The leaky roof was replaced last weekend with some of the Rotarians making a morning start last Friday (June 27), to remove and dispose of the old roof and prepare for work starting that evening as leaders, parents and helpers arrived after work to take on the task which continued through Saturday, and was completed by 2pm on Sunday.

Helpers worked tirelessly to carry out the work, only stopping for food and some cool drinks, and included a family spanning three generations. One grandfather had himself been involved in the original fundraising that made the building of the hut possible in 1960; his son acted as labourer on the project and ten-year-old grandson, Justin, a member of the Harlaw Pack Cubs helped serve food that his mother had provided – on his tenth birthday.

Inverurie Scout Group spokesperson Alice Stuart said: "This was a community project which will go on to serve the area for many more years to come.

"I know of no words which fully describe the appreciation we, the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers and leaders, who all use the hut regularly, feel towards these gentlemen who gave so generously of their time. Even before the work started they took in hand to assessed the job, they measured and sourced the materials required to ensure that the product was suitable for the task in hand.

"We can now move forward and start working on the internal damage which the water has caused, this could not have been done without the aid of the Rotary Club of Inverurie.

"To all the Rotary members, parents and Leaders we thank you all most sincerely and look forward to the future which because of these extremely generous people will be a dry one."