2000 – 2009

Entering a new millennium offered many opportunities for reflection on the past and to focus about what the future would hold for Scouting and Girlguiding. Both organisations underwent major programme reviews, implemented new policies, introduced new styles of uniform, made change to the age-ranges of sections, placed emphasis on corporate branding – the list goes on. Indeed Edinburgh Gang Show embarked on its most significant period of change in its history with the formation of a limited company with charitable status to manage the show on behalf of Scouting and Girlguiding.
In 2002, Edinburgh was again invited to perform in London, this time at the Wimbledon Theatre as part of ‘The Gang’s All Here!’ celebrating 70 years of Gang Show. Edinburgh was the only Scottish Gang to be invited and the performance brought the house down.

On the 25th May 2003, a party of about forty were present at a luncheon to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of Ralph Reader. This wonderful occasion brought together many of Ralph’s friends and colleagues from Scouting, the RAF and showbusiness. Memories were shared, and songs were sung that allowed those present to recall happy days in Gang Show and their friendship with Ralph.

That same year, Gordon Blackburn appointed Andy Johnston to be his successor as the Director becoming the third to have come from within the cast of the show.

The centenary of Scouting was celebrated in 2007, and in recognition of this occasion a Scottish Gang Show was staged at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen. Edinburgh joined the six other Scottish Gang Shows in two performances that brought together nearly 300 Scouts and Guides from all over Scotland to celebrate a unique moment in the history of Scouting and Gang Show. The audiences cheered and gave loud applause as, nearly twenty years on from the London Palladium, the Gang of 2007 gave another performance of a lifetime of ‘Highland Swing!

Directors

  • Gordon Blackburn
  • Andy Johnston

Musical Director

  • John Duncan

Dance Director

  • Louise Williamson

Convenors & AAC (Gang Show)

  • Michael Walker
  • Ross Hadden
  • Murray Bald
  • Gordon Blackburn

Project Leader

  • Murray Bald