Scouts’ future secure after two-year battle

Carse of Gowrie: Group hopes to thrive after taking over lease of community hall

The future of the St Madoes Scout group has been secured after a two-year struggle against closure.

The youngsters had faced the prospect of being made homeless after changes to the community hall and the creation of the new Madoch Centre.

Most community groups have moved to the centre, leaving the hall largely unused and the management team that leased it from Perth and Kinross Council is to disband.

The Madoch Centre did not suit the Scouts due to its lack of storage.

Discussions with Perth and Kinross Council to take ownership of the hall had dragged on and local councillors were concerned they “seemed to be going nowhere”.

A solution has now been found, whereby the Scouts will take over the management of the hall and continue the existing lease with Perth and Kinross Council.

Other groups will also be invited to make use of the hall.

Jim Rodger, group chairman of the 73rd Perthshire Scouts, said he was delighted to see the hall’s future secured.

“Having spent two years trying to bring this to a conclusion, I am really pleased to see we finally have a solution. This is what we had asked for from the start.

“I am delighted that the Scouts can continue to serve the young people of the western Carse of Gowrie.”

Scout leader Richard Prince revealed his delight at the outcome and will now be focusing his attentions on helping the group to develop and grow.

“The Scouts are really delighted to have this situation resolved as the community centre is ideal for our use,” he said.

“We have a large and successful group but what we really need are more leaders and we would welcome any adults who can spare even a small amount of time to help out. “

Councillor Angus Forbes said: “This situation had dragged on for far too long.

“No one in Perth and Kinross Council wanted to see the Scouts homeless but their efforts to secure the community hall seemed to have hit a road block.

“I spent most of my childhood in the Scouts and was a leader for over 10 years so I really value the good work that the Scouts do for young people and delighted to see this solution.”

The Scouts are really delighted to have this situation resolved as the community centre is ideal for our use. RICHARD PRINCE

Back, from left: Councillor Angus Forbes, leader Richard Prince and leader Cameron Peach with some of the St Madoes Scouts.