Decision will allow Glenrothes Scout hall to become men’s shed

A group for Glenrothes youngsters will be able to help local seniors following a decision by Fife councillors.

A former Scout hut on Poplar Road, in the Woodside area, can be sold to the Men’s Shed Association after elected members approved the removal of a restriction on the building, enabling the 50th Fife (Glenrothes) Scout Group to sell the premises to a project aimed at slightly older boys.

The Scout group obtained the building from the former Glenrothes Development Corporation (GDC) in 1995 with a list of conditions attached to the title deeds.

However, the organisation has since moved premises and wants to sell the building, a move that had been restricted in the sale 22 years ago.

As successor to the GDC, Fife Council had been asked to allow the sale to be completed, a move approved by members of the region’s asset, property and facilities committee.

Committee convener Councillor Craig Walker said: “We are delighted to have been able to approve this.

“While the council will lose the potential capital receipt for the land, this was the right decision to make.

“Both these groups play a valuable role within our community and I think it is our duty to support local groups where possible to help them carry on with their work.”

The terms of the original agreement meant the Scout group was liable to have the property demolished, the site cleared and the land sold back to the council for £500, leaving the region with a brownfield site and no building.

In allowing the group to sell the building and keep the profits the scouts will be able to reinvest in its new premises at the Wayside Community Hall.

The development of a Men’s Shed group was one of the key projects identified during a community engagement.

Mr Walker added: “By doing so we are enabling two local groups to help the community in an area which so desperately needs it.”