A north-east scout troop has gained a boost in their efforts to save their historic home.
Members of Macduff Scout Group needed to raise £129,000 to restore their hut on School Lane.
The building, which is one of the oldest properties in the port, has started to show signs of wear and tear and risks falling into disrepair – which has forced the group into action to fund its renovation.
But now, the scouts have been buoyed by the announcement of the North Aberdeenshire Local Action Group (Leader), which has awarded the charity with £64,560 to cover part of the work.
The cash will be match-funded by the scouts to convert the hut into a multi-purpose facility, which can also be used by other groups in the community.
The building was the original Doune School before it was gifted to the charity.
Macduff Scout chairman Colin Buist said: “We wish to restore and extend the Scout Hut into a living and current resource of moderate size, well insulated and fuel-efficient and easy to sustain into the future.
“This will grow confidence in, and care for, the town centre area, and we are excited at the prospect of taking this project forward”
Duncan Leece, Leader chairman, added: “We are delighted to help make this project happen, and hope that the investment in this exciting project will be one of many in the area.
“I would encourage any business or organisation with a local development project in mind to get in touch.”
Leader is responsible for the allocation of £3.3million of EU and Scottish Government funds for community projects such as the hut renovation.
The money will be used to remove the asbestos roof and create a new storage space for the group’s gear.
Aberdeenshire Council previously awarded the scouts £5,000 towards the scheme.
Macduff councillor, Mark Findlater, said the project was among the most worthy which people could support.
He added: “They already do an awful lot of very good stuff for Macduff and the people are behind them – you couldn’t think of a better regeneration project to support.
“This is a building that has a purpose.”
Planning permission for the work has already been approved.
