AN IRVINE Scout group was closed "due to a lack of adult volunteers", leaders from the organisation have said.
It comes as the area's 1st/6th Ayrshire Sea Scouts group was shut for the second time in the past decade.
A former volunteer said that they felt "let down" by the organisation in light of the closure when this was confirmed on social media.
It was stated that a positive response was received at the group's 100th anniversary barbecue last month and that further recruitment was planned at Marymass Festival - which could have saved the troop.
They commented: "Sad to say the district has closed our group, not our choice. I feel let down by Scouting.
"We needed until the end of August in order to recruit more kids and adults. We got some response from the barbecue but our main recruitment was planned for Marymass.
"Why did they not wait, they did not have anything to lose, other than our group of course. Now our bank account, our boats and our hall, is lost to our community."
Though Scouts Scotland say that continuing was not possible with the current set up of the group.
A Scouts Scotland spokesperson said: “Any Scout group requires a minimum number of adult volunteers to operate safely.
"Sometimes a group will fall below that threshold and will sadly have to close.
“Should enough adults come forward to ensure a Scout group can operate safely and sustainably we would be happy to explore Scouting returning to the area in future.”
Scout leader for South West Scotland, John Allison, added that plenty of support was offered in a bid to save the group.
Having previously closed in 2019, John played a major role in securing the group's comeback in October 2024.
Despite a strong initial response, the area leader says that this started to dwindle prior to a closure decision being made.
He said: "Since September 2025, young people numbers had reduced dramatically and the group was struggling to retain volunteers.
"In January, the district team met with the group to explore what support was needed - a key topic being recruitment.
"A recruitment campaign was then set out for the first six months of the year, but numbers of both young people and adult volunteers continued to decline. This led to the regretful closure of the group.
"For a Scout group to operate there is a minimum team of volunteers that is required based on a variety of different roles.
"It is important that our Scout volunteers offer both a safe and engaging programme for our young people."
Those who were part of the 1st/6th Ayrshire Sea Scouts will be offered the opportunity to continue their journey elsewhere in the local area.
Irvine will continue to have a Scouting presence in the form of the 73rd Ayrshire group.
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