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Welcome to Bonaly, located in Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city we offer a unique location where you can camp on the foot slopes of the Pentland hills, explore the surrounding countryside or hop on a bus to visit Edinburgh Castle and the wonders of this historic city.
Bonaly Scout Centre can camp up to 400 people, we have a range of accommodation for all ages and plenty of activities to make your visit memorable.
We are run by a small team of excellent professional staff and a large dedicated team of volunteers without whom the Centre could not exist.
We believe in:
The power of adventure and the great outdoors. Every visit to Bonaly is a chance to learn something new, push your limits, and make memories with friends. Whether you’re trying out a new activity or gathering around the campfire, you’ll leave Bonaly with a story to tell and a smile on your face.
Bonaly is more than just a campsite- it’s a place where the spirit of Scouting comes to life, where young people learn skills for life and everybody comes together to enjoy the best of what Scouting, nature and camaraderie have to offer, friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Our History
Bonaly’s story began long before it became the hub of outdoor excitement it is today. The land was once part of the estate owned by Lord Cockburn, a celebrated Scottish lawyer, judge, and advocate for conservation. Lord Cockburn treasured the natural beauty of Bonaly and its surrounding hills, using the estate as his country retreat where he would often host gatherings with literary and political figures of the time. His love for the landscape is still felt in the untouched beauty that surrounds the centre.
In 1945, the estate took on a new life when it was purchased by the Scouting Association and transformed into the campsite we know and love today. Since then, Bonaly has grown into one of Scotland’s premier outdoor centres with a focus on modern traditional Scouting Skills, welcoming generations of Scouts, adventurers, and nature lovers.