Kelvindale Scouts make the news as they join BBC Scotland team in the studio

Sep 24 2009 By Frank Hurley

Reporting Scoutland

HERE is the eight o'clock news.. on Reporting Scoutland.

That's what happened when Scouts from the 44th Glasgow in Kelvindale had a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at BBC Scotland in Pacific Quay.

They were shown how a news bulletin is prepared and presented for an 8pm slot.

They were amazed to be offered a go at reading the bulletin while being coached by presenter Sally Magnusson.

After Sally read the live news, all the Scouts took turns reading the bulletin - although Reporting Scoutland didn't actually go out on air.

Cameron Richardson, 12, said: "Reading the news is much harder than it looks on TV. The autocue goes so fast."

The Scouts visited some of the places in the BBC building that are rarely seen, including where many of the computers are based. They were told in general terms how they work.

Next they visited a radio drama studio, Studio A, where they heard how a programme is put together.

David Divers,11, said: "It was amazing to see how small the studios actually are and how the robotic cameras work.

"I never thought the main studio was so small. It is really deceptive on television and our visit was fascinating."

Friends from the Scout group shared his view, with many saying it was one of the most interesting visits they've had.

The 44th Glasgow Scouts have other exciting visits lined up for the coming year and welcome new members at any time. The Group meets in Kelvindale and is open to girls and boys of all backgrounds, aged 10 to 14.