Renfrew Sea Scouts leader recognised for longstanding contribution to activity afloat

Sea Scouts leader David Ross recognised for longstanding contribution to activity afloat © RYA Scotland

With activity on the water building ahead of the new season, it is a fitting time to recognise and celebrate the dedication that underpins Scotland's sailing community. Across clubs and organisations, individuals give up time and expertise to deliver safe, high-quality experiences on the water.

Among them is David Ross of Renfrew Town Sea Scouts, who received an RYA Scotland Impact Award last year in recognition of his decades of commitment to developing young people and maintaining exceptional standards afloat.

David has been involved with Renfrew Town Sea Scouts for much of his life, dedicating countless hours to ensuring young people can access safe, high-quality opportunities on the water. With 40 years spent as Group Leader, his influence has extended far beyond delivering weekly sessions - helping to shape the wider group culture, values and long-term direction of the unit as a whole.

For David, Scouting has always been about more than boats and badges. His focus has been on building strong foundations: developing confident young people with practical skills, sound judgement and transferable life skills that serve them both on and off the water. Those who have worked alongside him describe a thoughtful and steady figure, with an inspiring leadership quality.

Legacy and future planning have been central to David's approach. Recognising that strong groups depend on a pipeline of capable leaders, he has consistently prioritised upskilling younger members and encouraging them to take on responsibility with confidence.

That ethos is increasingly evident today, with the next generation stepping into more substantial roles within the group. Among them is his son, Blair, who now plays a significant part in carrying forward the positive momentum Renfrew Town Sea Scouts continues to build.

For David, the message has always been clear: sustainable success comes from shared responsibility - creating an environment where people feel supported to grow, willing to contribute, and keen to give something back.

True to character, David accepted his Impact Award with a nod to the wider team around him. Quick to credit fellow volunteers and the young people themselves, he sees positive impact as a collective effort rather than an individual achievement:

"It's not just me - we couldn't do half of what we do without the team."

While recognition is appreciated, David says the real reward lies in seeing confidence grow, skills develop, and former Scouts return as volunteers themselves:

"There's no point if, when it's my time to move on, there's no one there to fill my shoes. So, giving to the kids so that they understand you need that commitment to keep going and to keep giving back. We need to show that as leaders."

As David's award is revisited ahead of another busy season, this recognition offers a timely reminder that high-quality activity afloat is built through long-term commitment, shared effort and belief in young people. It is this culture of giving back that seems to be forming a powerful legacy at Renfrew Town Sea Scouts.

More information on RYA Scotland Impact Awards can be found at scotland.rya.org.uk/about-us/impact-awards