GOUROCK Scouts are celebrating having a new home while helping to secure the future of a community centre at the same time.

First Gourock have moved into the former Kirn Drive Community Centre, which is soon to be rebranded as Coppermine Community Centre.

The scout group had been based at a hall in Drumshantie Road for more than 50 years, but it is in a state of disrepair and would have needed substantial investment.

Councillor Lynne Quinn said: "There was an issue with the old building, which needed a lot of work to bring it up to standard.

"The group looked at doing the hall up but decided it would be better to spend the money on the kids.

"On the other hand there was an issue with Kirn Drive Community Centre.

"It is owned by the council but was managed by Inverclyde Leisure, and due to the low level of usage it was always under threat of closure.

"So it's great that the scouts are taking on a lease of this facility and continuing to run it as a community centre for the benefit of the whole community.

"It accommodates some of the previous users as well as attracting new ones."

Cllr Quinn says Inverclyde Leisure have agreed to offer any users displaced by the new lease a let within their other facilities.

She added: "I look forward to seeing all the scouts' exciting plans for the centre coming to fruition."

Mark Gallacher, group scout leader, says the young people are thrilled by their new base.

They have secured £10,000 in lottery funding to upgrade the kitchen and create meeting rooms - and replace the centre's bouncy castle for the hire of birthday parties.

The group itself has plans to expand and would now be able to accommodate an assisted needs scouts group.

Mark said: "It has opened up so many opportunities and potential for our group.

"It is great to be part of the whole community."