The Scout Sign is made with the right hand, by crossing the thumb over the little finger, extending the three middle fingers, and holding the arm out at right angles.

Originally, the three fingers represented Duty to Others, Duty to God and Country, Duty to Self.

The Scout Salute is simply the Scout Sign, but with the hand and forearm tilted towards the head.

Traditionally, if the person is wearing glasses, the fingers of the hand should touch the rim of the glasses. Also, if the person was wearing a Scout hat (nicknamed a ‘lemon squeezer’), the fingers should touch the rim of the hat (as below).

Scouts always shake with the left hand. The reason for this comes from Baden-Powell’s time in South Africa.

The Ashanti warriors would hold their shield in their left hand, and so would need to lower their shield to shake hands – a gesture of trust. The left hand is also closest to the heart, showing friendship.