THE Boys' Brigade, the world-famous organisation that started in a Glasgow community hall, today celebrates its 130th anniversary.

As part of the annivers­ary celebrations, a reception was held last night at the Merchants House of Glasgow in West George Street.

Among those who attended were BB Director for Scotland, Bill Stevenson, UK President Lord Griffiths, and members of the world's first BB company, The 1st Glasgow.

And today, at noon, in St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, the Brigade president was due to lead a short act of worship, with flowers to be laid at the founder's plaque.

Both events paid tribute to the success of the organisation since that first meeting on October 4, 1883 in the North Woodside Mission Hall, which was at the behest of William Smith, a Highlander who had moved to the city with his family.

In the years since, millions of boys have joined the BB, with 20,000 youngsters aged 5 to 18 attending companies in Scotland, along with hundreds of thousands throughout the world.

Football legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Kenny Dalglish, Ally McCoist and Alex McLeish were all BB members.

So were Craig and Charlie Reid of The Proclaimers, comedians Billy Connolly and Andy Cameron, and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Glasgow-based broadcaster John MacKay spent several years in the BB and has fond recollections.

He said: "The Boys' Brigade was a key part of my childhood. My exper­ience was like that of thousands of boys before and since - of adventure, camaraderie and fun.

"The first organised football I played, the first hillwalking I did, the first camping I did … all of it was through the BB.

"I still remember that first football game, we got thumped 18-0. Not something to forget.

"It is credit to the boys, their parents and the officers that the BB is celebrating its 130th anniversary.

"More than anything, though, it is a tribute to the idea that Sir William Alexander Smith had in Glasgow all those years ago.

"The principles he established then are as relevant now as they ever were."

William Smith was born near Thurso. His father, an Army major, died when he was 13 and the family moved to Glasgow.

He was fervently religious and became an officer in the Ist Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers, where he established a reputation as a strict disciplinarian. It was those qualities - discipline and religion - he wanted to instil in his new Brigade Of Boys.

The original constitution defines the Brigade's object as "The advancement of Christ's Kingdom among boys, and the promotion of habits of reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness."

Within 10 years of the organisation's founding, it had spread worldwide. But it has had to adapt with the passage of time, including a move away from its Church of Scotland-based origins.

A spokesman for the BB in Scotland said: "We now welcome boys from all different backgrounds, all faiths and none. We are still a Christian organisation, but ecumenical Christian.

"Joining the BB is a coming of age for young people, it's about forming positive relationships with adult role models."

Bill Stevenson, director for Scotland, said: "The key to the BB's longevity is the thousands of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

"The BB programme of activities has also evolved over the years and keeps the organisation relevant to today's young people and wider society."

iain.lundy@eveningtimes.co.uk