'Fantastic' Girlguiding leader from Caithness receives Laurel Award honour
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A stalwart of the Girlguiding scene in Caithness has been honoured with a prestigious national award at a surprise reception.
Elspeth Husband was presented the Laurel Award by Lord Thurso, the Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, at an event held at the Northern Sands Hotel in Dunnet.
The award is the second highest honour that Girlguiding UK issues, and relatively few receive the accolade each year. It is awarded for an active member of the organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to Guiding.
Friends and family from Girlguiding, Scouts, Rumster Outdoor Centre, Thurso Community Council, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Caithness Voluntary Group gathered for the reception having kept the secret for several weeks.
Elspeth has more than 30 years of Girlguiding experience in a variety of local and national roles, including unit leader, leadership qualification mentor, county international advisor and Duke of Edinburgh Award lead for Scotland.
She has facilitated international trips for young members to destinations including Denmark, Switzerland, India and Mexico.
The nomination was submitted to the UK awards committee for consideration last year by Liz Bamber, Caithness division commissioner.
Among the letters of support which accompanied the nomination for Elspeth were the following comments:
“Elspeth is a fantastic leader, a wonderful expedition companion and someone I will always appreciate having met as part of my Girlguiding journey.” – Duke of Edinburgh Award participant.
“She is a role model and continues to empower girls and young women in local Girlguiding units.” – A young member.
“She has been the embodiment of our promise. Elspeth’s gentle manner is loved by girls and leaders alike.” – A fellow leader.
Girlguiding Scotland is a charity for girls and young women in Scotland, with around 50,000 young members, which aims to build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations.
