At an Inverness Area Scout Council Executive Committee meeting in March 1982, the then Area Commissioner, Robert Preece, raised the idea of having a show to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Scout Movement.

The idea stemmed from some of the leaders. Robert contacted the Eden Court Theatre director, Chris Johnson, who warmed to the idea.

The suggestion was that each pack and troop in the Area would work up an item in isolation, all of the items then being put together eventually leading to a stage show. At that time, Inverness Boys Brigade produced a similar type of show called 'Sportagama'.

I suggested that if a Scout show was to be produced at Eden Court Theatre, why not go for a full Gang Show? I volunteered to be the convenor, having been convenor for seven Gang Shows in the 1960s involving the 6th Inverness (Ness) Scout Group. My suggestion was accepted at the following Executive Committee meeting, and a committee was formed with Irene Whyte, Wym Simpson, Frank Davidson and myself.

Eden Court was booked for April 1983 (the 75th anniversary lasted 18 months!) and a producer and staff were sought. Bill Harvey was the first Producer, with Tom Anderson as Music Director and Cynthia Nicol as Dance Director.

The Gang Show was booked for three performances - Friday evening and Saturday matinee and evening. One dress rehearsal was held on the Friday afternoon; however the rehearsal was never finished as the audience for Friday evening's performance began to arrive.

Despite the problems, the 1983 Gang Show was a success, which spurred us all on to continue Gang Shows every two years, and building up to the high standard and deserved reputation that we enjoy today!