Welcome to Bonaly Scout Centre

Bringing Scouting to life and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Wide image of children playing a parachute game
Image Showing Scouts working on a pioneering structure
view of Bonaly from the air

Welcome to Bonaly Scout Centre

Bonaly provides camping, self-catering residential facilities and many activities for Scouting, Girlguiding, youth organisations and schools. 

We are located in a fantastic 24-acre camp site to the South of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, at the foot of the Pentland hills. We are in the country, but with easy access to the City Bypass and only 5 miles (8km) from the historic city centre, 

This makes Bonaly an ideal base for adventures, a visit to Edinburgh or as a stopping place when visiting Scotland.

Stay at Bonaly

Bonaly main camping field

Camping

Experience the great outdoors like never before at Bonaly, where camping meets adventure in a breathtakingly natural setting.

view of the exterior of the chalet

The Chalet

The Chalet is a centrally heated building providing self-catering accommodation for 48 people. It is an excellent option for younger visitors or for those who prefer not to sleep in tents.

External view of Forth Lodge in the winter.

Forth Lodge

Forth Lodge is a centrally heated building providing self-catering accommodation and purpose designed for use by special needs groups. It is fully equipped and can accommodate 30 people. The Lodge is also available to able-bodied groups.

View of Ken's Den showing the two of the sleeping huts, campfire and kitchen area.

Ken's Den

Ken’s Den is a self-contained small village consisting of three log cabins, a shelter with catering facilities, campfire with seating, round picnic tables and camping area. The indoor facilities can accommodate 25 persons. It is located on the right hand side of the main camping field.

Visit Bonaly

You can visit Bonaly for camping and self-catering residential accommodation or for full or part day visits in order to use the facilities and enjoy the activities. 

Some Groups use Bonaly just to enjoy holding their meetings out of doors in nature.

 

Image showing 2 children burn dipping

Experience Bonaly

At Bonaly we have a range of activities for all ages!

Whether these are self-led sessions ,such as Grass Sledges, Mini Zipwire and ESCAPE! or Instructor-led sessions like High Ropes, Archery and Nightline all run by our amazing volunteer instructor team!

Escape Bomb

Self-led

With a mixture of self-led activities available we have something for every group and occasion. Each self-led activity comes with everything you’ll need such as Equipment, Risk Assessments and Session Plans, all you need is a Leader to run it!

Image showing children taking part in archery activity

Permitted

If you have a qualified/permitted leader you can book out and use our facilities and equipment. This includes facilities such as the Archery and Axe-Throwing Ranges.

View of Crate building activity in the High ropes facility.

Instructor-led

With our Experienced Volunteer Instructor Team book sessions to explore everything Bonaly has to offer.

From Braving the Heights of our High Ropes Tower, Challenging your senses on the Nightline to Testing your aim at the ranges!

View of the Visitor Reception and office.

The McCallum Building

The McCallum Lodge contains the Reception and offices. The Reception offers tourist information and souvenirs. The opening times vary throughout the season but are displayed at the reception.

Facilities

The Cabin is located at the entrance to the main camping field. It is an ideal base for coordinating large events and can be used as a base for First Aiders.

The Blair Barn is available to all visitors. It can be used for activities when sheltering from the weather or a reception for events.

The Tuck shed is available on Saturday evening and sells confectionery, drinks and souvenirs.

The Bushcraft Village is an area where groups can practice fire lighting and backwoods cooking skills. Many groups also use it for small campfires.

The Amenity Hub provides individual private toilets and showers along with hand washing and hot air dryers for all visitors. There are facilities to dispose of waste food and large sinks with hot water to clean dishes and cooking utensils. A communal fridge is also provided.

We have two Campfire areas. One in the Druim Field which can accommodate groups up to 40 people and the other at the top of the Main Field which can hold about 150 people. As these are very popular, we ask visitors to share their campfire programmes with other visitors.

The Baronial Hall is an indoor activity space which can be pre-booked for indoor programmes. It has toilets, heating and lighting and is equipped with tables and chairs for up to 40 people.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Scout Association
  • GirlGuiding
  • Uniformed Youth Groups with an acceptable Child Protection Policy
  • Schools

Yes we do. You’ll find relevant Risk Assessments in the yellow panel on each activity page.

Use “Quick book” from the drop down menu on the home page and choose the relevant booking form.

Latest news from Bonaly

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Global Culinary Showdown Set to Electrify Palates Foodies worldwide, prepare your tastebuds! The inaugural “Global Gastronomic Games” is set to launch next …

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Global Culinary Showdown Set to Electrify Palates Foodies worldwide, prepare your tastebuds! The inaugural “Global Gastronomic Games” is set to launch next …