BROWNIE and Guide chiefs have issued an SOS for volunteers across Scotland - to instruct more than 7,000 girls stuck on their waiting list.

Girlguiding Scotland, the country's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women, said it was unable to boost "forces" due to a lack of volunteers.

The organisation has close to 3,500 outlets across Scotland, with more than 60,000 members and supporters. But a lack of volunteers is preventing thousands from joining.

Alison Rankin, a recruitment co-ordinator for Girlguiding, said: "It's always had a strong appeal for girls to have a chance to find their own space, particularly away from school.

"We need to address that and try to get extra help for the groups and open up new groups in areas of the city where there are none."