A scout group are to upgrade their hall thanks to financial assistance from the Whitelee Renewable Energy Fund.

A grant of £21,000 has been awarded to 1st East Kilbride Scout Group to help towards the costs of upgrading and refurbishing the property at Park Terrace, East Kilbride.

The current 1960s-built timber hall suffers from dampness and is expensive to heat, making it hard to attract other groups to use the facility.

An outer shell will be created around the existing building which will help insulate the walls and roof. As well as reducing ongoing running costs carbon consumption will also be lowered.

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The money awarded by the Whitelee REF is dependent on the group receiving match funding for the project from other sources.

The Renewable Energy Fund was set up in June 2007 by the council and is funded by ScottishPower Renewables, which operates Whitelee Windfarm.

Martin Mathers, Community Relations Manager from ScottishPower Renewables, said: "It's great to see such a worthwhile project receiving this support and that the Scouts are also taking considerable steps to make their hall more energy efficient."

The council is responsible for advising potential applicants, assessing applications and monitoring projects to ensure the community benefits associated with each project are delivered.

Councillor Chris Thompson, the Chair of the Council's Enterprise Resources Committee, said: "This is a very worthwhile project and one which I am pleased we have been able to support through the Whitelee REF. Helping to improve local facilities and amenities is one of the main ways the REF can have a positive impact on the local community.

"The scouts do tremendous work across the whole of the country and I am delighted this money will go towards giving them a facility fit for the 21st century."

(GK/KMcA)