LOCAL scouting stalwarts are celebrating a £10,000 National Lottery grant to help makeover their new home.

The 32nd Greenock & District Scout group, which has almost 200 young people on its books, recently took over the former Caladh House on Bank Street.

The group hope to transform their new HQ into a community hub with two halls, meeting rooms, a climbing wall, movie theatre, museum, shop and community wing.

Initially, the group will be transforming the downstairs space with help of Douglas Nicholson of Nicholson McShane Architects in Greenock and they have accumulated almost 80 per cent of the £50k needed to do so through grants, fundraising and donations.

Trustee and leader, David McCallum, said: "We are delighted to be moving to our new home, where all of our activities can be based and the adventure can continue.

"We have all had a tough time living with Covid-19, but Scouting has returned safely to the 32nd, with weekly meetings taking place in a well organised and safe manner.

"We have been inundated with joining enquiries and just last week had six new members along."

The group have extended their thanks to local councillors Michael McCormick and Colin Jackson, who have been 'instrumental' in making the dream move into a reality.

David added: "We would like to thank both councillors, as well as the assets team - especially Audrey Galloway - at Inverclyde Council for their continued support.

"We are also grateful to Douglas Nicholson and Duncan Luke of Blair & Bryden in Greenock.

"It is great to see a new dawn in this part of central Greenock, adding to the ‘Broomhill is changing’ ethos."

The group has around 20 adult volunteers helping to co-ordinate activities for Beavers right through to Explorer Scouts.

Beaver Scout Luis Real, six, and 15-year-old Explorer Scout Gavin Lynn, pictured, are delighted with the new base.

When the group announced they were considering taking over the building as part of the council's 'community asset transfer scheme' - exchanging their nearby small hut with land on Mearns Street - almost 80 letters to neighbouring houses were issued and there were no objections.

Councillor McCormick said: "As councillors we felt it was important to match what David and the team have put into the local community over the years and help them get a space that will serve not only the Scouts, but the local community.

"With so many young people going through this scouting group, which is the largest in the area, it made sense to hand over an otherwise derelict building to such a good cause."

Cllr Jackson added: "There was really no reason why the Scouts shouldn't move to this empty building and make it their new home.

"It seemed like the best course of action to give the 32nd a place they can serve the young people of the community."