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Top honour for Scout who defies the odds


By Kyle Ritchie

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A Macduff Explorer Scout has been presented with the Medal for Meritorious Conduct.

Mark Smith has lived with a variety of genetic difficulties since birth but has never let any of those hold him back from participating in his interests one of which is scouting.

Recently Mark was seriously ill in Glasgow Royal Infirmary hospital with a heart problem and when he had regained enough strength to talk all he told his doctors and surgeons was that he wanted out and back to scouts.

Explorer Scout Mark Smith is presented with the Medal for Meritorious Conduct by Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Clare Russell.
Explorer Scout Mark Smith is presented with the Medal for Meritorious Conduct by Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Clare Russell.

Macduff Scout Group Council chairman Colin Buist said: "Fortunately for Macduff Scout Group and with Mark's shear determination this did not take him long to do and he was back attending Scouts in a matter of weeks on his return home.

"One of Mark's surgeons in hospital was a Scout leader himself and was impressed by Mark's courage and determination to resume his Scouting activities as soon as possible.

"He made contact with his colleagues in Scouting and the recommendation that Mark should receive a commendation for his attitude, determination, strength and courage.

"It was decided to award Mark the Medal for Meritorious Conduct, an award last given out by the Scouts nearly 50 years ago which in itself shows the personal criteria for such an award is hard to find in a person but Mark has it in abundance."

The award was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Clare Russell with Eleanor Lyall on behalf of Scouts Scotland before Mark was introduced to His Royal Highness Prince Charles.

Mr Buist said: "Given his difficulties, Mark is a role model for all the younger members of our group, Scouts in general and our community, never shying away from things that are sometimes outwith his comfort zone and always getting involved and supporting all the fundraising efforts we have endured over the past three years getting our hut refurbished.

"This award comes in a big year for Mark as he has just finished his exams, left school and started out on his working life with employment at Boyndie Visitor Centre and BEAT recycling centre.

"Mark is a credit to his family and Macduff Scout Group and is testament to the saying you only get out of life what you put in and Mark puts in 100 per cent all the time.

"We are all very proud to know Mark and to have him as a Scout member is a privilege."


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