27 January 2006

Scouts gather to promote peace

A Dundee University student is setting off to Saudi Arabia today to promote peace through Scouts.

James Lawrie, Scout leader of the 64th Perthshire (Invergowrie) troop, was picked from hundreds of applicants to participate in Together for Peace 2006, a gathering of more than 100 Scouts from across the world.

The event, held in Jubail Industrial City, is backed by the Saudi Arabian Boy Scout Association and International Association for Muslim Boy Scouts. It aims to help young people understand different backgrounds and cultures, so they can bring peace throughout the world in years to come.

"It’s a great honour to be attending," says James, 23, who is studying for a Masters of Research (MRes) in Civil Engineering. "I’ll be travelling there with five other Scouts from across the UK and our objective is to spread the culture of peace and tolerance with others and to contribute to change in the world."

While there James will be taking part in community events as well as social and cultural activities.

The event is the first of its kind hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the efforts which are to make the tolerance culture, love and peace among all nations regardless of the differences in their creeds, and races.

For more information contact:

Anna Day
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Tel: 01382 384768
Email: a.c.day@dundee.ac.uk