A PROJECT to plant 100 woods across the UK was launched at the Scout Association headquarters near Dunfermline on Saturday.

Chancellor Gordon Brown marked the start of the scheme, in which the Scouts are teaming up with the Woodland Trust, by planting a ceremonial oak tree at Fordell Firs.

He was joined by over 500 Cub Scouts, who are preparing for a special camp to celebrate the Cubs’ 90th anniversary this year.

Next year is another landmark, this time for the whole movement. Lord Baden-Powell founded Scouting in 1907, when he held the first Scout camp at Brownsea Island.

Of the 100 woods being planted to provide a lasting legacy of the Scouts’ centenary, 10 will be in Scotland.

Thousands of Scouts all over the country will be involved in the project, which is part of the Woodland Trust’s Tree for All campaign.

The Scout Association is confident its founder would have approved of the project. Lord Baden-Powell himself once said, “The open air is the real objective of Scouting.”

Scout chief commissioner Eleanor Lyall said, “Caring and learning about the environment and having the chance to enjoy the great outdoors has been an important part of Scouting since the very first camp back in 1907.

“Scouting today lets young people get involved in lots of ways, ranging from getting involved in community projects such as tree planting to improve the local environment, to learning about the world around them, to enjoying traditional Scouting activities like camping.

“Our partnership with the Woodland Trust will build on this and also leave a fitting legacy for the future,” she added.

Angela Douglas of the Woodland Trust Scotland, said, “There can be no better way to mark such a landmark in Scouting history.

“We are honoured that the Scouts have agreed to mark their centenary year by planting trees.

“Making the environment inspiring and fun for people of all ages is our ethos and it’s one that fits well with the Scouting movement.

“Through the partnership we hope we can increase awareness and interest in the environment and en-courage Scouts to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors.”