Inverness Sea Scouts delighted as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends first meeting of the year
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THE Inverness Sea Scouts had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity on Thursday as their first meeting after the holidays was attended by a very special guest.
The youth group, based in Muirtown, had an incredible surprise on arrival as they met Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during his visit to Inverness.
Mr Sunak was visiting Inverness to meet First Minister Nicola Sturgeon ahead of green freeport announcement.
Inverness sea scout leader Barry Mcilwraith said: "Ot was really an unexpected visit! On Wedenesday we were contacted by Scouts Scotland saying that a minister was coming, then another call from Scouts UK said that it would be a high-profile minister –I thought it would be a minister to charities or someone like that.
"So, the day went on and by the night I when I was told that it would be Rishi Sunak visiting us, so it was a bit different – not my usual day!
"He was fantastic with the scouts, he stayed around half an hour and had a chat with them and asked what they were doing as they were making knots and some history projects.
"They were able to ask him questions – one of them about Larry the cat.
"Many were a bit starstruck – especially some of the older ones – when they arrived. and I couldn't really warn my leaders in advance!
"With kid it's great because they are not yet so involved in politics so to them it was a great opportunity.
At the end of the visit the Prime Minister shared marshmallows by the fire with the scouts.
Mr Mcilwraith added: "It was as great way to start the year. It was a great opportunity to meet representatives from Scouts Scotland and Scouts UK as we don't get to see them often.
"It also gives some visibility to the group, which is great!"
