Callum Farquhar

Callum has been involved in the Scout movement throughout his adult life and is currently the Regional Scout Commissioner for the East of Scotland.  He has led over 100 Expeditions abroad taking Scouts from Scotland to almost every continent and since 1988 has been exchanging regularly with Japan, both visiting there and hosting Japanese Scouts in Scotland.  He holds the Silver Wolf (the highest award in UK Scouting) as well as the Silver Cuckoo from the Scout Association of Japan.  Having built up links with Scouts in Iwate Prefecture, Callum arranged support for them following the Earthquake and Tsunami and fundraised over £10,000 to support Scouting’s work in the affected coastal communities.

Callum is also involved in The Japan Society of Scotland and has been its Treasurer for the past few years, ensuring that the Thomas Glover Scholarship is properly funded and that Scottish schools carrying out Japanese-related projects can receive some financial assistance. 

In July 2015, in recognition of his voluntary work in organizing the UK Contingent of 4,200 to participate in the World Scout Jamboree in Japan and take part in a Homestay Programme in every Prefecture from Hokkaido to Okinawa, Callum was named as a UK Point of Light with David Cameron stating –

“You have shown great dedication to the Scouting movement and to promoting strong cultural relations between Scouts in the UK and in Japan.  The money that you raised following the devastating tsunami that hit Japan helped to give back an important piece of childhood to the local youngsters.  You have also played a vital role in helping over 4,000 UK Scouts to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Japan this summer. I believe it is my duty as Prime Minister to hold up examples of great volunteering and service as an inspiration to others.  Through your hard work and dedication, you are making our communities stronger, and our country a better place.  On behalf of the whole country, I hope that this Points of Light Award can be a small way of saying thank you.” 

Quote from UK Prime Minister David Cameron.