Businesses back new youth and community fund at East Lothian outdoor activity venture

The Real Mary King’s Close, Hargreaves Land, PWB Developments and HPP Macmerry have become the founding supporters of the fund, launched by Wild Cairns at Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick.

The fund operates on a simple pay-it-forward principle, with businesses contributing to a pot that is then used to help charities, youth groups and schools access outdoor activities at Wild Cairns.

Founded by Scott Smith and Gus McLeod, Wild Cairns was set up with the goal of getting people “outdoors, active and enjoying themselves”. The new fund is seen as an extension of that vision, helping ensure more young people have the opportunity to experience the benefits of outdoor activities.

McLeod said: “When Scott and I started Wild Cairns, we wanted to create something that got people outdoors, active and having fun. Not every youth group, charity or school has the budget available to bring young people along to activities like ours, so the idea behind the fund is simple.

“Businesses can pay it forward by contributing to the fund, and that support can then be used to help young people who may otherwise miss out on these experiences.

“We’re incredibly grateful to The Real Mary King’s Close, Hargreaves Land, PWB Developments and HPP Macmerry for helping us get the fund underway, and we hope more businesses will join them in supporting it.”

Paul Nixon, general manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, added: “As a founding supporter of the Wild Cairns Youth & Community Access Fund, we’re proud to help create opportunities for young people and community groups who may not otherwise have access to these experiences.

“We know how powerful shared experiences can be in building confidence, curiosity and lasting memories, and we're delighted to support an initiative that helps make those opportunities available to more people across Scotland.”