A schoolgirl’s novel idea of transforming old industrial pallets into attractive seasonal decorations has proved to be a money-spinner.
Kinross High pupil Ailsa Bennet came up with the unusual Christmas concept to raise money for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in North America.
The 14-year-old is one of 12 local scouts who have been selected to attend the 2019 World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia.
But each participant needs to raise a total of £3,500 towards travel and accommodation costs. The money will also to help pay for youngsters from poorer countries who have been picked to take part.
Ailsa, from Milnathort, hit upon the idea of selling large Christmas tree-shaped decorations, made out of unwanted wooden pallets.
She struck a deal with local firm Lee Walker Fencing and Decking for a truckload of material.
Ailsa and her younger brother Struan, 12, have spent their weekend putting the trees together. The shapes were cut by mum Lynne using a circular saw.
Mrs Bennet said: “Lee Walker very kindly gave us a pile of old pallets, which I think would have otherwise ended up in landfill.
“We’re quite a creative family and do a lot of upcycling, so we thought we could do something to make money in the run-up to Christmas.”
The trees are about 5ft tall and are selling for just £10 on a dedicated Facebook page (Ailsa Bennet – World Scout Jamboree Fundraising).
In just a matter of days, Ailsa has received about 50 orders.
“We’ve been selling a lot locally, but we are also getting requests from people outside the area.
“The trees are really effective and can be decorated with Christmas lights.”
She said: “Ailsa and Struan have been putting everything into this project and they were both up first thing in the morning during the recent in-service days.”
Ailsa, a member of the Perth and Kinross Explorers Club, was one of nearly 200 youngsters who took part in a selection weekend for the jamboree earlier this month.
Chris Kirk, deputy district commissioner for Perth and Kinross District Scouts said: “This is by far the largest number of scouts from our area who have been picked for the world jamboree.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity and we are planning a lot of fundraising activities to help them on their way.”
He said the team hopes to have achieved its target by 2019.
Anyone who wants to get involved in raising cash for the scout group is urged to call Mr Kirk on 01738 840701.
