A north-east scout troop is in a race to save its historic base.
Macduff Scout Group needs to raise £129,000 to restore its hut on School Lane.
The building, which is one of the oldest properties in the port, has started to show wear and tear and risks no longer being able to meet the needs of the group’s youngsters.
So in an effort to prevent that, the group is trying to fully fund its renovation and is appealing to the community for help.
The money the members hope to raise will be spent removing the property’s asbestos roof and creating storage space for the group’s gear.
Aberdeenshire Council recently handed the troop £5,000 as part of a regeneration scheme within the region.
A collection of past and present scouts recently met at the hut in a show of force to bring attention to the appeal.
And last night, Macduff councillor Mark Findlater said the project was among the most worthy for people to support.
“It’s one of the oldest buildings in Macduff and was built when the town was actually called Doune,” he said.
“It was a school house, and then later a Methodist church. But about 100 years ago it was donated to the scout movement and has been used continuously since then.
“They want to do it up and make it bigger so they can host a lot more events in the hut. 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.
“One of the big problems we have in Macduff is that we have derelict and disused buildings. We can do them up, but what are we going to do with them? This is a building that has a purpose.”
Plans have already been agreed by Aberdeenshire Council to allow for the building to be expanded.
Those wishing to donate to the cause asked to contact a member of the troop or to visit the hut.