Scouts say “no” to gun firm

Scouting bosses have come under fire for refusing to accept sponsorship from an air rifle supplier that wanted to support the two main Scout air rifle shooting competitions.

Cheshire-based Edgar Brothers told Scout bosses that they were interested in sponsoring the National Inter-County Shoot as well as the National Rifle Championships at Bisley.

However, internal emails seen by Shooting Times reveal that Scouting officials were worried that working with Edgar Brothers would not be seen as ethically ?on brand?.

A statement given to Edgar Brothers said: Unfortunately we cannot enter into a sponsorship arrangement? this is simply on the basis that The Scout Association?s fundraising policy does not allow Scouts to accept sponsorship from suppliers of firearms? this is a national policy and no exceptions can be made.

Lisa Riley from Edgar Brothers told Shooting Times that she was shocked at the Scout Association?s response, and described its decision as ?bonkers?. She said: ?They are happy to accept money from all sorts of businesses, but say ?no? when it comes to working with a company that has the best interest of the sport at heart. We just thought it was a great way of engaging children in shooting.?

The rest of this article appears in the 5th December issue of Shooting Times.

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