Huge CONGRATULATIONS! to all the Girlguiding Midlothian leaders who were honoured this week by Midlothian Community Action as part of Volunteer Week 2026. The 1st Rosewell Rainbows, Brownies and Guides leadership team won in their category, taking home the ‘Uniformed Volunteer’ award while Emma Fergusson won the prestigious 'Volunteer of the Year' award!
The leaders of 1st Rosewell Rainbows, Brownies and Guides all play a vital role in making sure that the three units thrive. Together they plan their weekly meetings, delivering activities as part of the Girlguiding programme to girls ages 4 to 14. They have made their units supportive and joyful spaces where girls feel valued.
Also nominated in the ‘Uniformed Volunteer’ category was Lauren Henderson, a Leader with 8th Penicuik Guides and Lesley-Ann Meikle, a leader with Danderhall Rainbows. As well as her guide unit role, Lauren is inclusivity advisor for Girlguiding Midlothian, working with units to plan any adjustments needed to make sure that all girls are able to participate. She also undertakes volunteering roles at both Scottish and European levels. Lesley-Ann has been a leader in Danderhall for 30 years, acting as a role model, mentor and advocate for young people. She balances a demanding career with voluntary leadership always focussing on the wellbeing and development of others.
Emma Fergusson, a leader-in-training at 2nd Rosslyn Rainbows, was nominated in the ‘Outstanding New Volunteer’ category and then went on to win the 'Volunteer of the Year' award! Last year Emma established a new Rainbow unit in Roslin because there was a long waiting list of girls wanting to participate in Girlguiding. She put together a leadership team, raised the funds needed to secure a venue and get some resources. In January this year 2nd Rosslyn Rainbows opened, giving 21 girls between the ages of 4 and 7 a safe space to grow and make friends.
Congratulations to all the nominees and in particular to Emma and to 1st Rosewell Rainbow, Brownie and Guide leadership team on their success!