Scouts sent home from Perthshire Gathering after drugs charges

Eight scouts have been sent home from an international gathering after two teenagers were charged in relation to cannabis offences.

A two-week “jamborette” is currently under way at Blair Atholl Estate in Perthshire with more than 1,000 scouts and leaders from around the world taking part in activities including canyoning, mountain biking and rafting.

Police were called to the event last Thursday after a report of drugs offences, understood to relate to cannabis.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “After inquiries were conducted, a 17-year-old male was charged and given a recorded police warning for possession of controlled drugs, and a 16-year-old male was charged and is to be reported for supplying controlled drugs.”

A spokeswoman for Scouts Scotland said: “We can confirm that eight Scouts have been sent home from the Blair Atholl Jamborette.

“Scouts Scotland has a zero tolerance policy on narcotics use and this matter has been reported to Police Scotland."