Edinburgh adventurer Mollie Hughes becomes first female president Scouts Scotland

Adventurer and world record holder Mollie Hughes has been announced as the new President of Scouts Scotland, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
Mollie Hughes, World record holder and AdventurerMollie Hughes, World record holder and Adventurer
Mollie Hughes, World record holder and Adventurer

Mollie holds the world record for being the youngest woman in the world to ski solo from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole in January 2020. The feat took eight challenging weeks and 650 hours of skiing alone in whiteouts, storm-force winds and temperatures hitting minus 45C.

At 29 years old, Ms Hughes beat the previous record held by 32-year-old Vilborg Gissuradottir, from Iceland.

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This was her second world record breaking achievement, as in May 2017 she became the youngest woman in the world to successfully summit from both the south and north sides of Mount Everest.

Mollie Hughes, Adventurer is new President of Scouts ScotlandMollie Hughes, Adventurer is new President of Scouts Scotland
Mollie Hughes, Adventurer is new President of Scouts Scotland

She now spends much of her time as a motivational speaker and frequently works with school age children across the UK, inspiring them with her personal tales of adventure. Mollie takes over the voluntary role at Scouts Scotland from Chris Tiso, CEO of the Tiso Group.

Speaking about her new role she said: “I’m honoured to be taking on this role. Scouts Scotland gives so many young people the

chance to develop the skills they need to succeed in life. Looking at what they have achieved throughout the pandemic, from holding meetings online to camps at home and now

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groups getting back to meeting face to face it is just incredible. I can’t wait to work together with young people in the Scouts to share my own experiences and to hear about the impact that Scouts has had on their lives.”

Scouts Scotland summer camp at Lochgoilhead. (Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)Scouts Scotland summer camp at Lochgoilhead. (Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)
Scouts Scotland summer camp at Lochgoilhead. (Photograph: MAVERICK PHOTO AGENCY)

Andrew Sharkey, Chief Commissioner, Scouts Scotland said: “We are delighted to have Mollie joining Scouts Scotland as President. Through her many

adventures and expeditions Mollie has shown her incredible ability, determination and resilience. I have no doubt she will inspire and enthuse our young people and volunteers.”

Scouts Scotland is Scotland’s largest youth movement, and is open to everyone regardless of race, religion, gender or ability. Scouting has continued throughout the pandemic both through online meetings and now face-to-face where local protection levels allow it.

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