Gourdon Community Action Plan November 2017

Home , Inverbervie, Johnshaven, Kinneff, Stonehaven

Introduction Community Action Plan

Gourdon is a coastal fishing village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. South of Inverbervie and North of Johnshaven, with a natural harbour;It has a growing population of 830. The village of Gourdon lies behind the harbour and rises in terraces up the hillside towards the line of the A92, which bypasses the village as it makes its way North into Inverbervie. Its original harbour, built in 1820, was restricted with space for only 8 boats. In 1958, the east breakwater was built followed by the west breakwater built in 1970. Gourdon now has a double harbour extending to 7200 square metres and offers 330 metres of quay space. The main section is totally given over to fishing and the original, or “Gutty Harbour”, is used by pleasure craft. There is still a small fleet of trawlers operating from the port and over 20 boats have regular moorings there. Harbour services are extensive, including diesel fuel, water and electricity and a marine engineering firm. Gourdon is a South facing harbour with a sheltered inner basin protected by a storm gate. The entrance to the Gutty Harbour is rocky and can be difficult to navigate, but the main harbour entrance is more accessible. Halfway up the hill there is a small lighthouse or “Leading Light”. Visitors can buy fish from the filleting sheds by the Harbour. There are attractive coastal walks in both directions from the town.

Community Action Plan Introduction Community Action Plan

This is the Community Action Plan for All the ideas in this booklet came from the Coastal fishing Village of Gourdon. the community. The table at the back It has been developed by the local shows those ideas that can be taken rural partnership for Kincardine & forward by the community on its own, Mearns, Kincardineshire Development those which require help from an Partnership (KDP). It is the result of an external partner and those which can extensive range of engagement only be taken forward by one or more activities undertaken by a steering external agencies, which could provide group formed of Gourdon Community moral, technical and possibly financial Members with the support and support. guidance of the Partnership. Community Poster It is recommended that this Action Plan Community members consulted the has a maximum lifespan of three years. residents of Gourdon using Some projects may be completed questionnaires, with additional input & quickly whist others may take much comments from two community coffee longer but all should be reviewed morning events and an engagement regularly to ensure that they are still exercise with the pupils of Gourdon relevant. School. It is important that this booklet is seen Overall feedback was received from by all interested parties, not only the 25% of the community. local community but also the other partners that may be able to assist with

the implementation of any actions set The information gathered and out in the table. contained within this booklet can now

be used to guide the community and Engaging with pupils at Gourdon School the Community Planning Partners in Kincardineshire Development compiling detailed action plans to take Partnership is one of six rural forward the top priorities, as well as partnerships in Aberdeenshire. addressing other issues which have These partnerships facilitate the been identified. Community Action Plan initiatives which are sponsored by Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership.

Fishing for ideas

History, Origins & Development Community Action Plan

History, Origins and Development of Gourdon Gourdon's chief attraction for visitors is its strong sense of being a working fishing port. Lobster pots are piled Gourdon is one of the few natural around the harbour and traditional fish harbours along the stretch of the merchants still fillet and smoke fish in East-facing Aberdeenshire coast. It is sheds on the harbourside and sell it believed that a fishing settlement from their fish vans across the area. A existed here in Neolithic times, 5,000 lot more Scottish ports used to be like years ago, with residents burying their Gourdon, and it is hoped that Gourdon dead in the Long Cairn on Gourdon weathers the uncertainties of the Hill to the west of the village. fishing industry as it has in the past The first written reference to the village and that it continues to thrive. was in 1315, to a farming and fishing On William Street, there is a small A working Harbour settlement called Gurden, which is how building housing the Maggie Law the name of the village is still Maritime Museum. The Maggie Law pronounced by those living here. A was a double ended surf lifeboat busy port was in operation by the capable of assisting vessels having 1500s and by the end of the 1700s the difficulty entering the harbour. From its population had grown to 200. launch in 1890 until it ceased operation By the 1830s, Gourdon was exporting in 1930 it saved 36 lives. The Maggie grain grown in the area and importing Law supplemented the RNLI Lifeboats coal for fuel and lime for agricultural which were based at Gourdon from improvements. Gourdon lost much of 1878 until 1969, when it was decided its sea-borne trade to the railway coverage could be maintained by the operating to this part of the east coast lifeboats at Aberdeen and Montrose. in 1865. Fishing then became the predominant activity and in the 1881 Conservation

Catch of the Day season over 8,000 barrels of herrings Gourdon had been proposed as a were exported from Gourdon. conservation area for some time and in The herring declined in the early 1900s 2012 was the subject of a conservation and by 1912 fishermen from Gourdon area appraisal by Aberdeenshire had switched to long line fishing from Council.1 motor boats, some of the first in Following extensive consultation and Scotland to do so. consideration it was decided that the At least one vessel operating from area did not warrant designation as a Gourdon was still employing this conservation area. However, the labour intensive method of fishing into appraisal did identify special features the 1990s. Others had moved more to and interest in respect of the historical seine net or cod net fishing, development and association of the supplemented in spring and summer village. The report identified that the by lobster and crab fishing. village illustrated the very important The original harbour was simply a gap relationship between the built between rocks, but in 1819 Thomas environment, the topography and the coast. Maritime Heritage Telford built what is now known as the Old Harbour or West Harbour. This was expanded in 1842 and another harbour added in 1859.

History, Origins & Development Community Action Plan

It also recognised that the community During April and May 2012, valued their heritage and wished to Regeneration funds were used to protect the singular identity of the employ an Artist to undertake a public village. Therefore, it was agreed in 2012 art opportunity. This was used as a way that the appraisal document should be of engaging the residents creatively on used as planning advice to inform and how they felt about, understood and guide future development and lived in their community, what was environmental improvements in important to them and what they Gourdon. It was hoped that it would would like to see change or improve. still provide the necessary guidance to A steering group of interested encourage sympathetic development Harbour Improvements residents was formed to drive forward and redevelopment in the area. the “Gourdon Placemaking” initiative. Regeneration Following a number of engagement Until recently, Gourdon lay within the activities, a report entitled “In aboot 2 Coastal Mearns Regeneration Area. In Comer” was produced. The following 2011/2012 Aberdeenshire Council recommendations under the heading provided funding for the regeneration “Heritage and Culture” were pro- of the area, tackling the provision of gressed: quality improvements around the Heritage and culture: to support and Harbour and potential improvements extend the work that the Maggie Law to the coastal path through initiatives Museum were working towards and relating to regeneration areas and also link in with some improvements strategic priorities. around the Harbour.

As the principal public space, the Gateway Project : A desire to celebrate The Gateway project harbour warranted regeneration. The and mark the entrance to the village in improvement recommendations a more effective way had been talked made included: about by the village and the council . • Refurbishment of the memorial to Notice Boards : Two large notice the son of the Laird. boards erected in the village; one in • Tidying up piers and removal of the top part of the village perhaps by weeds from the walls, the toilets or bus stop and another down by the harbour. A key problem • Partial resurfacing identified was the lack of a clear point • Lighting of communication. • Railings Hut.: To replace the small white hut • Litter bins and other street next to Hornblowers on the harbour . furniture Boat Building Project.: Skill sharing • Replacement/additional signs and between young people and the Interpretation. fishermen in the village

• Refurbishment of the Maggie Law Other recommendations under the Museum headings “Film Club” and “Community Support and Skills” have yet to gain Memorial Refurbishment • Planting and other small environmental improvements traction. The area is no longer designated as a Regeneration area in the Local Development Plan (LDP).

Services and Community Activities Community Action Plan

How To Get To Gourdon Services and Community If travelling by car, motor bike or Activities bicycle, take the A92 Coastal Road from Stonehaven, pass through Kinneff Accommodation in Gourdon and Inverbervie. Just 2 minutes from the Harbour Bar is Shortly after Inverbervie you will see a the Harbour Bar B&B with excellent turn off on the left to Gourdon.

X7 Route to Stonehaven or South views of Gourdon Harbour. Follow that road and you will arrive at to Montrose There is also The Lilybank Guest House the Harbour and the School House B&B Places To Visit Getting Around An interesting place to visit is the Buses (Nos 107, 113, 117 & X7) run museum for the "Maggie Law", which between Montrose, Gourdon and other was a shallow draught surfboat coastal settlements up to Stonehaven capable of assisting vessels having and onward to Aberdeen. difficulty entering the harbour. It saved The nearest airport is at Aberdeen 36 lives between its launch in 1890 approximately 40 miles (64 km) to the until it ceased operation in 1930. The north. Maggie Law supplemented the RNLI

Lifeboats which were based at Gourdon from 1878 until 1969, when it Gourdon Primary School is a was decided coverage could be non-denominational school which maintained by the lifeboats at serves the village of Gourdon and the Aberdeen and Montrose. The museum surrounding area. was completely refurbished in 2013 and The school has five classrooms and a is well worth a visit. More information hall which can be screened off from the Coastal path leaving the village at www.maggielaw.co.uk dining room where meals are served Places To Eat from the kitchen. The playground area surrounds the school and is a mixture The Quayside Take-Away & Restaurant of grassy areas and tarred surfaces The Harbour Bar with benches and flower tubs to en- Shops hance the landscaping. There is one general store in the village The school has an active Parent Forum Parking know as the TAG Group (Together at Gourdon). Parking is available in the Harbour Area for coaches and cars. The school has an enthusiastic Pupil Council and a newly formed Rights Harbour depths Respecting School Group. The school Both harbours dry out at low tide. currently hold a silver ECO School It is advisable to consult the Harbour- award and are working towards To Inverbervie master about arrival times and access. accreditation as a Rights Respecting School. Other Facilities

Sea angling Post Office

Specific Issues Community Action Plan

What we Asked? What would make Gourdon Great? Responses to Questions 2, 3, 4 and 5; Community members consulted the How would you make Gourdon even residents of Gourdon using better? questionnaires, with additional input & If funding became available, how would comments from two community coffee you like to see it spent? morning events and an engagement exercise with the pupils of Gourdon What have you seen elsewhere which What do you like about Gourdon? School. you would like to see in Gourdon?) Any other comments? from the questionnaires and What do you like about Gourdon? engagement activities were combined. Overall feedback was received from There is a clear desire to develop 25% of the community. The vast facilities and activities for children in majority of responses related to the the village. The greatest number of community spirit, friendly people and responses related to the provision of general ‘village life’ of Gourdon. outdoor play areas, parks and play equipment, followed by a desire to The most popular responses were: have a café/coffee shop. A number of responses which came from the children centred around particular • Community Spirit, friendly people activities such as a Trampoline Park; • The picturesque scenery, beach this has been passed onto the and location Gourdon Lower Park Development Group to inform the design of this • The chip shop project. There were also significant • Local school numbers of concerns about the • The harbour (and its flowers) general cleanliness and tidiness of the

• The Park village, toilets and traffic issues. What would make Gourdon Great?

• Heritage & history (Inc. Museum)

• Peace, quiet, space & freedom There are also opportunities for building inter-settlement relationships; • The pub • between Gourdon and Inverbervie • Feel safe with the progress being made in • Walks and the coastal path the development of the “Bervie • Local shop Skate Park” which will be located at the edge of Inverbervie close to • Football Pitch Gourdon. A number of Gourdon • Living here / everything! residents are involved in • New homes supporting fundraising for this

• Bus service project. Coffee Morning Engagement • Tadpoles (parent & child group) • Between Gourdon and Johnshaven through local heritage and connection made through the “Visit Mearns” initiative.

Specific Issues Community Action Plan

The consultation has and will continue With youth in mind, there is interest in to inform the Gourdon Lower Park refurbishing the old tennis courts and Improvement Group who are working looking at creating a MUGA (Multi Use to create a community garden with a Games Area) and the purchasing and number of features including creative siting of a youth pod. play areas for local children. Many responses could be supported Comments relating to the closure of by action from the re-established the Public Toilets opened some Community Council. The feedback discussion on potential alternatives. presents opportunities to undertake Innovative ideas such as “dry compost” some meaningful activities going A community space for everyone toilets at some point along the coastal forward. path may warrant further discussion and exploration. However, there is a drive to reopen the Toilet Block located A café /coffee shop or an informal at the Playing Fields at the top of the meeting space continues to be a village. Community members popular theme. Under the theme, supported by the Community Council “Community Support and Skills”, this are exploring the option of a was also highlighted through Community Asset Transfer of the engagement work undertaken back in facility. 2011/12. Attempts through the parent group TAG (Together at Gourdon) to hold a community café at the school There was a great deal of feedback were not as successful as hoped largely supporting the work undertaken using due to being held at the school. This the Regeneration investment which will prove challenging to fulfil due to helped to improve the appearance of the lack of suitable property available. the village, the harbour area in Aberdeenshire Council and the Rural particular. There is a wish to ensure partnership undertook an audit of the If funding was available, how would that this continues and focuses on empty and derelict properties in the you like to see it spent? other areas throughout the village. village to see if there was any scope for Perhaps there is scope to work with the community development. There are a “Gourdon Grafters” group and look at number of properties privately owned how they can be better supported and and perhaps under new legislation the consider projects working with young community or Community Council people from the village which could could make an approach to the address another concern raised around owners. engaging the younger population.

20mph Repeater signs

Specific Issues Community Action Plan

Throughout the ongoing consultation, These include: community members have been • Free form play areas created to responding to what the community encourage active play and learning have been feeding back. For example; • Structures should be sufficiently a quick win was achieved after the robust to withstand seashore initial questionnaire responses were weather including strong cold received. Concerns had been raised winds and salt-laden rain about the speed of traffic through the • Health and safety compliant Gourdon Lower Park village, The whole village of Gourdon is a 20mph zone, however the only • Infused with a sense of humour speed limit signs were located at the and an element of fun in the entrance With the assistance of the design. Community Council a request was • Relatively maintenance-free made for 20mph repeater signage to • Designed with capacity to be erected throughout the village. In incorporate some planting either October 2016 repeater signs were as an integral part of individual located right through Gourdon. This components or as part of the was an encouraging result, reminding surrounding landscape for the drivers of the speed limit, however, larger areas stronger measures aimed at drivers continuing to ignore the speed limit • Where possible and appropriate reclaimed or recycled materials are still needed. There is not a strong First of the improvements to go desire for traffic calming measures could be sourced,( for example top into Lower Park March 2018 such as “speed bumps” but residents soil). are keen to see “vehicle activated • Linked with a theme to clearly signs” in place, especially along William expressing the settlement’s identity and Queen Street and near to the • Opportunities presented for local school on Brae Road. artists to work with the community to run community art projects. The Priorities Gourdon Lower Park Improvement The aim is to rejuvenate key public As noted previously, the greatest space which is accessible and offers number of responses related to the something for everyone. It is hoped provision of outdoor play areas, parks that this will promote a sense of and play equipment. Work on the ownership and civic pride among development of the Lower Park into a residents of all ages. Community Garden is well underway. Gourdon Lower Park Improvement Gourdon Lower Park Development The Group are now in a position to Plan Group are working in partnership with explore funding options. At the time of other local groups and businesses and preparing this Community Action Plan, Aberdeenshire Council Landscape the Group with funding from Services. Through consultation with Aberdeenshire Council’s K&M Area residents the group have been able to Committee Budget and the support of demonstrate support for the project the local community and local business and a range of creative and innovative have raised enough funds to purchase suggestions on what might be a wooden train, which will be installed included in the site and other by March 2018. considerations have been identified. 9

Specific Issues Community Action Plan

Traffic Gourdon Community Council (GCC) In addition to the concerns raised Community Council activity ceased for about the speed of traffic through the almost a year during the Community village anxiety was also voiced over Action Plan consultation period. congestion at the Harbour area. Previous members of the GCC were Following the Harbour improvement, involved in a number of community the popularity of Hornblowers (which is activities for the period April 15 to now under new ownership as the March 16 in and around the village of Quayside Fish Restaurant) and the Gourdon, some examples being: drive to increase visitor numbers to the • Harbour Improvements such as Gourdon Harbour Mearns and the South East Coastal maintaining the planters, some of strip, the harbour area is becoming the paintwork and reaffixing of the increasingly choked. Gourdon is a information boards. working harbour and there are safety concerns especially in the Summer • Gateway: maintenance of the seats, months. There is carparking on land anchors and general gardening between the Harbour Bar and the work. Quayside Restaurant. If this could be • Farquhar Memorial: maintenance developed, traffic could be diverted of seats and memorial. behind the Harbour Bar away from the • The above work was kindly part quayside. Work to establish ownership funded by a grant for some £250 of the land is still ongoing. from an initiative by Tesco and Keep Scotland Beautiful. Public Toilets • Gardening projects around the Christmas Tree at the Harbour There is much disappointment at the village including strimming of closure of the Public Toilets. The harbour and warehole areas, Community Council are driving Mission Hall steps and pensioner forward actions exploring the steps, miscellaneous planters, etc. possibility of reopening the facility. The • Fun day with Climbing Wall village is keen to promote itself to • Inner harbour clean tourists, with the harbour attractions • Beach clean and the coastal path. It is felt that these public amenities are crucial to its • Remembrance Day organisation success as a visitor destination. • Christmas Lights and Tree

• Gourdon On Line and Facebook websites.

Beach Clean

Community Action Plan Specific Issues Community Action Plan

Gourdon Community Council has also assisted other groups in the village Other comments included: with either financial, manpower, • Hold annual beer / fish / publicity or a mix of such support; fireworks / music festival or Gala

• Gourdon’s Coastal Rowing Club • Community Social Events

• Maggie Law Museum • Children’s Activities/Youth Clubs

• Mearns Creative Community Fund • More / better sports facilities – an • Gourdon Primary School all-weather multi-use pitch, reopen tennis courts, sports classes and • Lower Park Regeneration Group lessons

The Community Council has recently Gourdon Art Fair Much relies on the support of the reformed with a new group of local community to drive forward many of residents. The Community Council is a the themes, for example Galas, and valuable resource for the village and as other community annual events need the feedback from the consultation people more than funding to make revealed, Gourdon needs a robust and these happen. active team on board given the following issues raised:

• Concerns about the cleanliness A Village Café, Coffee Shop, Tea Room, and tidiness of the village, litter, Wine Bar street cleaner, bins etc Raised in the previous consultation in

• Concerns about traffic calming, 2012 , a place to drink coffee or tea or speed bumps, repeater signs somewhere to sit and socialise is still desired. The challenge is the lack of a • Reopen the public toilets suitable building to house such a • Cap on new build housing business or social enterprise. development The current local businesses featured Boat Building project • Dog poo – more bins / in different frequently in the consultation as part of places / fines imposed what makes “Gourdon Great.” There • Repair street lighting and extend to may be scope or opportunities to Bervie enhance what is already on offer.

• Improve street signage to Hall / There is also some potential with harbour / museum / bar buildings around the harbour but ownership or future plans are not clear • Better internet / 3G access at this point. Perhaps future economic • Community compost heap gardening efforts to develop local • Salt bins entrepreneurs who will start businesses locally could address this if not a local group or organisation.

Gourdon Grafters

Other Issues Community Action Plan

Gourdon - Our Mearns Tourism Other comments included: Association (OMTA) • More/Improved shop(s) The drive to develop the Mearns, • Improve and/or extend the coastal including the South East Aberdeenshire paths Coastal stretch, into an Arts, Cultural and Heritage Tourism destination • Demolish / compulsorily purchase / tidy up derelict should encourage Economic, buildings Environmental and Social growth for Gourdon Harbour Gourdon and the neighbouring • Improve beach area – picnic villages. There are now three Bed and tables / BBQ areas Breakfast businesses in Gourdon . It is • Better internet / 3G access hoped that the community will be able • Establish Mains Gas supply to build stronger relationships with the local business community to consider • Find ways to connect new villagers supporting a cash point, or even a with older ones cashback facility. It has been suggested • Cash machine that the lack of access to cash in the • Improve school playground village can impact on the success of security locally held events.

• More parent / toddler / baby Projects looking at signage, improving groups the coastal paths and beach area could benefit from a collaborative approach • Improve Hall working with partners such as OMTA • Art areas who are looking to connect the coastal Our Mearns Tourism Association strip as part of their strategy to develop the area.

Again many of the listed suggestions depend largely on community capacity and willingness rather than funding. A drive to promote active citizenship and volunteering could resurrect some of the impetus and enthusiasm which followed the place making initiative in 2012. Recently the village has suffered from volunteer fatigue. The realisation of projects such as the Lower Park Gourdon Public Hall development will help revitalise the community and work to encourage more of the community to participate in this community’s development.

Other Issues Community Action Plan

Anecdotally, concerns were raised Action Plan about youths in the village. There is In completing the Action Plan overleaf little for young people to become it is clear that the main thrust of activity involved in within Gourdon itself. Most relies largely on members of the Seniors go to Mackie Academy in community as individuals, through Stonehaven. There is still no point of community groups , local businesses focus for the 11+ age bracket in the and the Community Council to take village. Attempts to engage through action and become involved. new media have been unsuccessful. There is much to like about Gourdon This is an area that needs developing and there is a desire to continue to and is perhaps an opportunity for improve the presentation of the village, future engagement activities in the improve road safety, and welcome village. With no current activities for visitors. In addition to keeping The Leading Light young people in the village they look Gourdon a great place to live, there is a to Inverbervie or Stonehaven where strong wish to make positive changes many of their fellow pupils are, and to improve the lives of residents today their focus is no longer in Gourdon. as well as creating legacies to be This is not a quick fix but some time enjoyed by future generations. and investment in the 11+ age group is There is still work to do to build the needed if they are to engage with community capacity. A lot of activity community activities. and investment of time coming from The Community Council might want to just a few members of the community, explore working with local young has resulted in volunteer fatigue. There people to address some of the is a need to encourage and foster concerns around litter and general citizenship with the wider community tidiness of the village as an example. in particular younger people to keep The interest in refurbishing the old the village vibrant rather than a Gourdon Harbour tennis courts and looking at creating a commuter settlement. MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) or the purchasing and siting of a youth pod, may provide a means of reaching out to young people.

Community Art projects, could offer a way to involve this age group.

Gourdon Harbour

Acknowledgement of Reference Sources; 1Gourdon Built Heritage appraisal July 2012 2“Inaboot Comer” by Lindsay Duncanson

Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan

Anticipated Anticipated

DeliveryDate

Ongoing 2018/2019 Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing 2018

Landscape Landscape

Green Dog Scheme Dog Green

Outside Agencies Outside

Aberdeenshire Council Council Aberdeenshire Aberdeenshire Council Council Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire Warden Dog Council Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire Association Tourism Mearns Our VisitAberdeenshire Community Council Aberdeenshire Planning Voluntary Aberdeenshire Action Companies Fuel Services, PAMIS

Partnership

Kincardineshire Development Development Kincardineshire Kincardineshire Development Development Kincardineshire Partnership Partnership Development Kincardineshire Partnership

Independent Independent

Private Initiative Private

Community Group/ Community

Gourdon Community Council Community Gourdon Gourdon Lower Park Park Lower Gourdon Group Improvement Grafters Gourdon Council Community Gourdon Individuals Groups Community Council Community Gourdon Individuals Council Community Gourdon Individuals Council Community Gourdon Council Community Gourdon Businesses Local Business Local Individuals Council Community Gourdon Individuals

explore explore

need for for need

more bins / / bins more

Action Action

–

e.g. 20 mph repeater , repeater mph e.g.20

Reopen Public toilets toilets Public Reopen bar wine room, Community garden at Gourdon atGourdon garden Community Park Lower further calming traffic Investigate measures signage activated vehicle feasible if and for potential Transfer Asset progress cleanliness the about Concerns litter, village, the of tidiness and etc bins cleaner, street waste Dog imposed /fines places different in and Scheme Dog Green Promote ownership dog responsible Gourdon to repairs Investigate light- extend and lighting street Inverbervie to ing / Hall to signage street Improve Mission / museum bar/ harbour Hall tea shop, coffee café, village A supply gas mains No solutions alternative cheaper Club Fuel a Establish 14

Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan

Anticipated Anticipated

DeliveryDate

Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

Outside Agencies Outside

Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire Community Council Aberdeenshire (Youth Development and Learning Team) Work Community Council Aberdeenshire Planning School Gourdon Community Council Aberdeenshire Development and Learning Learning Local Stonehaven Partnership Action Voluntary Aberdeenshire

Partnership

Kincardineshire Development Kincardineshire Partnership Development Kincardineshire Partnership Development Kincardineshire Partnership Development Kincardineshire Partnership

Independent Independent

Private Initiative Private

Community Group/ Community

Businesses Community Groups Community Businesses Individuals Businesses Local Individuals Groups Community Council Community park Lower Gourdon Group Improvement Council Community Gourdon groups Community Groups Community Individuals Council Community Gourdon Council Community Gourdon Groups Community Local Individuals

–

weather weather

Action Action

use pitch, reopen tennis tennis reopen pitch, use

Possibly Art Projects/ Youth Youth Art Projects/ Possibly Pod village in Involvement activities maintenance/tidying which acould project perhaps with the local developed be school Primary

Improve sports facilities Improve which projects potential Explore allan include may multi courts,sports and classes lessons machine Cash Install Events/Gala Community people young local with Engage of level and range Increase the within available activities village Citizenship Active Encourage Volunteering and • • 15

Community Action Plan

This booklet is one of a series This information can now It is important that this booklet produced by the Local Rural guide the community and is seen by all concerned as an Partnerships for a number of Community Planning Partners account of the community’s communities in Aberdeenshire. in drawing up detailed action views at the time of the latest plans to implement the top consultation, and that it will have priorities as well as addressing to be regularly updated. As This initiative is sponsored by the other issues which have some projects are completed, Aberdeenshire Community been identified. other issues will arise and take Planning Partnership and run their place in future versions of by Aberdeenshire Local Rural For each priority or issue this the community plan. Partnerships. The aim is to will involve agreeing who provide community action should be involved, what It is recommended that this plan plans in an attractive, easy to resources will be needed and has a maximum life of five years. read, professionally printed target dates for completion. It format is hoped that this process will be driven by representatives of the community with support -moral, technical & financial -

from the relevant Partners.

With grateful thanks to the Gourdon Community, Neal Weston for the cover photograph and additional images, Lynn Stephen of the Gourdon Lower Park Improvement Group, Emma Myatt of Gourdon Coastal Rowing Club, Emma Joynson of Gourdon Grafters, Gourdon Community Council, Headteacher Angela Wells and the pupils of Gourdon School, Gourdon Shop, The Harbour Bar and the Maggie Law Museum. A special thanks to the Tadpoles Group for allowing us to engage with the community at two of their coffee Cover Photograph Neal Weston November 2017 November Weston Neal Photograph Cover mornings.

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