A CARDROSS group who have been pen-palling with a Scouts unit in Europe for five years finally met up with their counterparts for the first time.

The 1st Cardross Explorer Scouts hosted the group from the Czech Republic last month after forming a friendship in 2019 which saw them exchange gift boxes.

And despite a delayed start to the trip for the Czechs, it didn't stop them cramming in plenty of activities and excursions to learn about Scottish culture.

The scouting group in Cardross made plenty memories and built on the friendshipsThe scouting group in Cardross made plenty memories and built on the friendships (Image: 1st Cardross Explorer Scouts)

Ross Mates, leader for the local group, said: "While there was certainly a general feeling of shyness throughout the whole group to start with, by the end, everyone was mixing and new friendships were made.

"This international friendship of groups was originally formed in 2019 when they started a pen-pal programme between members as well as gift boxes exchanged.

"Since then, there was lots of discussion about possibilities of trips – now it has finally happened."

The groups played plenty of games to get to know each otherThe groups played plenty of games to get to know each other (Image: 1st Cardross Explorer Scouts) The groups learned campfire songs and cooked different meals of the two nationalities The groups learned campfire songs and cooked different meals of the two nationalities (Image: 1st Cardross Explorer Scouts)

He added: "The trip started on the Saturday night – or at least, was supposed to have started – when their flight was cancelled, so after a night in a hotel in Prague they made it to a very wet Scotland on the Sunday.

"Weeknights were spent solving a treasure trail in groups near the historic Glasgow University, socialising and getting fish and chips in Helensburgh.

"The following weekend there was a joint camp. The main activity on a sunny Saturday was a visit to Glasgow’s west end to see the Kelvingrove museum and play lawn bowls, between which they enjoyed lunch in Kelvingrove Park and took the subway (part of the way) back.

"Evenings consisted of each nationality cooking for each other, learning each other’s campfire songs and exchanging dances.

"The Czechs were treated to a ceilidh which they took to exceedingly well. Scots also got to have a go at some Czech dances. After some ice breaking, many friendships formed, hopefully some that will last.

"They enjoyed the freedom and independence they were given to experience a different culture and above all, try new things and make memories."

A visit to the Kelvingrove Art museum in GlasgowA visit to the Kelvingrove Art museum in Glasgow (Image: 1st Cardross Explorer Scouts) TThey took part in treasure trails in Glasgow near historic places in the city (Image: 1st Cardross Explorer Scouts) And the Cardross Scouts were able to trade their neckies, badges and songs during the trip which is one of their favourite activities.

However, this wasn’t the only international visit that local scouting has had recently.

The Czech group learned how to play lawn bowls during their visitThe Czech group learned how to play lawn bowls during their visit (Image: 1st Cardross Explorer Scouts)

During the summer, Rover Scouts from Denmark visited and stayed at Loch Lomond, meeting Cardross Explorers and teaching them a now loved game.

Scouts from Germany also stayed at 1st Cardross’ and 1st Helensburgh’s Scout hall which turned out to be big event for everyone.

To stay up-to-date with the group or to get involved, visit the 1st Cardross Scout Group on Facebook.