The Kabin, which is operated by the Loanhead Community Learning Association, needs £21,000 to survive

A community centre which has been praised for its work has made a desperate plea for funding.

The Kabin in Midlothian could close within weeks unless a crowdfunding campaign proves successful.

Operated by the Loanhead Community Learning Association, the facility needs to raise £21,000 within the next three weeks.

The Kabin has a café, cinema, soft play area, space for the community, a charity shop and other services that are used by around 15 organisations. It is understood that five staff are set to lose their jobs unless the centre is saved.

A spokesman said: “We are not funded by the council to help run the community centre and as we do not directly deliver projects we struggle to obtain core costs from traditional funders.

“With the financial difficulties we have faced, the organisation has been running at a deficit for a number of years, and has had some key tenants recently leave our premises for pastures new.

“This has severely dented our reserves and we are faced with the potential decision of having to close the centre within the next few weeks.

“This would have a massive impact on the amazing people that come and use our space on a daily basis, as well as on the people that attend groups weekly.”

Midlothian Council was due to discuss the future of the facility this week, with the Kabin having served the community for the past seven years. Lothian MSP Alison Johnstone has tabled a motion to highlight the Kabin’s plight.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called in at the Kabin on her first official visit in 2014, praising what can be achieved when a community comes together.