This is the Community Plan for . It sets out the Marr Community Planning Group’s main actions for the next three years. If you have difficulty understanding this document and require a translation, or would like a copy in a larger print, please contact the Marr Area Manager on 019755 64804.

Cover photograph – Craigievar Castle © Council Contents

1 Foreword...... 4 2 Executive Summary...... 6 3 Background...... 8 4 The Marr Area...... 9 5 Looking Ahead...... 10 6 Developing the Plan...... 13 7 Marr Prioritiy Outcomes 2013 – 16...... 14 8 Glossary...... 29 9 How Are We Doing? ...... 30 1 Foreword

Welcome to the Marr Community Plan 2013 – 2016. This plan details the priorities of the Marr Community Planning Group (MCPG) for the next 3 years. It also describes the outcomes we are working towards and the actions that will help us to get there. This plan covers a 3 year period, but in many cases we are working with a ten year or longer timescale in mind.

This plan is informed by the results of work we have carried out since November 2012, including Community Ward Forums in February 2013, the ongoing development of individual Community Action Plans, the Marr Youth Action Plan 2011 and the Marr Strategic Assessment 2013/14. This should not be seen as the final document, it is a stage in a process and actions may be added and deleted at six monthly intervals as projects develop. This will allow us to respond to issues as they arise and acknowledge the priorities of your communities as you develop your action plans over the next few years.

Marr covers 47% of Aberdeenshire and its size means that to make a real impact we must work together as agencies, services, voluntary groups and communities. The Scottish Government sees community planning as having the ability to improve the connection between national priorities and those at local and small community level. This is what we aim to do in Marr. Ensure that your priorities and their connection to national priorities are recognised and respected, in order to support you to successfully achieve your community’s aims and objectives, while we deliver services that meet the needs of residents.

I’d like to thank everyone that has contributed to the creation of this plan, from the developmental sessions, to the contribution of actions to the plan. Most of all I’d like to thank our community activists as without you it would be almost impossible to tackle the issues and take advantage of the opportunities as they present themselves in over 30 towns and villages and more smaller communities in Marr.

The MCPG recognises that some of the actions in the plan are aspirational and may or may not be able to be delivered in the longer term. However, It is essential to be aware of these projects so we can all work together to try to achieve them.

If you wish to discuss any of the projects or action points please get in touch by telephone, e-mail or by writing to the address at the back of the Plan. We will be using this document to help us decide on future funding priorities and we do very much welcome your views. MARR COMMUNITY Les Allan Chair of the MCPG PLAN Area Manager (Marr) 2013 – 2016 Aberdeenshire Council 4 MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 20103– 2016 5 2 Executive Summary

The Marr Community Plan 2013 – 2016 gathers the input of community planning partners, Elected Members and local communities into six priorities to guide our work over the next three years. It has been agreed that these priorities will be: • Supporting Marr’s Communities to Support Themselves • Connecting Communities • Older People • Economic Development • A Healthy, Happy Population • Adapting to Change Communities in Marr are active, engaged and successful in developing and running a wide range of projects. However, some have more capacity than others and new groups and individuals get involved all the time. By supporting Marr’s communities to support themselves we will enable communities to continue to develop in the future.

Access to opportunities and services are important both for wellbeing and the economic sustainability of communities. For those reliant on public transport networks, gaps in provision impact on their ability to access both. Poor digital connectivity compounds this effect. By connecting communities through community transport projects and enabling the development of a much improved broadband service the groundwork will be laid for the development of creative solutions that ensure our rural communities continue to thrive.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN

2013 – 2016 Loch Callater Burn O Vat waterfall 6 Older people’s voluntary contribution of time, energy and enthusiasm enables communities to improve local facilities and to progress projects. Pensioners make up 20.9% of Marr’s population, but over the next 25 years this percentage will increase and people will become increasingly elderly. A fitter and healthier elderly population will be better able to contribute to their communities and remain independent for longer.

Marr’s economy revolves around tourism, food and drink, forestry and agriculture. Marr’s spectacular scenery, natural and national heritage and Royal connections make the area, particularly Deeside, a centre for tourism. This potential needs to be continually harnessed to develop economically sustainable communities.

Good physical health and positive mental health provide solid foundations for people enabling them to contribute positively to family and community life. MCPG is keen to support the local population of all ages to feel safe, to make healthy choices and play a part in their communities in order to contribute to Marr’s population being healthy and happy.

The cost of living in rural areas has increased by 7.7% in the past year; this is compared to the national average of just 4.3%. Supporting communities to adapt to change by finding ways of minimising costs and becoming more sustainable will also contribute to reducing their Carbon Footprint. Changes in climate over the coming decades will alter life in Scotland significantly, Marr’s communities can prepare for this.

To be as responsive as possible, the MCPG will enable new actions to be added at six monthly intervals.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN

Huntly town centre Run Balmoral 20103– 2016 7 3 Background

The Marr Community Plan 2013 – 2016 details the MCPG’s priorities for the next 3 year period. These priorities were developed in partnership with the Marr Area Committee, the Marr Area Management Team and Community representatives at Community Ward Forums in February 2013. It details actions underway or planned for the next 3 years which will help meet these identified priorities for the area. The plan also indicates where action groups will be set up to develop joint action plans which will feed into this document on a continuous basis as issues and opportunities arise.

The MCPG is made up of representatives from: • Aberdeenshire Council • Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action • Garioch and North Marr Community Safety Group • Marr Area Partnership • Development Trust • Authority • NHS Grampian • Police Scotland • Scottish Fire & Rescue Service The MCPG hosts quarterly forums in each of the three wards in the area where communities and MCPG members come together to network, share good practice, present projects and discuss local issues. This enables community groups to receive help, support and advice from our group members on an informal basis. It also enables us to identify issues in the various communities in Marr on an ongoing basis. The agenda’s for these events are set jointly by communities and partners.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN

2013 – 2016 Deeside railway line Burn O Vat in autumn 8 4 The Marr Area

The Marr Area has a population of 36,968 (2011) which is an increase of 12.2% on 2001. The population figures are expected to continue to rise slowly over the coming years. The Area’s age profile indicates an increasing number of people over pensionable age, amounting to 20.9% of the population, and over the next 25 years the population is set to become increasingly elderly. There are over 30 towns and villages, with a significantly higher number of even smaller settlements in the area. This and the increasing age profile of the population will provide unique challenges in the future.

Marr’s economy revolves around tourism, forestry and agriculture, with many people commuting for oil related jobs. Average unemployment levels across Marr are low at 1.7% of the working age population. However, the figures for the Huntly area are higher at 2.5% Huntly also has considerable health inequalities. The cost of living in rural Scotland has been identified at between 10% and 40% higher than English urban areas. Factors included higher fuel bills, travel to work costs and the price of food and other essential goods are an issue in the more rural and remote rural parts of Marr and the impact is increased because of the harsh winters the area can face.

There are low levels of crime in Marr with an average of 171 crimes per 10,000 population, this is lower than the Aberdeenshire average of 355 and the Scottish average of 749. The Citizen’s Panel results indicate that people feel safe in the area.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN

Firework display at Stag near 20103– 2016 9 5 Looking Ahead

The Marr Community Plan focuses on a 3 year time period from 2013 – 2016, but actions developed should also contribute towards addressing issues over the next 10 years and beyond.

We used PESTELO as a framework to collect our thoughts. PESTELO stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legislative and Organisational and these words act as hooks for issues, events and opportunities that could present themselves in the future in Marr. We focused on three timescales, the near future (1-3 years), the further future (4-10 years), and the distant future (11-50 years). By looking at the long term when scanning the horizon for issues and opportunities we have taken to heart the Scottish Government’s focus on preventative action, aiming to pick up issues long before they could impact on the area.

A great deal of material was generated during the discussions that established these priorities and what you see below is, by necessity, only a brief summary of that information. More detailed results will be available online at www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/marr

Political • Outcome of the Scottish Independence Referendum • Change in Aberdeenshire Council administration and associated priorities • Development of new Government or local authority policies and strategies Economic • Increasing ageing population in Marr – impact on public sector budget • Oil and gas – is major economic driver for Aberdeenshire – will this last? • Rising fuel costs impact negatively on local economy e.g. increased costs of transport • Opportunity for expansion of, or new, tourism markets e.g. environmental and cultural tourism, new long distance paths • Employment/business development – various problems. Limited access to training and apprenticeships. High levels of employment and well paid jobs in oil industry affect recruitment of staff. Low paid workers affected by high living costs and limited availability of affordable housing. Lack of availability of suitable business MARR premises. COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 10 Social People • Increase in fuel poverty as oil prices rise and impact on vulnerable people and their carers • Welfare reform and housing benefit cap – rental costs high in Marr • Increasing ageing population in Marr – need for increasingly accessible services, pensions crisis, increase in levels of dementia • Rural depopulation due to increase in living costs • More (but smaller) households • New families attracted by buoyant oil industry impacting positively on age profile in Marr • Social isolation and mental health problems e.g. families living apart • Challenges for working families, time poverty and impact on community participation • Carers – problems employing carers, consistency of care • Family carers – need for support Housing • Limited supply of affordable and energy efficient housing • More small homes needed • People moving out of tied cottages on retirement • Lack of affordable housing increasing divide between have’s and have not’s Health • Minimising health impacts of individual decisions e.g. obesity, smoking, alcohol Facilities • Impact of Local Development Plan on Banchory and Huntly (housing and facilities) • New Academy and community facilities in Alford • Spare capacity in community facilities/schools Services • Health and Social Care integration – shift to prevention • Provision of out of hours service in rural areas • Gap between public expectation of services and what can be provided in a time of austerity • Protect public spaces – looking at future needs Economic • Impact of closure of rural business and services e.g. retail/pubs, post offices, schools, MARR garages • Need to keep town centres vibrant through good maintenance and finding COMMUNITY alternative uses for empty shops PLAN 20103– 2016 11 Partnership working • MCPG could link more widely e.g. private business, estates and Churches and continue to improve work with communities • Need for a reduction in bureaucracy where possible e.g. licensing Enabling Volunteering • Need to simplify bureaucracy • Difficult to get community voices heard • Difficult to retain volunteers • Increasing numbers of retirees could have a very positive impact on volunteering Technological • Broadband: Access to good quality broadband may result in improved economic opportunities, more services being provided in the home, reduced social isolation and impact on welfare reform e.g. Digital by Default being piloted in Aberdeenshire Environmental • Climate change may impact on weather and therefore food security and increased rain intensity – flooding – could this put new areas at risk in the future? • Oil price increases may affect the cost of food and impact on rural poverty • Increasing threat of powercuts – fuel security • Positive impact of small scale renewables on rural sustainability • Communities could produce and eat local food – reducing costs, improving health and access to fresh food • Increase in use of walking and cycling between communities, need improved footpaths/quality of footpaths in some communities • Biodiversity – many wild spaces now commercial forestry Legislative • Scottish/UK Government reforms Organisational • Organisations are adopting new models of working in response to Government directives and budget cuts, potential for confusion and duplication during the process • Move from services and agencies targeting issues to working to prevent them. • NHS recruitment and retention of nursing staff an issue in Marr, both trained and untrained staff MARR • Reconfiguration of beds in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary will impact on community hospitals COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 12 6 Developing the Plan

The Marr Community Plan was developed between November 2012 and July 2013. A variety of sources of information on the area were gathered. This included producing a combined assessment of issues and opportunities for Marr from services and agencies. Community representatives got involved in discussions around the short, medium and long term future for Marr’s communities at February’s Community Ward Forums.

We gathered information about current and planned projects in communities. Once all this information was in we looked for common themes which were then developed into the 6 priorities you will find in this plan.

Aberdeenshire has six local community plans and these feed into a Single Outcome Agreement which is the overall plan for all public and Third Sector services working in Aberdeenshire. This agreement is required by the Scottish Government.

SINGLE OUTCOME AGREEMENT

The Single Outcome Agreement is a plan for everybody in Aberdeenshire over the next 10 years. It sets out what we will do together to make Aberdeenshire a better place. It sets out the outcomes, actions and resources that will be used to take forward a number of local and national priorities. Marr Community Plan helps deliver the local actions that contribute to both local and national priorities.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN

The Lonach games Haughton Country Park, Alford 20103– 2016 13 7 Marr Prioritiy Outcomes 2013 – 16

MARR PRIORITY ABERDEENSHIRE OUTCOME Supporting Successful, inclusive and resilient communities with the confidence, capability and capacity to tackle the things that Marr’s matter to them communities to support themselves Connecting Improved digital infrastructure communities Options have been developed to expand demand responsive transport and supported bus network across Aberdeenshire to support employment and training opportunities Older people Older people will live independent, healthier lives for longer in a homely environment, in a community which respects and values them, with informal carers who receive support to continue to care Economic Aberdeenshire will be recognised as a great place to live, development work, invest with opportunity for all Communities and business benefit from a more coordinated partnership tourism campaign Vulnerable customers are recognised and supported through the Universal Credit journey towards or into work A healthy, happy Reductions in inequalities in health outcomes between population communities and across Aberdeenshire Adapting to Communities benefit from the delivery and improved access change to affordable housing Increased support for financial inclusion, income maximisation and to sustain education, training and MARR employment COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 14 Priority 1: Supporting Marr’s Communities to Support Themselves

OUTCOME: Communities will be successful, inclusive and resilient with the confidence, capability and capacity to tackle the things that matter to them.

INTRODUCTION

MCPG will support Marr’s communities to support themselves by working together with individuals and groups to build their skills and capacity and enable the development of local projects.

OVERVIEW

Marr is seen as an exemplar in community planning and community capacity building. 1

Many communities in Marr are active, engaged and successful in developing and running a wide range of projects and services. However, some communities have more capacity than others and there are gaps. In addition, new people become active with time and the need for community capacity building is an ongoing requirement. The challenge in the future will be to maintain this level of activity, particularly in the face of reduced financial support, increased pressure on communities to take on new services, and the need to be there for communities which require additional input to realise their full potential. Capacity building work is carried out in Marr by Community Learning and Development, Rural Partnerships, Development Trusts and Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

The MCPG hold regular community ward forums to build capacity, engage and involve communities across Marr. The forum agendas are directed by communities themselves and are designed to meet specific needs and raise awareness of new issues/developments. They act as a focus for consultation by various partners as well as providing an opportunity for informal communication and networking. Community Action Plans have been developed by many communities across Marr and have enabled them to identify their future aspirations and plan how to go about realising them. Many projects have been developed and successfully completed as a result of the work put into these plans. Targeted work takes place on an ongoing basis to enable less confident adults and young people to develop their volunteering skills. In addition to this there are also a number of funding opportunities available to communities through the Marr Area Partnership Initiative Grant scheme, Aberdeenshire Council and other services to help maintain and enhance communities. MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 1 Community Capacity Building can be defined as ‘Activities, resources and support that strengthen the skills, abilities and confidence of people and community groups to take effective action and leading roles in the development of communities’. 20103– 2016 15 EMERGING ISSUES • A coordinated approach to community consultation is required by all of our partners to reduce the risk of consultation fatigue. • Communities are diverse and each has different levels of experience, skills and need and the support offered should be flexible enough to respond to these. • Communities may face new or increasing challenges eg. running activities and services previously offered by agencies due to austerity, developing local digital connectivity schemes. Communities may require different skills to enable them to take on these roles and capacity building work should reflect this. Actions Lead Partner Timescale 1.1 (existing) Three communities will be going through Marr Area Partnership Annually the process of developing or reviewing a Development Officer: Community Action Plan. Mike Powell 1.2 (existing) To support communities in realising MCPG with a variety of Annually inclusive/sustainable projects, Lead Partners including: particularly those that are outlined in • Marr Area Partnership, Community Action Plans, (including • other Rural Partnerships Community Asset Transfers. Where and Development Trusts, communities have an interest in Marr Area Office, developing their own facilities and • services) they will be enabled through • Community Learning support, advice and time and Development, • AVA, • CVS 1.3 (existing) To support communities with funding Marr Area Partnership, Annually advice as well as providing funding Development Officer: for inclusive/sustainable projects eg. Mike Powell via the Initiative Grant Scheme and Marr Area Office, Marr Area Committee Funding, Developer Area Committee Officer: Contributions Karen MacVey 1.4 (existing) To enhance and develop community Marr Area Partnership Annually ward forums by: Development Officer: • Focusing on increasing the skills, Lizzy Shepherd capacity and effectiveness of community councils and community groups by responding to specified MARR needs both within and outwith the forums. COMMUNITY • Raising awareness of the forums to PLAN increase range of groups who attend. 2013 – 2016 16 1.5 (new) To update the Marr Youth Action Plan Aberdeenshire Council March 2014 indicating what has been achieved since CLD Team Leader: 2011. Karen Thomas 1.6 (new) In partnership with communities and all Aberdeenshire Council March 2014 partners, approaches to consultation will Marr Area Manager: be improved, reducing duplication where Les Allan possible.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN

Tarland Community Garden 20103– 2016 17 Priority 2: Connecting Communities OUTCOME: Access to services and broadband in Marr will be improved.

INTRODUCTION

Through the Connecting Communities priority MCPG aims to improve access to services across our rural communities by supporting the development of innovative service delivery, transport and broadband projects.

OVERVIEW

Access to employment opportunities, education, training, shops and social activities etc. is important to the health and wellbeing of the population and the economic sustainability of communities. For those reliant on local transport networks (public and community) gaps in provision impact on their ability to access services and opportunities. Poor digital connectivity is seen by many communities in Marr as a major problem. This has wide ranging impacts for example, limiting business development and economic activity, reducing access to various digitally delivered services and increasing social isolation. Improving access to services and opportunities across Marr’s rural areas is a high priority. It will require innovative approaches and partnership working between communities and community planning partners to deliver creative solutions that ensure our rural communities continue to thrive into the future.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

A variety of planned healthcare services are now being devolved into the three community hospitals in Marr, namely , Banchory and Huntly. Marr has well established and successful volunteer patient transport schemes using private cars run by community groups in Rhynie, Alford, Cromar and . In addition, there are also a number of community transport schemes in , Strathdon and Aboyne eg. Mid-Deeside Ltd (MDL) runs a Village Hopper Service from Monday to Friday which is open to the general public and the Silver Circle hires a minibus from MDL to provide a shopper service for elderly and disabled clients living in Strathdon.

Aberdeenshire Council is prioritising reducing the digital divide through targeting £16m on providing a better than 8Mbps service to everyone in Aberdeenshire. A survey was carried out to provide evidence of demand from residents and businesses in order to be in the best position to access additional funding from the Scottish Government. This data, when available, will provide a clear picture of where the digital black spots exit in Marr. Community led ‘pioneer’ projects are being supported by Community Broadband Scotland to deliver good broadband services in Glenbuchat and .

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 18 EMERGING ISSUES • Ambulance service will not be able to provide transport to local hospital appointments. • Increasingly, services are being provided on line (eg. digital participation will be required to access benefits as a result of Welfare Reform) and opportunities to work from home are increasing; those without access to fast, reliable broadband are likely to be disadvantaged. • Increases in the price of oil would impact on people’s ability to live in rural communities eg, transport costs would rise; reducing the need to travel over longer distances will mitigate this.

Actions Lead Partner Timescale 2.1 (new) Responding to the needs of communities Marr Area Partnership March 2016 to help them develop community transport Development Officer: schemes. Mike Powell 2.3 (new) Monitor the results of broadband trials Aberdeenshire Council March 2014 in Aberdeenshire, including: Glenbuchat Service Manager and Corgarff Community Broadband pilot (Industry Sectors): projects, Whitespace and Ka Satellite. Ensure Roddy Matheson that other communities in Marr are able to Community Planning learn from these projects. Officer: Hazel McLarin 2.4 (new) Seek to develop a pilot partnership project MCPG March 2016 between Aberdeenshire Council and a Marr Community Planning community to improve broadband access Officer: where service is poor. See also Priority 3 & 6 Hazel McLaren 2.5 (new) Work towards residents of all communities Aberdeenshire Council March 2017 in Marr having access to a cost effective and Service Manager viable broadband service if they should wish (Industry Sectors): to have it. See also Priority 3 & 6 Roddy Matheson

2.6 (new) To develop Aberdeenshire Council Aberdeenshire Council March 2014 Service Points to best meet the needs of Customer Services Communities: Manager: Develop project in partnership with the Michelle Milne Braemar Community. See also Priority 6 2.7 (new) Support communities developing local Aberdeenshire Council March 2016 MARR learning opportunities: CLD Team Leader: COMMUNITY • Mid Deeside Ltd Karen Thomas • East Cairngorms Learning Centre. PLAN See also Priority 3 and 6 20103– 2016 19 Priority 3: Older People OUTCOME: Marr’s older residents will live independent, healthier lives for longer in a homely environment, in a community which respects and values them, with informal carers who receive support to continue to care.

INTRODUCTION

The MCPG aims to work with communities to ensure that older people remain in good mental and physical health, retaining social connections for longer and that carers are respected and supported.

OVERVIEW

Older people are a major asset to Marr’s communities. Their contribution of time, energy and enthusiasm enables communities to improve local facilities, progress tourism and economic development projects and run events for locals and visitors alike. This work greatly contributes to the sustainability of rural communities. However, as time goes on older people are likely to find themselves in the position of being carers either of parents or partners or both. This can have a major impact on their ability to interact with the community and can lead to social isolation. Individuals can do a lot to help themselves to remain independent for as long as possible into old age by eating healthily and keeping fit both mentally and physically. Pensioners currently make up 20.9% of the population but over the next 25 years the local population is expected to become increasingly elderly; a fitter and healthier elderly population will be able to continue to contribute to their communities and remain independent for longer.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

The AB54 Health and Wellbeing Network is looking at health inequalities in Huntly; this work targets all age groups. Walking to Health has developed many volunteer led walking groups across the area and many of those who take part are over 50. The NHS are working with Royal Volunteer Service on a transport and befriending service. There are a range of groups which exist in the Marr area that work with older people like VSA Carers Support Services and Kincardine and Deeside Befriending. Local groups of active and engaged older people include; Grampian 50+ Network, local Walk to Health groups, local Age Scotland networks, lunch clubs and Banchory Third Stage.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 20 EMERGING ISSUSES • Only around 10% of men and 30% of women are in the healthy weight range in their 50’s and 60’s not being in this range will impact on health as people get older. • There is dispersed rural deprivation and isolation across Aberdeenshire where access issues, lack of public transport, high dependency on cars and fuel poverty particularly affect the older population. • Ability to access to health promoting activities and health appointments, costs of and access to travel being a barrier. • Difficulty in finding care staff to support informal carers in Rural Marr. • The Westhill Men’s Shed is up and running, this could provide a model that could be adapted to work in Marr’s communities.

Actions 3.1 (new) Develop the Marr Older Peoples Marr Older People’s April 2014 Action group to look at issues and Action Group opportunities for: Housing and Social • independent older people, Work • independent supported older CLD worker: people Jean Henretty • dependant supported older people, • transitions between these stages • carers and develop an action plan.

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 20103– 2016 21 Priority 4: Economic Development

OUTCOME: The economic sustainability of communities in Marr will be enhanced.

INTRODUCTION

The MCPG aims to support communities to develop their economic potential by promoting business generation, supporting individuals to develop skills for the workplace, improving the visitor experience and raising the profile of individual communities through ‘placemaking’.

OVERVIEW

Marr’s economy revolves around tourism, the food and drink sector, forestry and agriculture. In addition to this many residents commute to work in the oil and gas sector in and around Aberdeen. Marr’s spectacular scenery, natural and national heritage and Royal connections make the area, particularly Deeside, a centre for tourism. There is the potential to increase rates of tourism and tourism spend, as well as spreading the benefits of tourism to some of the less frequently visited districts like Huntly and Upper Donside. Marr has very positive rates of employment, with unemployment rates of only 1.7 % across the area, in the Huntly area unemployment rates are higher at 2.5% and work is ongoing to improve this. Such high employment rates combined with a high cost of living can make recruitment challenging especially in lower wage sectors.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW ?

Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation and the Cairngorms National Park work to promote tourism activity but there is potential to improve partnership working between these organisations and local communities. There are numerous high profile visitor attractions in the area and a number of enhancement projects are currently in development eg. . There is a well developed path network in Marr, including the Deeside Way and communities have developed smaller projects including the Portsoy Road Footpath near Huntly and the Way cycle track. The Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust is a key partner in relation to path development in Marr and they are currently exploring the potential to extend the Gordon Way and are working with communities on potential path developments. Aberdeenshire Council has launched its placemaking project ‘Be Part of the Picture’, which encourages communities to consider the unique identity of their towns and villages and how this could be enhanced creatively. Huntly won a Creative Scotland Creative Place Award in 2013.

There are currently difficulties in relation to recruitment and retention of staff particularly in the care and nursing sectors. An Employability Hub is being developed in Huntly to work towards tackling inequalities in this area. MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 22 EMERGING ISSUES • There is the opportunity to expand existing, or develop new, tourism markets including environmental and cultural tourism, walking etc. • The impact of welfare reform on income and employment deprived residents of Marr is likely to be significant. Action Lead Partner Timescale 4.1 (new) To promote Marr as a visitor destination by: Aberdeenshire March 2014 • Supporting the work of the Royal Deeside Council, Economic Destination Management Organisation Development, Industry Support Executive (Tourism) 4.2 (new) Developing the tourism offer by improving: Aberdeenshire October 2014 • Kindrochit Castle Council, Team Leader (Environment 2015 • Kirkyard South): Brian Watt 4.3 (new) To work with the Banchory community and Aberdeenshire November artist partnership DUFI and Woodend Barn to Council 2013 redevelop Scott Skinner Square and develop a Community brand for the town. Phase 1: Run community Planning Officer: engagement project and develop agreed Hazel Mclaren designs and implementation plans. 4.4 (new) To encourage communities to increase the MCPG November visibility of their community in Marr, by Community 2014 promoting opportunities to get involved in ‘Be Planning Officer: Part of the Picture’ Hazel McLaren 4.5 (new) Support the development of Huntly Aberdeenshire March 2014 Employability Hub to tackle income and Council employment deprivation in and around Huntly Senior CLD Worker • Agree Vision and role Natalie Hutcheson • Develop Action Plan 4.6 (new) Run a 9 month woodlands and rural skills Aberdeenshire March 2014 training project based upon the 44 hectares Council of Council woodlands at Huntly and the core Environment paths network in the surrounding countryside Planner (South): MARR for 6 young unemployed people in partnership Steve Gray with Barnados and the Department of Work COMMUNITY and Pensions. PLAN 20103– 2016 23 Priority 5: A Healthy, Happy Population

OUTCOME: Marr’s population will be safe healthy and happy throughout life

INTRODUCTION

MCPG aims to support the communities and individuals in Marr to make choices that enable them to eat healthily, take part in physical activity and improve their sense of wellbeing. This will enable them to stay healthy and independent into old age.

OVERVIEW

Good physical health and positive mental health provide solid foundations for people enabling them to contribute positively to family and community life. MCPG is keen to support the local population of all ages to make healthy choices and contribute to their communities in order to maintain and improve their health, reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. All children deserve to get the best start in life; this outcome will include a focus on young people and the health of mothers.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

The AB54 Health and Wellbeing network focuses on tackling the health inequalities in the Huntly area, with projects that encourage healthy eating, physical activity and mental wellbeing. The partners have worked closely together to establish the Huntly Community Kitchen in the Linden Centre, to support the community based gardening and growing activity at Glamourhaugh Allotments. A Community Health Improvement Officer has been appointed to support the work of this group and to reach out to the rural areas around Alford and Huntly. The AB54 newsletter developed through Huntly Mental Health facilitates the dissemination of health messages to the wider community. Health focused partnership work with early years groups is ongoing across Marr. The Marr Health Improvement fund has contributed to community projects that enhance health and wellbeing. In addition to this, new community sports facilities are in development for Alford and Banchory, Tennis Courts in Huntly and Banchory are being refurbished and the Walks to Health are ongoing in many communities.

EMERGING ISSUES • Area based Getting it Right for Every Child Groups, a new structure for supporting young children in the community, are being established. • A variety of services provided in Aberdeen and Elgin are being transferred into Community Hospitals in Marr to provide services closer to home. • A variety of local groups and organisations are developing health and wellbeing projects in individual communities across Marr. MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 24 • The population in Marr will become increasingly elderly over time, with associated increases in the demand for health services. • Increasing obesity levels will have serious impacts on people’s health. • Possible impact of Welfare Reform on families and their ability to eat healthily and feed their children well on reduced budgets. Actions Lead Partner Timescale 5.1 (existing) Develop a variety of local treatment NHS Grampian March 2016 services in Community Hospitals in Marr Area Manager: Marr to provide services closer to Elizabeth Squires home 5.2 (new) Through the AB54 Network work AB54 Health and March 2016 to combat health inequalities by Wellbeing Network supporting local groups to develop Marr Area Public Health initiatives which target health and Coordinator: wellbeing issues Dawn Tuckwood 5.3 (new) Contribute to area Getting it Right NHS Grampian March 2016 for Every Child (GIRFEC) groups and Marr Area Public Health local Early Years Forums by supporting Coordinator: work on health and wellbeing Dawn Tuckwood 5.4 (existing) Deliver the new Alford Primary, Aberdeenshire Council August 2015 Academy and Community Campus Education Learning and including leisure facilities to improve Leisure, Education Officer access to high standard facilities for (Support Services South): sport and physical activity for Alford Hazel Hall and the surrounding area 5.5 (new) Develop the Hill O’Banchory Aberdeenshire Council 2016/7 Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre Education Learning and to provide new facilities for Banchory Leisure, Communities and and the surrounding area Partnership Manager: Avril Nicol 5.6 (new) Develop & implement HEAT actions, NHS Grampian 2016 through local groups & networks Marr Area Public Health which create healthy eating Coordinator: and physical activity initiatives, Dawn Tuckwood appropriate to local settings MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 20103– 2016 25 5.7 (new) Support developing initiatives which NHS Grampian 2016 raise the profile of the impact of Marr Area Public Health alcohol on individuals, families and Coordinator: communities across Marr & influence Dawn Tuckwood local alcohol licensing practices which impact on our rural communities 5.8 (existing) Work with partners to address Police Scotland 2016 community safety concerns. Marr Area Inspector: Inness Coull 5.9 (existing) Continue information sharing at a Police Scotland 2016 local level to ensure local Anti Social Marr Area Inspector: Behaviour trends are identified to Inness Coull enable intervention and reduce reoccurrence 5.10 (existing) Ensure vulnerable members of the Scottish Fire and Rescue 2016 community have access to services Service and support through referrals from Station Manager: Colin front line service providers e.g. Home Westwood Fire Safety Visits 5.11 (existing) To increase the numbers of affordable Aberdeenshire Council 2016 housing to meet identified need in Team Leader (Affordable Banchory, Huntly, Ballater and Alford. Housing) Elaine Reid See also Priority 6 5.12 (existing) Supporting the development and Aberdeenshire Council, 2014 maintenance of paths: Environment Planner (south) Alistair Fullwood Complete the Deeside Way and its companion website Team Leader Environment (South) Complete feasibility study on taking Brian Watt the Gordon Way from the Suie Hill to Rhynie

See also Priority 3 5.13 (existing) MARR Support the development of Cairngorm Outdoor Access 2014 community lead path initiatives. Trust COMMUNITY Murray Swapp PLAN See also Priority 3 2013 – 2016 26 Priority 6: Adapting to Change

OUTCOME: To support Marr’s communities, individuals and families to adapt to change by minimising their living costs and taking action to ensure their communities are sustainable in the long term.

INTRODUCTION

MCPG aims to work with communities to adapt to the changes facing them including; high inflation levels in rural areas, increases in fuel costs, environmental / weather impacts of Climate Change.

OVERVIEW

Research has shown that people who reside in rural areas, typically need to spend 10-20% more on everyday needs than their counterparts in urban areas. The cost of living in rural areas has increased by 7.7% in the past year; this is compared to the national average of just 4.3%. Reducing the cost of heating through insulation and the installation of renewable heating sources, development of sustainable local facilities, improvements in the availability of affordable housing, improved broadband to access virtual services, remote working and local food projects can all contribute to minimising the cost of living. Climate change will affect many aspects of society, environment and economy and therefore our day to day lives. It is already presenting challenges for Scotland’s distinctive biodiversity and habitats, our built environment and infrastructure and remote or coastal communities. Changes in climate over the coming decades will change life in Scotland significantly, Marr’s communities can prepare for this.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW?

A number of communities in Marr are developing their local halls into sustainable well insulated facilities for the long term benefit of the population. The AB54 Network is supporting people to develop growing skills in the Community Allotments and Tarland Community Garden is nearing completion and uptake of membership has been good. Climate Challenge Fund and Junior Climate Challenge Fund are accepting applications for community-led projects to tackle climate change, applications are applications are open for projects which will be completed before March 2016. The Green Deal has been launched to support individuals to install insulation and renewable heat sources in homes across the UK. HEEPS, the new Scottish Government initiative to tackle fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency in homes, was launched April 2013 to take over from previous schemes. The Cairngorm National Park Authority are working with partners ‘to ensure that businesses and communities in the National Park thrive and are sustainable’. Work on the Huntly Flood Protection Scheme is progressing and Huntly Development Trust (HDT) have developed a sustainability plan for the town. Aberdeenshire Council are working with partners on affordable housing and supporting owners to improve the quality of private housing. MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 20103– 2016 27 EMERGING ISSUES • Increasing cost of oil as demand in other parts of the world increases. • Continuing high levels of inflation in rural areas? • Impacts of climate change as weather patterns alter significantly over the next 80 years? Actions Lead Partner Timescale 6.1 (new) Support communities developing Aberdeenshire Council March 2014 sustainable village halls and other Marr Area Manager: facilities including: Les Allan • Glenbuchat Village Hall • Ballater Victoria and Albert Hall • Hall • Braemar Hall • Grampian Transport Museum • Braemar Castle • Alford Heritage Centre • Hall 6.2 (new) Huntly Development Trust will explore Huntly Development March 2014 opportunities to deliver actions from Trust the Huntly Sustainability Plan (HUSP). Development Officer: This will include identifying partners and Donald Boyd funding streams to enable one or more projects to happen 6.3 (new) Reduce the number of private sector Aberdeenshire Council March 2016 homes that are in disrepair and improve Housing and Social Work, the energy efficiency of homes, thereby Team Leader (Private reducing fuel costs. Sector): Mel Booth 6.4 (new) Support communities to develop local MCPG 2016 food projects Community Planning Officer: Hazel McLaren 6.5 (new) Meet as sub group of MCPG with MCPG March 2014 community representatives to discuss Community Planning local impacts of climate change, how Officer: this would be likely to impact on the Hazel McLaren MARR area and if work should be taken forward COMMUNITY on this theme PLAN Develop Action plan if decision to go forward is made 2013 – 2016 28 8 Glossary

Abbreviation Details

AVA Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action

CLD Community Learning and Development

CVS Council for Voluntary Services

GIRFEC Getting it Right for Every Child

HDT Huntly Development Trust

HEAT Health, Efficiency, Access, Treatment

HEEPS Scottish Government initiative to tackle fuel poverty and increase energy efficiency in homes

HUSP Huntly Sustainability Plan

MCPG Marr Community Planning Group

MDL Mid Deeside Limited

PESTELO Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legislative, Organisational

VSA Voluntary Service Aberdeen

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 20103– 2016 29 9 How Are We Doing?

Where possible, performance Indicators for the actions contained within the plan have been identified and progress will be measured against these on a six monthly basis.

This monitoring will take place using Aberdeenshire Council’s computerised monitoring system, a report will be taken from this and made publically available for download on the Marr pages at www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk.

Contact us: Aberdeenshire Council Marr Area Office School Road Alford Aberdeenshire AB33 8TY Tel: 019755 64801

Email: [email protected]

www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk

www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk

MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 30 MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 20103– 2016 31 MARR COMMUNITY PLAN 2013 – 2016 32 Produced by Aberdeenshire Council GDT21827 September 2013