Six-year-old Dylan Martin wasn’t sure about joining the Boys’ Brigade when his mum Julie suggested it.
But 12 years on the Dunfermline teenager is still keeping good company and has just been presented with the Queen's Badge, the highest award in the organisation.
Looking back he recalled: “I was usually quite shy, found joining groups difficult and was nervous in strange environments but for some reason, I was on board with this.
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"It was obviously for a reason. I’ve just turned 18 - 12 years. Still here, and I still have a passion for Boys’ Brigade.”
Dylan joined the 3rd Dunfermline Company and continued: “I couldn’t tell you about my first night but every memory I do have from anchors and juniors at Pitreavie are really happy.
"Very fond memories. It feels like a different time.”
The highlights were camping “when we stayed over at the Glasgow Science Centre or at Carronvale House - it felt like a mansion” and the social aspect, helping him to make friends.
He met Charlie at anchor boys aged six and added: “We’re still really good mates now, in fact we just went out for my 18th birthday.”
Dylan credits his time in BBs with “shaping who I am now, sociable, easy to make friends in new places".
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He added: "I'm confident in starting in new places. I still have a lot of fun, even now as an officer, watching boys forming friendships.
“I’m studying music at college and that is also due to BB’s.
"I went to a band camp at Redford Barracks and that was my first experience with concerts and music.
"I was in P6 and ended up joining Ist Tulliallan band. I’m still playing with them now: I’m the lead side drummer.”
And he joked: “I’m the only one who can read music in the percussion section!”
Summarising his journey through BB’s he said: “It might be a cliche but it really is the start of all the adventures.
"Joining the BBs was the best decision I ever made.”
His officer in charge, Craig Watson, said: “Dylan is an amazing role model to the younger boys and a huge help with planning our programme.
"He is a credit to his family and we are all extremely proud of him."
The 3rd Dunfermline Boys’ Brigade meet at St Leonard’s Church on Wednesdays in term time and accept boys in P1 upwards.
You can find them on Facebook.
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