Longcraig is staffed entirely by volunteers, who have a wide range of qualifications and experience. This includes everyone from the Duty Manager and activity instructors to all administration staff.

To be responsible for any group or activity, instructors must fulfil the qualifications and experience requirements as laid down by the Scout Association. As well as this, Longcraig is an affiliated Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and British Canoe Union (BCU) Training Centre, so additionally has to meet the operating standards of these national organisations.

Safety is absolutely paramount at Longcraig - click here for more details.  The first person you are likely to speak to when booking an activity session is one of the staff at South East Scotland Region HQ which is where availability can also be checked. Training courses, on the other hand, are booked directly with Longcraig - please see Course Bookings for more details.

Subsequent arrangements will probably be made with one of our volunteer Admin Staff. They are responsible for much of the "behind-the-scenes" work: from finance, fundraising and publicity, to co-ordinating the staffing rota and bookings. Many of these people are also qualified instructors.

The Duty Manager is responsible for co-ordinating the actual activity session on your arrival at Longcraig. His/her role includes liaising with the instructors and assistants at the centre, organising customers into suitable activity groups and having the final say on any safety issues (e.g. weather).

There is one Activity Instructor for each activity group, whether it be for canoeing, windsurfing or a shore-based activity (sailing requires a different system). They are trained to the required standard and have the necessary experience of teaching the activity to groups of young people. They will have overall control of the activity and its participants.

Activity Assistants will assist the Instructor in leading the group throughout the session. While they may not have an Instructor qualification, they are often very experienced in their activity, and are in training/getting more experience in order to become an Instructor.

A Safety Boat Driver is responsible for the immediate safety of all participants. Details about safety are discussed elsewhere, but it is worth noting that a manned safety boat is required at all times during activity sessions or courses. Drivers are qualified and experienced in powerboating and rescue techniques, and are familiar with the characteristics of the water area in which we operate. A crew member will often assist, and during particularly busy sessions two safety boats may be present. Longcraig takes safety of customers and staff very seriously - needless to say we have never had a serious incident in our 30+ years of operating.