Linlithgow woman honoured for half a century in Girlguiding

A Girlguiding Scotland volunteer originally from Linlithgow has been recognised in The
Sally is pictured on the leftSally is pictured on the left
Sally is pictured on the left

Queen’s Birthday Honours for her work supporting girls and young women over more than

50 years.

Sally McMath will be awarded the Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty the Queen in

honour of her inspirational efforts.

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Sally whose parents Mel and Kirsty Grey were well known locally was first became involved in guiding when she joined her local Brownie unit in Linlithgow

at just 8 years old.

Although Sally describes herself as a ‘reluctant Brownie’ at first, the

opportunity to make friends and discover new experiences, from camping to star-gazing

soon won her over and she went onto become a Guide, a ranger and then an adult

volunteer.

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Sally has held various roles throughout her time with Girlguiding both at a local and

national level, from leading girls in the 2 nd Linlithgow Guide unit to serving as a District

Commissioner in Livingston and County Commissioner in West Lothian.

Sally went onto become Scottish Chief Commissioner, Girlguiding Scotland’s lead

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volunteer, in 1997, overseeing the work of Girlguiding Scotland across the country and

supporting the charity’s 50,000 young members and network of 11,500 volunteers. In this

role Sally visited girls and volunteers throughout the country and following that led the Big

G fundraising appeal, bringing in more than £1 million for refurbishment and development

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of Girlguiding Scotland’s outdoor and training centre Netherurd.

Looking over her time as a Girlguiding Scotland member, Sally says her biggest highlight

has been supporting girls and other volunteers to take on new challenges, gain new skills

and grow in confidence.

She said: “I was totally overwhelmed to receive this OBE. I feel extremely proud and lucky

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to have been a part of Girlguiding Scotland for several decades. Since I joined as a

Brownie, Girlguiding has given me so many opportunities to make amazing friends and life-

long memories, to challenge myself and develop my skills and confidence.

I feel really honoured that, as a volunteer, I’ve had the opportunity to give back by

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supporting girls and other volunteers to join in the fun and adventure and be all they can

be.

“Girlguiding opens up so many fantastic opportunities for girls to grow in confidence and

become a powerful force for good in their communities. Over time the badges and

uniforms have changed but what’s stayed constant is the commitment to giving girls a

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space where they can be themselves, discover just how much they’re capable of and feel

proud of their achievements.

I would like to dedicate this award to all of the girls and volunteers I have had the

pleasure of knowing and working alongside over the last 50 years.”

Today Sally continues to play an active role in Girlguiding and is County President for

Girlguiding West Lothian. Outside of Girlguiding, Sally, who now lives in Currie, Edinburgh,

is a physiotherapist, an active member of two choirs

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