Crime pays for local scouts

The 32nd Greenock & District Scout Group have been enjoying mountain biking, kayaking, climbing and archery at the expense of some of the county’s worst crooks.

They were awarded almost £14,500 from the Cashback Fund, which takes funds confiscated as part of the proceeds of crime and reinvests them back into local communities.

The local scouts used the funds to transform their old scout hut into ‘The Summit Centre’, a working outdoor base, where young people can attend organised sessions, run by qualified leaders.

To celebrate their success, they invited local MSP Duncan McNeil to The Summit Centre to see their new equipment.

He said: “This is fantastic – it is only right that these crooks be parted from their ill-gotten gains and the money be put back into the community where it is needed.

“And the local scouts have made great use of this money – this will give these young people the opportunity to do all of these fun and healthy pursuits.”

David McCallum, the District Commissioner of Greenock and District Scouts, said: “Scouting is moving on at a great pace in Inverclyde, and within the urban areas of the district, we are engaging more young people from these communities, who may otherwise fallow a more anti-social path.” 

ENDS