A girl guiding charity has just months to complete an ambitious funding drive to build a new base.
The Braemar Sheiling – a residential facility for groups of young people seeking to explore the Deeside area – lies opposite the site of the Braemar Gathering on Broombank Terrace.
In 1958 it was opened on land gifted by Captain Nicolson of the Mar Estate and since then has provided a welcome home not just to Guides, but also to hundreds of visitors from around the country.
It is owned and managed by Girlguiding Kincardine and Deeside, who decided the building was in need of a revamp in order to keep with the times.
The Sheiling is to be demolished by the end of the year, but so far only 13% of costs for the new building has been met.
The cottage-like building, originally planned to last just 10 or 20 years, is now more than 60 years old and “beginning to show its age.”
The new building – hoped to be more than double the size – will consist of a new hall with an adjoining kitchen.
Fully accessible toilets, showers and sleeping accommodation for at least 24 children are also on the cards.
Rangers, Brownies, Guides, Scouts and other youth groups will all benefit as well as hillwalkers and skiers as well as the wider community.
Enid Blaikie, chairwoman of the Braemar Sheiling 2 Project said: “Braemar Sheiling is a post-war wooden building which for 61 years has provided low-cost accommodation to youth groups from Girlguiding, Scouts, Duke of Edinburgh and schools.
“However, it is no longer fit for purpose so a triple-sized replacement building has been designed.
“It will have sleeping accommodation for 24 young people and four accompanying adults with activity hall, kitchen, drying room and accessible showers and toilets.
“It will still offer low-cost accommodation to youth groups and hopefully will continue to be an integral part of village life.
“The cost of building Braemar Sheiling 2 is expected to be in the region of £650,000 of which we have raised 13% mainly through the efforts of our membership of 1,109 – although we are also applying to trusts and foundations.”
The next fundraiser for the venture will be held on Friday at Banchory Guide Lodge, at 7pm.
The race themed night will kick off at 7pm and cost £3, which includes refreshments.
Find out more go to braemarsheiling.org.uk or call 07557 902051.