owe both a debt of gratitude.”

James joined Scouting as an adult volunteer in 1991 having been a member as young person from Cubs.

Since being an adult member, he has held various roles at Group level before moving on to being District Explorer Scout Commissioner for North Ayrshire and Arran, then as District Commissioner for the same District before taking on the role of Regional Commissioner (the former title for Regional Lead Volunteer) in South West Scotland.

In 2020 he was appointed into a national role as Depute Chief Commissioner (Perception and Protect) for Scouts Scotland.

James has taken part in international experiences all over the world taking young people to Russia, Canada, Poland, Iceland, France, Thailand, Vietnam the USA.