A DUNFERMLINE scout troop is ale and hearty after moving into a new building.

The 114th Fife (Linburn) Scout Group were handed £500 to help them convert the former Abbeyview Clinic into a new Scout Centre thanks to proceeds raised from last year’s Dunfermline Charity Beer Festival.

This year’s event, organised by Dunfermline Round Table and Dunfermline Rugby Club, is just days away.

Money raised from the festival is split between the rugby club’s youth section and the Round Table, whose share is distributed to charities and good causes at a Dragon’s Den-style event every March.

And that’s where Sarah Akers, explorer scout with the 114th Fife (Linburn) group, made a pitch for cash when they were in discussions with NHS Fife over buying the clinic building.

They completed the purchase in July and are currently renovating it, including the removal of an existing internal wall, some room modifications, new toilets and a complete electrical rewire.

The scouts also have a large amount of camping equipment and it’s a fair distance to carry it from the new scout centre to load and unload at the car park in Allan Crescent.

The extra cash will help as Sarah explained: “With the money we have purchased a number of hard-wearing plastic boxes and two trolleys. This will make the storage and transportation of existing equipment much easier and would not have been possible without the aid of Dunfermline Round Table’s generous donation.”

Dominic Collings, of Dunfermline Round Table, added: “Sometimes the little things make a huge difference. The request for boxes and storage seemed trivial at first glance, but a great pitch from the scouts at our Dragon’s Den event showed us what a difference this sort of investment in our community can make.

“The money donated was all raised at last year’s beer festival. We’ll be giving away more money to good causes in March again next year but that money has to be hard earned.

“This year’s festival is looking to be the best one ever and it’s critical that we drum up as much support for this event as possible. We’ve got a great line up of ales, beers, ciders, wines and even a gin bar, so there’s something for everyone along with live music.”

The festival is in the Glen Pavilion on Friday and Saturday with entertainment from Big Time, Sphere, The Silver Kings and Sid’s Garage.

It’s open from 5pm to 1am on Friday and from 12-4pm and 7pm-1am on Saturday. Tickets are available online at ticketweb.co.uk or from a list of local businesses you can find on the event’s Facebook page.