BALLANTRAE Scout Group are hoping to smash their target of £1000 at their annual charity auction this weekend.

On Saturday, May 19 the 2nd Ayrshire Beavers, Cubs and Scouts will be running an auction as their major fund-raising event this year. 

Andy McAlpine, Group Chairman of the Ballantrae Scout Group said: “As a Group we are doing well with very active Beavers, Cubs and Scout sections. But it costs money to provide the kind of exciting indoor and outdoor programme our youngsters are asking for.

“We were successful in securing some financial support at a recent Participatory Budgeting event and the leaders and youngsters have been working hard doing their own fund raising.

"Although each youngster pays a subscription to be a member of the Group we have to finance the annual camp, badge work and indoor and outdoor programmes for the rest of the year. What we raise at the auction helps us to do that.

“Last year’s auction was very successful and great fun. While a lot of it was down to the skill of our auctioneer Dr Tom Smith, a former local GP and author who wrings the last pound out of the audience, and our friends Lynne and Brian McIlwraith who help with the detailed organisation, we depend on the generosity of the people who donate items for sale and the audience who turn up on the day.”

The auction is now an annual event. Viewing is from 1pm with the auction starting at 2pm. Entry is  £1, with accompanied children free.

If you would like to support the Ballantrae Scout Group by donating something (no furniture or electrical goods please), contact Andy McAlpine on 07920517700.