AFTER more than 15 years of waiting, the Peebles Scout Group is finally announcing the opening of its new hall.

Trading in their 106-year–old building for a new one, the Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Explorers will begin their session this month in their recently constructed activity hall.

The group has raised more than £120,000 for the new hall – with £50,000 coming from the Scout Association.

More than 120 children will use the new facility as well as staff, parents and anyone who wishes to hire out the venue.

Susan Brown, group treasurer with Peebles Scouts, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Peebles community for the many years of support they have shown to our fundraising effort, without which this would not have been possible.”

Organisations that have contributed include Rotary Club of Peebles, Peebles Round Table, Peebles Common Good Fund, SBC Community Fund, Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, The Robertson Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Stobo Castle, Grant Fraser Trust, Foyle Foundation, Leslie Sell, Aviva, Nationwide, St James’ Place, as well as further anonymous donors.

An official opening and a community open day are planned for later this year.