THE new youth drop-in centre in Grant Street for 14 to 25-year-olds is definitely to open this month, on the 15th. Ivor Soutar of SIPs has been seen flitting in and out of No. 33 and we can tell you that the walls are bright, newly painted in colourful shades of fashionable lilac and green.

Besides offices for Ivor and youth worker Gill Maclennan plus admin folk, there is room for small private meetings (making coffee) and a larger activity area. There will be no fanfare for the great and the good at an official opening – but young Merkinch people will find an ever-open door and much to interest them at the new centre, come the day.