Troon scout group’s pride at taking ownership of hall

The development marks an historic milestone for the group and the wider Troon community.

Leaders at the 28th Ayrshire (Troon) Scout Group have spoken of their pride at taking ownership of their hall.

The group has announced that they have successfully purchased Troon Scout Centre and surrounding grounds from South Ayrshire Council.

And the development marks an historic milestone for the group and the wider Troon community.

Group Chair Craig Smith said: “Securing ownership of the hall and grounds is a transformational moment for Scouting in Troon.

“It gives us the stability we need to plan for the future, invest in essential improvements, and continue offering a welcoming, inclusive space for the whole community.”

The achievement follows an extensive fundraising campaign launched to secure the future of the buildings, which have served generations of young people and community groups.

The campaign, supported by local residents, businesses, former Scouts, and friends of the Group, raised more than £45,000 through community donations, sponsored activities, additional support and in kind contributions to enable the purchase, with a community valuation price agreed with South Ayrshire Council.

Founded in 1909, the 28th Ayrshire (Troon) Scout Group provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for more than 170 young people.

Scouting has operated from the current hall in the rear of the property since 1952, when Scouts, parents, and local tradespeople came together to build the original hall.

The hall was expanded in 1968, and in 2014 the Group also took on the former Youth Centre on a full repair and maintenance basis, leased from the Council.

Over the decades, the buildings have become a vital community hub, hosting a wide range of groups and activities including fitness classes, Irish dancing, Karate, Tai Chi, art classes, Skills Development Scotland sessions, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers, and Explorers.

The centre has hosted international Scout visits, birthday celebrations, first aid training, sports sessions, community events, and was the site of Troon’s first 24-hour public access defibrillator installed in 2019.

However, as leaseholders, the Group faced increasing challenges in financing ongoing maintenance and modernisation of the buildings.

Ownership is an essential requirement to secure grant funding and investment in long term improvements which will benefit many of the facility’s users, including installing accessible toilets and showers, and providing better sleeping accommodation for overnight activities.

Group Chair Craig Smith continued: ”We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated, shared our campaign, or supported us in any way, and of course to South Ayrshire Council and its estates team for their support and assistance in progressing the sale.

“With ownership now secured, the Group will begin undertaking priority works needed for repair and maintenance of the property. We will also commence the next phase of a longer term plan for future improvements (in consultation with the centre’s user groups, local residents and our young people), aiming to provide a high quality, flexible, adaptable place for Scouting, Guiding, and a wide range of community activities to serve Troon for decades to come.”

The Group continues to welcome support as it moves into this next capital improvement stage.

Anyone wishing to contribute or learn more can visit the campaign page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/28thAyrshireScoutCentreCampaign