THE Boys’ Brigade is preparing to ditch its traditional uniform and marching drills as part of a makeover to soften its militaristic image.

The youth organisation, which was founded more than a century ago to promote “true Christian manliness”, is concerned that it is perceived as too regimented. Senior members fear that it may be alienating potential recruits with its concentration on traditional values of obedience and discipline.

The brigade is launching a £215,000 rebranding exercise, which will involve consulting all its members on what changes they would like to see.

As well as ditching its traditional blue uniform, it is also prepared to replace military exercises with leisure activities such as football and computer games.

Groups will be given the chance to meet in school buildings rather than in church halls and girls are to be admitted for the first time.

The changes will be piloted in 125 new groups to be set up by 2008 to mark the organisation’s 125th anniversary.

“The Boys’ Brigade has a bit of an image problem. We have come to the realisation that we need to make it more relevant for young people today,” said Phil Lund, the brigade youth participation chief who has been appointed to lead the Engage a Generation project.

“A lot of people look at the BB and see a veneer of militaristic images. What we are trying to say is that the BB doesn’t have to be about drill, marching and uniform.

“In future these new BB companies will be more modern and look different to how they have looked in the past.

“They might have a uniform, but it would be far less formal and non-militaristic.”

Lund said that the review will also consider ditching militaristic terms such as “company”, “battalions” and “officers”.

“That sort of terminology can alienate people so it might be something that we change across the board.”

Tom Boyle, the brigade’s Scottish organiser, said: “What is being proposed is radical and will be seen by more traditional members as quite extreme.”

Steve Dickinson, secretary of the brigade, said consultations will take place around the UK before any changes are implemented.

“We will always maintain our Christian ethos and values, but people have been asking for adaptability to different needs,” he said.

High-profile former members include Sir Alex Ferguson, Jim Wallace, former deputy first minister, and Andy Cameron, the comedian.

Cameron said the traditional lessons and discipline that he learnt during his time with the brigade have stood him in good stead for all of his adult life.

“I joined the Life Boys, as they were called then, in Rutherglen in 1946 and stayed right through until 1959,” he said.

“It was first class.”

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