A Wishaw man who promised to do his best to help others seven decades ago as a Scout leader is still doing it as he approaches the age of 89.
Ernie Holloway has dedicated almost his entire life to helping young people achieve their best.
The great granddad first joined the movement when he was an eight-year-old, and has never looked back, becoming a Scout leader as a teenager.
He said: “I joined the Scouts in 1940 on my eigth birthday and I’ve been there ever since. When the war came I was in 5th Motherwell, but 6th Motherwell adopted me and one or two others until the war was over then we went back.”
Originally from Motherwell, Ernie has previously received Higher Good Service awards for his dedication, and is the proud owner of both Silver Acorn and Silver Wolf awards.
The Wolf award is the unrestricted gift of the Chief Scout and is only awarded for service of a most exceptional nature.
Now his extremely lengthy service to the Scout movement as a leader has been recognised with a Chief Scout’s 70 Years Service Award. News of the latest accolade came in a letter from Bear Grylls who is Chief Scout in the UK.
Ernie continued: “You wouldn’t recognise the Scouting today if you compared it to today.
“I think it’s very difficult for Scout leaders now.
“Technology has taken over because of Covid not just the Scouts but a lot of things in life. It’s left us unable to meet so leaders have to come up with things to do online.”
Despite the challenges Ernie firmly believes that Scouting is still a great way for youngsters to gain experiences they can’t gain sitting on their mobile phones and tablets.
“The Scouts opens your mind to a lot of things – especially outdoors. But a lot of that has been lost the last couple of years. It’s like football, if you can’t go and support your team then you find something else to do. Then it can be harder to get them back in the door.”
He also believes that it’s not just young people who can gain great experiences from the Scouts.
“I would also recommend that adults get involved, the kids will come along but we need adult volunteers too,” he added.
“I go wherever I’m asked now and do talks and I’m able to give the young men the benefit of my experience.”
Ernie, who worked in engineering as a toolmaker, also served as a councillor for over a decade from 1996 to 2007 representing the people of Motherwell and Coltness.
You could say that Scouting was in Ernie’s blood as his father was one of the founding members of Holy Trinity Church Scouts back in the 1920s. He was also awarded an Acorn for his service to the movement.
While the Scouts are thankful to Ernie for his service he is also very grateful to them.
He explained: “The Scouts have given me something that money can’t buy. I met Iris, my wife, at a Scouts rally in Motherwell we were working at. We’ve been married sixty-odd years.
“I’ve met some wonderful people during my time.”
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