A golden era of Girl Guiding in Angus is being celebrated at a centre which opened 50 years ago.
For half a century thousands of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides have headed to Ladenford Den, on the outskirts of Forfar, for weekend camps at the unique facility.
It has been developed over the years to meet the changing needs of those involved, with modern facilities now provided.
The celebrations began on Wednesday with a garden party attended by former Guides who played a pivotal role in laying the foundations for the centre.
Mary Ramsay, chairwoman of the jubilee committee, launched an appeal earlier this year to track down former Guides who stepped out in a sponsored walk more than 50 years ago to help raise funds to build the centre.
In 1968 the organisation boasted more than 2,000 members across the area, the vast majority of whom took part in a mass sponsored walk over two weekends.
The Guides walked 14 miles while Brownies walked three miles, raising £2,110 of the £5,500 total cost.
Their efforts were rewarded when the hut was completed in 1969.
Mary said: “We had a good response to the initial appeal and have about 200 coming to the garden party, which is fabulous.
“Some are travelling from Caithness in the north to Renfrewshire in the south, but there has been a lot of local input.
“Some of them who are coming took part in the original walk in 1968. They are coming to celebrate the continuation of the Guiding movement in the county. There will be a display of uniforms worn in 1969 and some archives.”
Over the last five decades the centre has played host to thousands of girls of all ages who have camped under canvas or stayed indoors and a major gathering planned for the golden jubilee this weekend will honour them.
550 Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from throughout the district will camp for 50 hours from Friday through to Sunday.
In its heyday in the 1960s the Girl Guiding movement boasted 2,000 members throughout Angus and has around 1,400 members today.
Mary added “Of course, a lot has changed over the past 50 years, but Guiding remains very relevant and has a lot to offer.
“We run exciting events, and also offer the chance to learn new skills and personal development, as well as the opportunity to make new friends.”
