The wraps have been taken off Scotland’s most advanced Scout hut.
The new-look venue on land next to Perth Academy is worlds apart from the outdated image of Scouts gathering in a draughty, slightly dilapidated, wooden hut.
The 10th Perthshire Scout group’s base was officially relaunched at the weekend, following a £130,000 makeover.
It is thought to be among the best Scouting facilities in Scotland, with everything from a modern kitchen and bespoke storage facilities to training rooms and wi-fi.
Launching the new facility, Scout group leader Chris Kirk said: “We already had premises to be proud of and now it’s even better.
“The additional space means our super band of leaders can offer even better, varied and exciting opportunities to our young members.”
He added: “Beyond our 10th Group, Scouting across Perth and Kinross will also benefit from the improvements, as the additional space means that adult learning training facilities are now excellent and the building is able to cope with the large numbers involved in district-wide events such as the recent beavers puppet theatre.
“The new building set-up is also very attractive to other local community groups, to utilise outside of Scouting meeting times, and we are already dealing with a number of new inquiries from potential users.
“We owe our fundraising partners a huge debt of gratitude for their generous support, which has enabled our aims to become a reality.”
Group chairman Colin Fleming said: “So much fantastic work has gone on in the 10th Perthshire Group to get to where we are today. We have a really great band of people who work together so well to create a happy and extremely active group.
“The Scouting programme on offer to all the children across the Beaver, cub and Scout age range is quite remarkable and the newly-extended building provides a superb foundation for their work.”
The group moved into its new home in 2009 its centenary year and membership quickly grew from 120 Beavers, Scouts and Cubs to 250, supported by more than 30 leaders.
Space became even tighter last year when the group expanded to two Beaver colonies, two Cub packs and two Scout troops, with Scouting now taking place at the hut every weeknight.
A fundraising drive was launched to pay for the expansion.
The new-look building features include a useful porch area where outdoor activities can be held, whatever the weather. The extra room will also accommodate district events, allowing Scout groups from the wider area to come together.
Donations came from the Perth-based Gannochy Trust, the Guildry Incorporation and the David K Thomson Award Trust, as well as from the families of the late Jimmy Cairncross, of Cairncross Jewellers, and Jean “Skipper” Keppie, a leading light in Scottish Girlguiding.
Photo by Phil Hannah