4th Lossiemouth Boys' Brigade find new temporary home at Steamboat Inn after plea
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A TEMPORARY home has been found for the 4th Lossiemouth Boys' Brigade after a plea from the group's captain.
Captain James Allan said last week that the future of the company was in "jeopardy" due to Moray Council restrictions preventing them from meeting at their usual home at Hythehill Primary School.
However, The Steamboat Inn in Lossie has now stepped in to help the group – completely free of charge – and ensure they can continue meeting as planned on Wednesday, October 28.
Hazel Istance, landlady at the Steamboat, said: "I read online that they were really desperate so I got in touch.
"We have a function hall which hasn't been used for years. I just wanted to help out in the community and didn't want to charge anything with everything that is going on just now.
"We have been quite unfortunate ourselves during the pandemic but are delighted to help anybody that we can."
The company's captain Mr Allan, who is also president of Boys' Brigade North of Scotland, is more than thankful for the Steamboat Inn's help.
He said: "I can't thank Hazel at the Steamboat Inn enough for all her help and support.
"She is one of the businesses suffering due to being closed with Covid-19 restrictions and she is going out of her way to help giving us the free use of her function suite.
"It's really good community spirit, thinking and helping others when she is in need of help and support herself.
"It is so nice to be part of such a lovely, caring community."
The group will meet at the Steamboat Inn until they are allowed back into their usual meeting place at Hythehill Primary School.
Moray Council explained the reasons behind not allowing the group into the school at present.
A council spokesperson said: "The phased re-opening of our community facilities started on September 14, in line with Covid-19 safety measures, the majority of which can now be booked online.
“The number of external visitors to schools is being restricted to keep our children and staff as safe as possible from the potential spread of coronavirus.
"An enhanced cleaning programme is in operation in our schools and we are currently considering how cleaning and risks assessments could be further enhanced, prior to any reintroduction of external lets to our school buildings.”
4th Lossiemouth Boys Brigade is Moray's biggest company with 70 members. The group is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
