A POLICE probe is under way after £48,000 went missing from a Dunfermline-based charity’s accounts.

And it cost Scouts Scotland a further £22,250 to find out just how much money was gone!

They carried out an in-depth financial investigation after discovering “fraudulent and unauthorised expenditure” during an audit.

The extra expense was incurred as the stunned charity chiefs uncovered the full scale of the loss.

A Scouts Scotland spokesperson said: “Scouts Scotland can confirm that our financial systems and controls have been overridden on a number of occasions during the last year, leading to fraudulent and unauthorised expenditure of £48,142.

“An additional £22,250 was required for professional costs resulting from this activity.

“This matter was reported to Police Scotland and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator as soon as it was discovered.”

Scouts Scotland are based at the national activity centre, at Fordell Firs near Hillend, where thousands of youngsters enjoy a range of outdoor adventures, learn new skills and make friends.

These activities will not be affected and the spokesperson added: “Along with our auditors we have carried out an in-depth financial investigation and we are confident that we have identified all potentially fraudulent or unauthorised expenditure.

“We are now working with our insurers and hope to recover at least some of the lost funds.

“Our board of trustees has requested a full review of our financial procedures and compliance measures to clarify whether anything more could have been done and if any changes are required to help protect us in the future.

“This incident will not impact our ability to continue supporting and delivering Scouting across the country.

“Due to the ongoing police investigation we are limited as to what we can disclose at this time in order not to prejudice any criminal proceedings that may follow.”

Scouts Scotland currently has 51,000 members and nearly 12,000 volunteers across the country, and offers more than 200 activities, with everything from climbing and kayaking to snowboarding and acting on stage.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Police Scotland are currently investigating a report of fraud at a charitable organisation based within Fife, which was received in June 2018, and inquiries continue.”