A north-east scout group is hoping to make waves this year after taking over the organisation of a popular raft race on its 40th anniversary.
Inverurie Raft Race was arranged by the Garioch Lions for decades, but the group has since folded and last year the charity event event was run by local volunteers.
There had been fears the race would struggle to continue but now the town’s scout group has been offered the chance to take over the race, which takes competitors from Kemnay to Inverurie on June 2.
The race was originally launched by local man Donald Ingram to raise funds for research into cancer and kidney disease.
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It has become a firm favourite of the annual calendar, with generations of local people taking part in specially-decorated rafts.
Jackie McBeath, a volunteer with the scouts, has said the group is delighted to be able to step up and steer the race into the future.
This year’s event will raise cash for the scouts, Kayleigh’s Wee Stars and the MS Society Scotland.
“The reason we got the opportunity is that one of our leaders used to be involved with the lions,” she said.
“We are hoping to publicise the event a bit better so people are aware that it’s still happening.
“I think with it being the 40th anniversary it’s a great tag for us and a good time for us to take it over.
“Hopefully it will also highlight the scouts to people too. We have a strong membership but it’s leaders we’re looking for. I think people forget that we are run by volunteers.”
More than 150 youngsters attend beavers, cubs and scouts with the group, making it among the most popular in the region.
Youngsters on the day will be running various stalls and marshalling at various points along the route.
There will be a range of attractions on the day, including a barbecue at the start and finish lines, a bouncy castle, bubble footballs, an ice cream van and a raffle.
For an information pack, email inverurieraftrace@gmail.com.
