Friends of Strathaven Scouts was formed in 1995 and now has over 150 members. Membership is open to all who are interested in supporting present day Scouting in Strathaven for an annual subscription of £15.

Annual Reunions are held each year, the first being a repeat ascent of Schiehallion in 1996 which marked the 40th anniversary of what is considered Strathaven Scouts' first 'official' hill climb. The reunions started as day events but have developed into entertaining weekends. While climbing and walking feature prominently at these, many members attend Reunion Weekends to catch up with old Scouting Friends, and make new ones, as well as for the activities.
One of the main events organised by FOSS is the annual Round Stra'ven 50 charity cycle. First held in 2002 it has raised £29,000 over the years which has provided welcome funds not only to Strathaven Scouts and Guides, but also to various local charities. In 2008 nearly £4000 was donated to the charity Health Help International, run by FOSS member Ron Prosser, towards it work with physically and mentally disabled children in India.

The FOSS Adventure Section was established in 2009 and is the activity wing of FOSS ,aimed at encouraging younger members to join. 28 past members of the Group are signed up to the FOSSAS Facebook Group and 15 members from all over the UK have attended and enjoyed our first three events. Membership is open to ex-members aged 18+ and is FREE if you're under 21 and FREE until you start gainful employment. We simply ask that you then sign up as a regular FOSS member. If you're a former Scout, Venture or Explorer and want to stay in touch, hang out with old friends and meet new ones, find us on Facebook (where you can check out photos and videos of our activities).

The aims of FOSS are -

1. to provide financial and other support to the 1st Strathaven Scout Group.
2. to provide a forum for contact and association between former and present members of the Group through the publication of the annual FOSS Newsletters and by organising social events and Reunions.
3. to publicise, through the newsletter, the activities, achievements and objectives of the Strathaven Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts.

For further information visit www.friendsofstrathavenscouts.org.uk or contact Iain Park on 01357 520204.