Official Opening of new Longcraig facilities upgrades
Malcolm Leckie
Longcraig Lead
Longcraig Scout Centre: A New Era of Facilities and Sustainability
The Longcraig Scout Centre has entered a new chapter with the grand opening of its upgraded facilities on August 28th, 2024. This monumental project has set a new standard for the Centre, providing modern, accessible, and sustainable amenities that will serve generations of Scouts, leaders, and the wider community.
The event saw a fantastic turnout, with many key supporters, including Regional Trustees, ASU members, and representatives from various teams involved in the project. Special recognition goes to James Bowie, the factor from Dalmeny Estate, whose continued support and the positive relationship we have with Lady Rosebery allows the Region to provide young people with Skills for Life in a truly unique and breathtaking location. Hector Black, the architect behind the new designs from Covell Matthews, and the dedicated building team, firstly from Edinburgh Construction, then subsequently including Alan Smith and Michael Robertson from RW Bell and Sean Brown from Sean Brown Plumbing and Heating Ltd , who all made this vision a reality.
In the opening speech of the evening, John Cannon, Regional Chair, welcomed everyone to the official opening of the Centre and on behalf of the Trustees thanked the many people who were involved in the project. John also said, “together with the new amenity hub at Bonaly this project at Longcraig has been a significant financial investment from the Region and demonstrates the importance we place on our Centres in offering fantastic outdoor experiences for our young people now and into the future.”
Transforming Our Facilities
The new facilities are a game changer, not only for Longcraig, but the thousands of Young People who will enjoy the benefits for years to come. We have replaced outdated infrastructure with state-of-the-art amenities that cater to the needs of all our visitors. Key improvements include:
· Modern, Accessible Toilets and Changing Rooms: Designed to be warm, dry, and fully accessible, these new spaces are a significant upgrade from our previous offerings. The changing rooms feature flexible layouts, making them adaptable for individuals or groups, ensuring comfort for everyone who uses them.
· Enhanced Showers and Hot Water Supply: A major highlight of the upgrade is the improved shower facilities. Hot water is now available throughout the Centre, ensuring that even on the coldest days, our visitors can enjoy warm, reliable showers after a day of activity on the water.
· Sustainability-Focused Heating Systems: As part of our commitment to sustainability, the new facilities have been equipped with renewable energy-
powered heating systems. These systems not only help to optimise our energy consumption but also ensure that all areas of the Centre remain warm and comfortable, especially during the colder months.
· Accessible Layout and Design: Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, can access the facilities was a priority. The design focuses on inclusivity and easy-to-navigate spaces to accommodate everyone.
These upgrades mean that Longcraig Scout Centre is now more equipped to support large groups, diverse events, and even year-round programs than ever before, ensuring our facilities are accessible, modern, and enjoyable for all users.
The Team Behind the Project
Such a large-scale transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many individuals. Malcolm Leckie, the Centre Manager, and one of the project’s key leads, expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved, from Scouting volunteers to the professional teams who worked tirelessly on the design, build, and installation phases.
One of the standout contributors, among many, was Ian Harrower, whose determination and leadership helped to steer the project from concept to completion. His efforts behind the scenes—securing funding, organising teams, and overcoming the inevitable challenges, particularly during the COVID pandemic—have been vital. Ian’s quiet but steadfast leadership ensured that the project stayed on track, bringing this bold vision to life.
In the true Scouting spirit of co-operation, the Region’s fundraising team led by Janet Taylor included Peter Casebow, representing Bonaly, and Ian Harrower representing Longcraig, coordinated the fundraising efforts for the Bonaly Amenities Hub and the Facilities Upgrade at Longcraig, enabled the combined resources that helped secure the necessary funding for both projects. As a result, Sport Scotland were instrumental in making this project a reality with their generous financial support. Without their backing, along with the Region’s financial contributions, this endeavour would not have been possible.
Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainability
Sustainability has been a core focus of the project, ensuring that the Centre not only serves current generations but also helps protect the environment for future Scouts. The new facilities have incorporated several key renewable energy elements, reducing the Centre’s overall carbon footprint. Some of these include:
· Solar Power Generation: We have installed solar panels that now provide renewable energy to power much of the Centre’s operations. This has drastically
reduced our reliance on external energy sources and substantially lowered our overall electricity purchase costs.
· Eco-Friendly Heating Systems: By incorporating heat pumps and other energy-efficient solutions, we have optimised the heating provision in key areas of the Centre. This ensures warmth and comfort while keeping energy usage minimal.
· Water Conservation Initiatives: With the upgraded hot water supply, the Centre now uses water more efficiently, with measures in place to reduce waste and encourage conservation.
Those in attendance got to witness firsthand how these new sustainability initiatives are reshaping the Centre, setting it on a path toward Net Zero energy consumption. Not only do these updates help reduce our environmental impact, but they also improve the comfort and well-being of all who visit Longcraig.
80 Years of combined length of service Award
The opening event was topped off with Lead Volunteer for South East Scotland, Martin Elliot presenting not one, but two 40 years Length of Service Awards to two members of the Longcraig Active Support team Fraser and Fiona Simon. What a wonderful way to end the evening celebrations. Everyone at South East Scotland Scouts are so grateful for their tremendous support and dedication, not only to the centre but for their contribution to young people throughout the region.
Ready for the Future
With these remarkable upgrades in place, the Longcraig Scout Centre is ready to continue its mission of providing fun, training, and adventure for young people in the 21st century. The formal opening declaration of the new facilities was led by Ian Harrower, who had been closely involved from the earliest stages through to the completion of the project. His leadership, along with the efforts of so many dedicated individuals, has ensured that Longcraig is ready for the next chapter.
These new facilities, with their modern conveniences and eco-friendly innovations, represent a bright future for the Centre. We eagerly anticipate welcoming hundreds more Scouts and visitors in the coming years, knowing that Longcraig is better equipped than ever to offer them an unforgettable experience.
We invite you to come and see these wonderful improvements firsthand. We look forward to continuing this exciting journey with all of you at Longcraig Scout Centre
Thank you to our project partners
