Something went wrong - please try again later.

Thank you for signing up to The Courier daily newsletter

Sign up for our daily newsletter of the top stories in Courier country

Homeless Tayside Scouts have made a plea to the public to help complete the revamp of their hall.

Beavers, Cubs and Scouts from the 2nd Arbroath have been decanted across the town due to the condition of their existing hall at Ponderlaw.

The group from the eastern end of Arbroath have used the existing hall since the 1970s but it is now too small and does not have adequate toilets, kitchen, heating or storage facilities.

Leader of the Arbroath Scout Active Support Group, Brian Findlay, said they acquired the vacant property next door, intending to extend, and have worked to raise funds to carry out the initial major structural work.

New windows and a stairway were installed and the group now has to raise another £63,000 to connect the new property with the existing hall and fit it out with a kitchen, toilets and flooring.

The Scouts are also looking for local businesses who can contribute either financially or in kind with goods or help.

The extended and refurbished hall will then also be available for use by other community groups which are in desperate need of accommodation.

Mr Findlay said it would be a “win, win” for the entire community if they can get the entire project over the line.

Community groups would be able to use the refurbished accommodation for a nominal fee, which will also help the Scout Group’s funds.

“The building is now too small and in need of an upgrade which has started but we need £63,000 to complete the refurbishment.

“There is a real shortage of suitable accommodation at this side of town so this will really help the community and it will also help our funds.”

He said getting the work done is a priority because the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts have been decanted and some don’t have transport to be able to get to the other side of town.

The Scouts have produced a video on Facebook urging the public to help and the crowd funding campaign can be accessed by searching for Arbroath & Montrose District Scouts on Facebook or https://www.gofundme.com/f/ponderlaw-scouting-centre-regeneration

The public can also help by using the Scout Christmas Card post service, as this year all the proceeds will go to the Ponderlaw Refurbishment Project. The service covers all Arbroath and Carnoustie town areas.

Post boxes will be available in shops, supermarkets and public buildings from Friday December 7 with deliveries made over the weekend of December 21 and 22.