3rd Shotts Boys' Brigade

05/06/2026

What a fantastic evening we enjoyed at our 2nd Annual Display for the revived 3rd Shotts Boys' Brigade!

As another session draws to a close, we are incredibly proud of all of our boys. Last night they did an outstanding job of showcasing some of what they have been learning throughout the year, demonstrating not only new skills and abilities, but also confidence, teamwork, perseverance and character.

Our Highland Games-themed display, organised by one of our Officers, Sean Chalmers, provided plenty of laughter, fun and friendly competition. The boys threw themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. Special mention must go to Grayson who, despite breaking his thumb just hours before the display, persevered throughout the evening with remarkable courage and determination.

The evening began with an impressive marching display, with the boys proudly demonstrating their coordination, discipline, listening skills and teamwork. The programme from last night is among the pictures below.

We were delighted to welcome Mrs Simpson, Head Teacher of Stane Primary School, as our Guest of Honour, along with Mr O'Donnell . We are grateful to them all for taking the time to support the boys, celebrate their achievements and for their kind words.

One of the highlights of the evening was recognising the boys' hard work through the presentation of awards and badges. This year alone, over 60 badges were awarded which is significant given the size of our company. At 3rd Shotts BB, badges are not given automatically; they are earned through commitment, participation and effort. We firmly believe that this is what gives them their value and significance. Every badge represents a challenge accepted, a new skill learned, a step taken outside a comfort zone, or a lesson learned from God's Word.

Looking back over the year, we have watched the boys grow in so many ways. We have seen friendships develop, confidence increase and teamwork flourish. From learning new skills and taking part in community projects, to visits to Rosehall and Morningside Care Homes, supporting the Shoebox Appeal, participating in Remembrance events and exploring the Bible together, it has been another full and rewarding year. At the centre of BB is always the word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ which is that He died on the cross of Calvary, taking upon Himself punishment for our sins before rising again on the third day so that, through faith we might be saved from the penalty of our sin and have peace with God.

We would like to publicly thank our award sponsors whose generosity enabled us to recognise and celebrate the boys' achievements:

Mary Cook
Russell Wilson Heating Engineer
Transat, Shotts
Phil and Naomi Geary
Martin Phillips
Yvette Geary
LOL No. 9
Ness Gallagher Solicitors
Mica, Shotts
Piuthar Café, Shotts
RBP 319
Craig Bailee (Bee Electrical)

A huge thank you must also go to our Officers and helpers:

Martin Phillips
Sean Chalmers
Andy Allan
Jim Williams
Naomi Geary
Janice Whitefield
Yvette Geary
Edith Ross
Morag Forsyth

Each person brings something unique to the Company and gives far more than simply their time each week. Their commitment, enthusiasm and care for the boys is the foundation upon which the Company is built.

We also want to thank our friends at Dykehead Mission Hall, and especially John McPhee for their generosity in allowing us to use their excellent facilities both for rehearsals and for the display itself. It is a wonderful example of churches working together for the good of young people in our community.

Finally, we thank all those who support the Company through prayer, practical help and encouragement throughout the year. We appreciate your support and certainly don't take it for granted.

Above all, we once again thank God for His faithfulness and goodness. As our opening hymn reminded us God is faithful at all times and all circumstances.

Three years ago, the idea of restarting 3rd Shotts BB was little more than a conversation. Today, we look back with thankful hearts at all God has enabled us to do and all that the boys have achieved.

BB is now finished for the season - If you would like more information or wish to register your interest for next term, please contact:

📧 [email protected]

There is a selection of photographs below and a highlights video will follow in the coming few days.

Phil

26/05/2026

3 sponsorship slots remain for our BB Awards which will be given next week. Every penny goes towards providing an exciting and varied programme for local boys.

Details below:

As our Annual Display approaches, we are once again inviting local businesses and individuals to sponsor one of our Annual Awards.

A sincere thank you to the businesses who have already kindly agreed to support this year’s awards.

Sponsors will have their individual or business name printed in our Annual Display Order of Service and acknowledged across our social media platforms.

Please note that last year, interest in sponsorship exceeded the number of awards available, so if you would like to support the work of 3rd Shotts BB in this way, we would encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible.

For full details, please email:

[email protected]

14/05/2026

Great night at Boys’ Brigade tonight!

We started with our 3rd lesson in our weekly series looking at the Holy Spirit.

Tonight we heard about Samson and how the Holy Spirit gave strength and courage for God’s purposes.

The boys really enjoyed exploring Samson’s exploits and thinking about how just like Samson, the Holy Spirit helps believers persevere today.

Still inspired by Samson’s feats, we then carried on preparations for our upcoming BB Display Night — this year with a Highland Games theme!

Tonight’s training included:
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Arm-over-arm pulling
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Welly boot throwing
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ‘Stone’ to shoulder challenges

Safe to say there was plenty of effort, encouragement, laughter💪

We’re looking forward to putting it all together for Display Night.

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. - Zechariah 4:6

12/05/2026

As our Annual Display approaches, we are once again inviting local businesses and individuals to sponsor one of our Annual Awards.

A sincere thank you to the businesses who have already kindly agreed to support this year’s awards.

Sponsors will have their individual or business name printed in our Annual Display Order of Service and acknowledged across our social media platforms.

Please note that last year, interest in sponsorship exceeded the number of awards available, so if you would like to support the work of 3rd Shotts BB in this way, we would encourage you to get in touch as soon as possible.

For full details, please email:

[email protected]

30/04/2026

The boys from 3rd Shotts BB had their session outside tonight.

The joint lesson was led by Naomi and was an introduction to the Trinity. The boys will go on to think more about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit throughout May.

As some of our Juniors were absent this evening, the boys had some joint games together making the most of our grounds.

After all of the running about, frozen yogurt lollies were a welcome treat.

One of our boys shared a verse with the group at the end from Luke 10:20 reminding us that through faith in Jesus, our names are written in the Lambs book of life. He then closed the session in prayer.

26/04/2026

All the best to Fiona (one of our boy's parents) who is taking part in the Kilt walk today in support of 3rd Shotts BB.

The link for donations is below:

Iʼm raising money to support children/youth. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

23/04/2026

Tonight both sections practised marching outside to commence the session after a reading and prayer.

The Anchors stayed out for a nature walk in the gardens, focusing on Creation and God's wonderful provision. They finished off with a game of hide and seek.

The Juniors went back inside for a lesson and some games - sadly no pictures from Juniors this evening but a great night was had by all present.

23/03/2026

An update on what 3rd Shotts BB got up to last Thursday:

The Junior Section took part in an Easter trail which combined their knowledge of the Easter story with teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Each clue pointed them to a different part of the Easter account from God's Word, the Bible, leading them from one location to the next. To succeed, the boys had to work closely together - gathering in “huddles” to share ideas, think through the clues, and connect them to what the Bible teaches about Easter. They also planned their approach carefully, deciding where to search and making sure everyone stayed safe as they moved around the grounds.
Most importantly, the trail helped them reflect on the true meaning of Easter. They were reminded that Jesus Christ went to the cross to take the punishment for our sins, and that through His death and resurrection, forgiveness and new life are offered to all who trust in Him.

It was encouraging to see the boys not only working well together, but also showing fantastic knowledge of the Good News that Jesus died for sinners.

The Anchor Boys watched a video on Jesus praying in Gethsemane, being betrayed, tried before Pilate and then crucified. They listened well and asked very good questions.

After that, they enjoyed games requiring them to listen and follow instructions. They worked together to complete a task.

The session began with prayer and marching as usual.

08/03/2026

One of our parents and church Adherents, Fiona is taking part in this year's Kilt Walk on Sunday 26th April and has very kindly chosen 3rd Shotts BB to be the beneficiary for her fundraising!

Please click on the link below if you'd like to support Fiona & the BB.

Iʼm raising money to support children/youth. Support this JustGiving Crowdfunding Page.

07/02/2026

Here's what 3rd Shotts BB got up to on Thursday:

The evening commenced with some marching with the leaders once again being very impressed at the boys' progress

Anchors
The boys were captivated by the story of the Apostle Paul surviving a treacherous shipwreck on his incredible journey spreading the good news of Jesus. They learned of Paul's trust in God’s promise to keep him safe when hope seemed lost.

By lantern light, with stormy sea sound effects and model boats in hand, we travelled right into the heart of the story — feeling the wind, the waves, and the adventure.

The boys engaged brilliantly and discovered that even in life’s storms, God keeps His promises and can be trusted.

Afterwards the anchors continued their exploration of Highland Games disciplines with some solid shot put practice.

Juniors
The Junior Section paused their studies on the Apostle Paul this week to learn about the life of Scottish missionary Dr David Livingstone. Despite living nearly 2,000 years apart and in very different cultures, both men faithfully shared the same gospel message of salvation through Jesus.

The Juniors then made lighthouses which reminded them of both men's Missionary journeys but also that Jesus came to be the Light of the World - John 8:12.

Just before our final prayer, Anchor Section Leader Grayson recited a fun poem he had learned in school - he did fantastic!!

The counter system is working well with boys earning lots of blue counters for good behaviour, good sportsmanship, engaging in the programme and more.