I did the obvious check, and the jacket buttons confirm the photo is "right way round".
The scout badge is one of two mysteries, is it not? [The other being RMLI cap badge vs shoulder title].
I agree that I do not know of scouts in the RMLI, but we need to bear in mind that there was a deliberate commonality in many RMLI uniform aspects and the regular army. I can think of every good reason why the RMLI should indeed appoint scouts, who were very much in vogue in the years leading up to the war.
Another complication is the "first class" aspect. Unusual [but not impossible] for a soldier to be thus and still without rank or lance-rank.
Lastly, the scout badges were also worn by cavalry, not only infantry.
Nevertheless the photo is excellent, and unique. Never say never ........
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