I have joined an exclusive club at Holyrood after taking up a challenge from Scouts Scotland.
Only a few weeks ago I completed my Youth Advocacy Award and was delighted to receive my certificate and exclusive pin badge from my local East Kilbride Cubs.
To receive the award MSPs must complete at least four tough challenges dreamt up by the Scouts and Cubs.
Never one to shirk a challenge, I took the tough route to the top and joined a group of Welsh Scouts as they tackled the famous Cobbler near Arrochar, Argyll as one of my tasks.
The FreeSpirit ESU from Torfaen took the opportunity to quiz me on Scottish politics as they climbed to the top.
They proved to be very knowledgeable young people and were keen to give me their views on a wide range of issues.
After the climb, they made me an honorary member of the group. They even sent up a Freespirit ESU patch which I intend to stitch onto my rucksack as a reminder of a great day.
Another challenge was to attend the National Activity Centre at Lochgoilhead, which hosts thousands of Scouts every year while they participate in a variety of healthy outdoor activities.
Seeing for myself the fun that everyone was having explained just why the Welsh group had made the nine-hour journey to Lochgoilhead.
My final task was to attend my local group in East Kilbride and take part in some of their actives, which I did with relish.
I took the inspection of the Cubs and then joined a very competitive game of dodgeball with the youngsters.
Only seven other MSPs have completed the challenge to date. I would encourage more members of the Scottish Parliament to have a go, it was great fun.
