A DUNFERMLINE boy has scooped a top Scouting award at the ripe old age of four!

Young Sam Bertam has been awarded the Chief Scout Acorn Award, which is the highest accolade for a Squirrel Scout.

The first to achieve the honour from his group, the 39th Fife Scouts, he managed to complete all of the activity and challenge badges in less than a year.

His efforts since September have including building hedgehog hotels, litter-picking and making a lava lamp.

Squirrels are the youngest age range of the Scouts, aged four to six, and launched in Scotland last year. Their aim is to learn new skills, make new friends and to have fun.

Sam said he had been enjoying his early Scouting experience.

“I like Squirrels because I like making things and playing," he said. "Earning badges is fun, I really liked the grabbers to help pick up litter and I liked building a den!”

Squirrel leader Janis McCulloch added: “It’s incredible that Sam has managed to complete his Chief Scout Acorn Award in less than a year. Every week he comes in with a cheeky grin and is ready to have fun, play games and take part in whatever that night's activity is.

"It’s great to see him learning new skills and helping our community.”

The Squirrels at the 39th Fife meet on a Wednesday night. To find out more, search for 39thfifescouts on Facebook.