EXCITEMENT is building among a Scouts group ahead of an intercultural exchange camp.

A total of 70 youngsters from Paisley, Barrhead and Neilston are preparing for a two-week outdoor expedition in Poland.

Intended as the first in a series of cultural exchanges, the trip will see Paisley and District Scouts team up with explorers from Bydgoszcz.

The camp, which begins on Friday, July 7, will teach participants new skills and offer a range of activities as they forge international friendships which organisers hope will last a lifetime.

Visits to seaside city Gdansk, Krakow’s world-famous Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz concentration camp will provide members with experiences that will be both exciting and challenging.

On top of that, NATO Force Integration Unit member, and former Renfrewshire Scout leader, William Inglis has arranged for the Scottish and Polish children to visit the NATO base in Bydgoszcz.

Speaking before setting off on the special trip, 15-year-old Monica McFarlane, an Explorer Scout from Paisley, said: “I am really looking forward to this trip as it will allow me to learn about the history and culture of Poland.

“The expedition will also help me to gain new friendships with young people from the Polish Scouting movement.”

Rob Murray, expedition leader, believes the memories participants are set to take from the experience will prove priceless.

He said: “I am delighted to be leading a team of 70 young men and women out to Poland for what will be 13 days of fun, friendship, adventure and gaining skills for life.

“This expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where we will be visiting historical sites, camping, trying out adventurous activities and much more.

“This expedition will give us the opportunity to sell Paisley, Barrhead and Neilston and I’ve been delighted to have been working with the Paisley 2021 UK City of Culture bid team in ensuring we make the most of this opportunity.”