WORK has begun on creating a new state-of-the-art hut for the Peebles Scout Group - after more than 15 years of fundraising.

The original Scout building dated back to 1911 and was extensively refurbished back in 1957, thanks to a generous donation.

But leaders deemed the 106-year-old unit no longer fit for purpose in more recent years and embarked on a major project to build a replacement.

As well as local collections, the group has managed to secure £73,000 of grant and corporate funding from the Robertson Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Gordon Fraser Trust, SBC Community Grant, Common Good Fund, March Brown Trust and Stobo Castle Spa.

But it has also had to rely on on a £50,000 loan from the Scout Association to be able to get work under way, and the fundraising effort is still in full swing.

Susan Brown, Peebles Scout Group treasurer, told the Peeblesshire News: “It is a hugely exciting time to see the project finally taking off, but we must stress we will need every penny of our £50,000 Scout Association Loan and as such really hope that the community will help us in our final fundraising push.

“We are delighted to have been able to award the contract to local trades, allowing the generous support of the Peebles Community to benefit local workers and the local economy.”

Workers from Peebles-based contractors Renwick and Weir are currently on site.

Work to demolish the old building started last Monday.

The work on site is expected to be completed late July.

And the pack is hoping to move into the new building when the sessions resume after the summer break.

Any local businesses who may be interested in pledging some sponsorship towards the new building, can get in touch with Susan on 01721 721175.

And anyone who wants to pledge their support by buying a ‘virtual’ brick for the new building should log onto: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/peeblesscoutsbricks/304353.