We need to raise £25k to save iconic scouting centre

Group’s appeal as Lapwing Lodge hit hard by pandemic

An appeal has been launched to save the spiritual home of scouting in Renfrewshire after it suffered a huge drop in income during the covid crisis.

West Region Scouts need to raise £ 25,000 to keep Lapwing Lodge open and are calling on members of the public to help save the vital outdoor resource.

A series of fundraising initiatives have started in a bid to keep the centre open.

Members of the scouting family and friends of the centre are being asked to consider giving a regular sum of money for a short period of time to keep Lapwing open.

Lapwing sits at the top of Gleniffer Braes in Paisley and has been used by tens of thousands of Scouts as well as community groups and businesses for decades.

It boasts indoor accommodation and facilities as well as outdoor facilities such as the high ropes, climbing walls and water activities on Caplaw Dam.

In recent years the addition of Hobbit Houses has enhanced the centre along with the newly-opened Peesweep Hall indoor games area.

Iain McNair, District Commissioner for Paisley and District, is heading up the Lapwing Appeal on behalf of the West Region.

He said: “Lapwing Lodge is firmly embedded in the culture and history of Scouting in Scotland and it has hosted countless adventures over the years.

“With the onset of covid the centre closed at what would have been its busiest period of the year and the income stopped immediately.

“We have looked at all funding options, Government support and ways to cut costs but the harsh reality is that if we don’t raise at least £25,000, Lapwing Lodge will close its doors and a vital outdoor resource will be lost, perhaps forever.”

“Members of the scouting family are being asked to create a standing order of just £10 a month for nine months.

“If all our members did this the centre would be saved.

“However, we appreciate that these are difficult times for many people and that this may not be affordable for everyone.

“One- off fundraising initiatives will also be held over the next few months in a bid to make up the total. Gift Aid will be reclaimed on every donation and payment to boost the funds coming in.

“Lapwing is already open for restricted outdoor events, but it won’t be enough to save it,” Iain added.

“The hope is that by June 2021 the crisis will be over and we can get back to relying on our income from the many Scouting and other groups who use the centre normally.

“We have an opportunity in West Region to show what this brilliant facility means to us and I hope as many people as possible do what they can to support it.”

If you are able to set up a standing order the following details should be used:

West Region Scout Council, Acc No: 00795500, Sort Code: 80- 91- 27, Ref: Lapwing Appeal.

The harsh reality is that if we don’t raise at least £25,000, Lapwing Lodge will close its doors