Josh Gillanders, 14, is gearing up to climb Ben Nevis on May 2 as part of a fundraising drive to support his place at the Iceland National Jamboree 2026, which takes place from July 20 to 26.
The international event will bring together Scouts from across the world with Josh raising money through a combination of sponsored challenges, community fundraising and his own savings – including his Christmas tips from his paper round – to get himself to Iceland.
His mother, Dr Sarah Gillanders, said Josh’s strong interest in global affairs and politics spurred him to apply for a place at the jamboree.
She said: “He deep dives into different issues and always has done.
“A friend from Trinidad was over at the weekend and asked what he made of what is going on in Cuba and he could instantly drop into the issues around Cuba and extrapolate how that might affect other Caribbean islands.
“He needs no more parenting – I am done!”
Josh thanked everyone who has supported his fundraising efforts so far, including his paper round customers for his Christmas tips (Image: Dr Sarah Gillanders)
Josh, a pupil at North Berwick High School, enjoys modern studies and aspires to work in foreign reporting or international development, although Dr Gillanders said he recognised the unstable nature of the world, adding, “Who knows if there would be a UN to work at by that time?”
Dr Sarah Gillanders, who has been a cubs’ leader for nine years, said her son’s outlook has been shaped by Scouting.
She said: “We have international badges, world badges and community impact badges so we encourage them to think of values within themselves but also in the local community and more widely.
“We have faith badges where we learn about different faiths and countries so he is certainly nurtured through Scouting.”
Josh has secured trust funding from the Rotary Club of North Berwick and is planning bake sales to help him reach his target.
The family thanked those who have donated to Josh’s fundraiser already many of whom have shared their own connection to Scouts.
Dr Gillanders said: “The people who have been donating seem quite moved by what they see as a life-changing experience for him.”
“The people who have been donating seem quite moved by what they see as a life-changing experience for him.”
Josh’s siblings and dad, David, have also been involved in Scouts and are planning to help get him to the top.
Josh and his family are preparing for their big hike while on holiday. (L-R Sarah, David, Keir, Raine and Josh) (Image: Dr Sarah Gillanders)
Despite taking part in previous expeditions through Scouting, this will be Josh’s first time climbing Ben Nevis.
The family, who regularly cycle and climb together, are hoping friends and relatives will join them for the challenge, which Josh plans to complete in his Scouting uniform – and a kilt, weather permitting.
Josh has been training hard, with an Easter family holiday completing the NC500 involving a lot of “hiking” and him frequently running, often up to 10k.
Contingency plans are in place in case of poor weather, but the family are hopeful the event will go ahead as planned.
Dr Gillanders said: “It’s going to be a really fun although challenging day.
“We’ve climbed a few of the Munros as a family but this will be the first time up Ben Nevis.
“And I think we are expecting snow and I think we will have snow on top.
“So it will be quite the achievement.”
Anyone looking to support Josh’s Ben Nevis challenge and trip to Iceland can donate via his online fundraising page.