HE was the district commissioner who led Tynedale’s Scouting movement through its golden era in the 1970s and 80s.

Even after his retirement from the “front line” in 1986, Eddie McMillan continued to serve local troops with distinction until finally hanging up his neckerchief in 2014.

Tributes are pouring in for the much-loved Scotsman following his death on February 3, at the age of 84.

Eddie’s involvement with Scouting dates back to his childhood when he joined the Wolf Cubs in his native Ardrossan, on the North Ayrshire coast, in 1940.

At the age of 11, he progressed to the Rover Scout Troop, which stood the young Eddie in good stead for what was to follow.

For in 1950, he was called up for National Service and joined the RAF.

He was posted to Yatesbury in Wiltshire for six months, before joining RAF Leeming, in North Yorkshire.

During an eventful 15 months at Leeming, Eddie assisted with the Cub pack at Northallerton.

On leaving military service, Eddie became a civil servant, working for HM Customs & Excise.

His career took him to different parts of the UK and, naturally, he utilised his Scouting skills wherever he went.

A move to Greenwich, in London, in 1953, saw Eddie become assistant Scoutmaster of a new Scout group there.

After marrying Margaret in 1958, a return to Scotland beckoned, and the couple set up home in Bishopton, Renfrewshire.

Eddie became assistant Scout master with 1st Bishopton, before taking over as general Scout master.

The widely-respected and vastly experienced Eddie was in high demand and he also assumed roles with the Paisley West Scouts, and became assistant leader trainer for Renfrewshire.

Eddie was on the move again in 1973, this time to Corbridge, and his four-decade association with Scouting in Tynedale got under way three years later.

He was invited to take the role of assistant district commissioner for Tynedale – the largest district for Scouting in England.

Friend and fellow Scouting colleague Bob Hubbuck explained the significance of Eddie’s contribution.

He said: “Eddie was great man and he really rejuvenated things here in the 1970s, working alongside the district chairman Brian Marshall.

“He was responsible for assembling a formidable team of assistant district commissioners and leaders around him, and one can say – indeed as history shows – this was to be one of the golden eras of Scouting in the area.

“He continued the tradition of holding an anniversary of Baden Powell’s first Scout camp every five years, highlighting this very special camp by drawing in hundreds of followers.

“Eddie was one of our truly great district commissioners. He made a huge contribution to Scouting in this area and beyond and he will be greatly missed.”

Eddie oversaw the creation of the nationally renowned Hawkhirst Scout Activity Centre, at Kielder, which was officially opened by the Queen during her visit to Kielder Water on May 26, 1982.

In 1984, he joined Northumberland Scouts, and served on the finance committee for two years.

Although he retired from Scouting’s “front line” in 1986, Eddie took on the role of secretary for the Tynedale district.

His final job – that of district badge secretary – came six years later and he held this position until 2014.

Eddie’s Scouting honours include a medal of merit in 1977 and the silver acorn presented in 1996 in recognition of his outstanding service.

Eddie is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughters, Rhona and Shelagh, and son, Ross, as well as grandchildren Lewis, Murray, Eilidh, Callum, and Stuart.

A service of thanksgiving will take place today (Friday, February 12) at St Aidan’s United Reformed Church, on Hencotes, Hexham, at 1pm.