Dunfermline Scouts have raised more than £400 for Fordell Firs.

The 44th Fife Cub Scouts wanted to thank the Scouts Adventure centre near Hillend after they opened their doors for local groups to use after the pandemic.

The cubs completed a 5k fundraising walk on Saturday, gaining badges along the way.

Cub leader Kathleen Williamson said: “We had a beautiful day for walking with perfect conditions. Our cubs thoroughly enjoyed themselves and really did so well! They all managed to gain their Hikes Away badge, do a bit of map reading and work towards their Community Service badge.

“Everyone was so enthusiastic and wanted to do this as a thank you to Scout Adventures Fordell Firs for being so good to us.”

The group’s original goal was £300, but they have now surpassed £440, with donations still coming in.

During lockdown, scouting groups held meetings online to continue to support young people, and when restrictions lifted, some indoor halls were still unable to accommodate the sessions.

Ms Williamson explained: “Our cub pack turned to Scout Adventures Fordell Firs after the first lockdown.

"As things opened up we were able to meet up in groups around their small campfire circle.

“After weeks of scouting on Zoom our leaders and cubs really appreciated and enjoyed being outside doing more scouting activities. We have been able to fire light, backwoods cook, build shelters and have the freedom cubs love! As we hopefully return to some normality and head back to our meeting hall at St Leonard’s Church, our pack just wanted to say thank you by doing a sponsored walk in aid of their funds.”

Like many other centres, Fordell Firs was forced to close for an extended period and missed the “vital funds” needed to continue operating.

“The pandemic had a really negative impact on us and the wider outdoor centre industry across Scotland,” said centre manager Andrew Aldous. “When we did reopen, regardless of the financial situation, we were aware of the impact the pandemic had had on local Scout groups and many, including the 44th, were unable to meet in their usual hall or meeting place.

“We wanted to support our members and enable them to use Fordell Firs as a venue where groups could meet and continue to run their scouting programmes.

“We are still struggling with the financial effects of Covid so it means so much to us that groups like the 44th are taking time and effort to help raise money for us. Their financial support goes towards us continuing to support other groups, schools and youth organisations in the future.”