Tarves Community Action Plan 2019

Home , Barthol Chapel, Craigdam, Fyvie, Fyvie Castle, Gight, Haddo House

TARVES COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2019

Location Community Action Plan

Fig 1. Map of Tarves Community Council Area

Tarves is a village, parish and Community Council area in the Formartine Area of Aberdeenshire in North-east Scotland, located approximately 18 miles NNW of Aberdeen. It is irregular in shape, about 11 miles across at its greatest extent east- west, and 6.5 miles north- south. It has an area of 16,310 acres.

The main settlement with a population of 953 (2016 est.) is Tarves, an extremely attractive village, focussed on its Square, the central feature of a 19th Century “designed village”. The older part of the village has been designated a “Conservation Area” by Gordon District Council in 1976. Other settlements in the area include Barthol Chapel, a small settlement grouped around its school and 1875 church, and Craigdam, which spreads along the road to Oldmeldrum but no longer retains its school, village hall, nor Scotland’s earliest established Seceder meeting house, dating from 1752.

Section 2. TARVES AND THE ABERDEENSHIRE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDP) 2017 A Local Development Plan (LDP) is map-based and concisely links Council Planning policies and proposals to locations. It is regularly updated. The current Aberdeenshire LDP was adopted in April 2017. The current LDP follows the Aberdeen City and Shire Strategic Development Plan 2014, in identifying two broad policy areas: a) Strategic Growth Areas, which will absorb 75% of the anticipated growth, follow the main transport routes out of Aberdeen: A90 to Peterhead; A96 to Huntly; and A90 to Laurencekirk;

Introduction Community Action Plan

b) Local growth and diversification areas where growth will be matched to local needs. This designation is further divided into a more accessible or pressured area adjacent to the city and a less accessible area further out. Because of the different development pressures in the latter two areas, local needs are viewed as requiring more restrictive or more encouraging planning policies respectively. In Formartine, the Turriff and Fyvie areas are located in the less accessible area; Tarves is located in the pressured area. Here, allocations to meet these pressures are often limited by their available infrastructure. Thus, Tarves, and many of these settlements, are designated for small-scale organic growth to meet their individual needs, for example, by sustaining the school roll, facilities or local employment. In addition to settlements, the LDP permits development in the countryside, if it: refurbishes or replaces an existing or disused building; is on a previously developed site now redundant; or is a dwelling house associated with the retirement succession of a viable farm holding.

Fig 2.1 Tarves LDP 2017 3

Tarves Community Action Plan

2,1 Settlement Statement: Tarves LDP 2017 For full details see: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/media/20615/appendix-8c-settlement-statements-formartine.pdf 2.1.1 Vision “Tarves has a distinctive character with the village square, arterial street pattern and traditional Victorian architecture all of which are key to the settlement’s sense of place. This has been recognised in its designation as a conservation area. Consequently, development in Tarves must be carefully managed to remain sympathetic to the historic village core. Tarves also provides services to the surrounding rural communities, including the primary school and shops. The planning objectives for the settlement are to meet the local need for homes in the Aberdeen housing market area, to meet local employment needs and to support local services. This will be achieved through

the existing allocations and through a new employment land allocation in the west of the village.” 2.1.2 Protected Land “Playing fields (P1); Cemetery (P2); Recreation Ground & School playground (P3); Bowling Green, Village Square and Recreation ground (P4) and the Open space at Mackie Avenue/Duthie Webster Road corner (P5). Tarves Conservation Area [shown in green] (CA).”

Allocated Sites OP1 The Grange: 100 homes (25 affordable), community facilities and 3 ha employment land. Masterplan approved 2015, Planning permission for 113 (28 affordable) homes refused 16/11/18; granted on appeal 27/8/2019 OP2 Braiklay Park: 10 homes (2 affordable) (18 houses (indicative) approved on appeal on 19/09/07). OP3 Land at Braiklay Croft: 1.3 ha employment land: (19 houses approved (including 3 affordable) with the Employment condition overthrown on 9/09/16).

2.1.3 Services and Infrastructure “Further conditions were specified relating to: Local transportation; Strategic drainage and water supply; Community facilities; Sports and recreation facilities; Health facilities; and Open space.” Section 2a. BARTHOL CHAPEL AND THE ABERDEENSHIRE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDP) 2017

Fig 2.2 Barthol Chapel LDP 2017 4

Tarves Community Action Plan

Vision “Barthol Chapel is a small rural community close to Oldmeldrum. The settlement is characterised with its woodland setting and prominent, raised Church and churchyard around which the settlement is clustered. Barthol Chapel is the location of the local primary school, but it has no other services. Due to its secluded location, there is little development pressure in Barthol Chapel and the key planning objective is to preserve the amenity of the settlement.” Settlement Features

Protected Land P1 To conserve the playing fields as a local amenity. P2 To conserve the Church, churchyard and landscape setting of the village. Services and Infrastructure “Further specified conditions related to Community facilities and Sports and recreation facilities.”

Section 3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 3.1. Tarves Place Standard Survey Tarves CC carried out an online survey during September 2016 to ascertain the needs and wishes of Tarves residents. Also, hard copies were available from the shop. It used the fourteen standard questions from Place Standard, a tool for evaluating the quality of a place, and Survey Monkey was used for collecting and analysing the data. Fig. 3.1. Tarves Survey: Ranking of General Questions (Score out of 7).

Tarves Topic Place Standard Question Score Rank

E. Community and Do I feel safe? 6.31 1 B. Quality of Do buildings, streets and public spaces create an attractive 5.69 2 environment place that is easy to get around?

E. Community and Does this place have a positive identity and do I feel I belong? 5.69 2

B. Quality of Are buildings and spaces well cared for? 5.65 4

B. Quality of Can I regularly experience good quality natural space? 5.44 5 E. Community and Do I feel able to participate in decisions and help change things 5.00 6 belonging for the better?

C. Facilities Do I have access to a range of space and opportunities for play 4.73 7 D. Planning and Does housing support the needs of the community & contribute 4..65 8 economy to a positive environment? C. Facilities Is there a range of spaces and opportunities to meet people? 4.38 9

A. Transportation Do traffic and parking arrangements allow people to move 4.28 10

C. Facilities Do facilities and amenities meet my needs? 4.12 11 D. Planning and Is there an active local economy and the opportunity to access 3.69 12 economy good quality work? C. Transportation Can I easily walk and cycle around using good quality routes? 3.47 13 C. Transportation Does public transport meet my needs? 3.21 14 5

Tarves Community Action Plan

Transport Easily walk & cycle Participate in decisions & Public transport Community & help change things for ... belonging Do I feel safe Traffic & parking

Positive identity - do I Buildings, streets & feel I belong public spaces make...

Building & spaces well Housing cared for Planning & Quality of Economy Active local economy & Good quality natural Environment access to good quality... space Space & opportunities to Space & opportunities for meet people play & recreation Facilities and amenities meet my needs Facilities

Fig. 3.2. The Place Standard compass diagram for Tarves

Fig 3.1. shows a high degree of satisfaction with both the Tarves community and its quality of life. The Place Standard method grades satisfaction from 1 (much room for improvement) to 7 (very little room for improvement). The question ‘Do I feel safe’ was ranked highest, six of the fourteen questions were graded above 5.0 and twelve of the fourteen questions were graded in the top half of the scale. Only two questions had a satisfaction rating below the half-way point, and both are related to Transportation.

3.2 Tarves Public Meeting on 3rd October 2016 Each of the Place Standard Questions had open-text boxes where responders could make comments, explain their rating of the Questions and highlight specific issues. These issues were reviewed, grouped together into five related “Tarves Topics” (see Fig. 3.3.) and presented on 3rd Oct 2016 at a public meeting. Each attendee was given an opportunity to add further issues, which they thought important and had been missed, and then to indicate which issues had their support or opposition. The results were collated and ranked (see Fig 3.3. below):

Tarves Community Action Plan

Fig. 3.3. Tarves Survey: Ranking of Issues at the Public Meeting on 3rd October 2016.

Tarves Topic ISSUE Rank

Cross country routes: Ellon, Inverurie, Meldrum for jobs, train A. Transportation 1 etc. A. Transportation Footpaths/cycle routes, particularly for Haddo and the Prop 2 A. Transportation Later bus from Aberdeen 3 A. Transportation Zebra crossing between school and hall 4 A. Transportation Electronic speed signs 5 A. Transportation Resolve parking issues at school/hall/pharmacy 6 A. Transportation Bus stop/route for Barthol Chapel 7 B.Quality of environment Prevent dog fouling outside school 1 B.Quality of environment Prevent dog fouling in playparks 2 B.Quality of environment Improve appearance/maintenance of poorly kept properties 3 B.Quality of environment Sort smelly drains in Square 4 C. Facilities Need reliable broadband 1 C. Facilities Need better facilities to meet informally - e.g. Cafe 2 C. Facilities Activity suggestion- film nights Melvin Hall 3 C. Facilities Would like return of GP surgery 4 Improve all-weather courts/Floodlit tennis/Activity sharing C. Facilities 4 noticeboards C. Facilities Would like food outlet/takeaway Opp D. Planning and economy Don’t' want more housing: more will spoil Tarves and at capacity Opp D. Planning and economy Need more starter/affordable housing 2 D. Planning and economy IF any more housing built - has to be affordable 3 D. Planning and economy Need public transport to opportunities - Ellon/Inverurie etc 4 D. Planning and economy Need more council/housing association rentals 5 E.Community & belonging Good community - friendly and inclusive 1 E. Community & belonging Involve more/new people with community activities 2 E. Community & belonging Wider demographic joining in - older persons/young people 3 Encourage involvement/community within and across E. Community & belonging 4 different areas E. Community & belonging Active community council which listens and seeks to help 5

There were also two issues which were strongly opposed and three where attitudes were contradictory.

Fig. 3.4. Tarves Survey: Opposition/Clashes to Issues from the Public Meeting 3rd Oct 2016

Tarves Topic Opposed and disputed issues Don’t' want more housing - more will spoil Tarves and D. Planning and economy Opposed at capacity C. Facilities Would like food outlet/takeaway Opposed E. Community & belonging Reduce cars parking picking up children from school Disputed A. Transportation Electronic speed signs Disputed E. Community & belonging Reduce/stop speeding traffic Disputed

Tarves Community Action Plan

A Survey of young people was carried out and a further Public Meeting was held on 27th June 2017 to report back, discuss the overall results and confirm the Key Actions that the Community Council proposed to take forward. This was finalised at a steering group meeting on 30th Sept 2017 (see Fig. 6.1. below) and presented to the community at a final Public Meeting on 18th September 2018. The meeting agreed, signed off on the priorities, with minor updates and an additional identification of need:- ...a safe walking/cycling route between Craigdam and Tarves. Section 4. THE FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN (FCP) 2016-2019 The Formartine Community Plan 2016-2019 brings together input from a range of public services, Community Planning Partners, Elected Members and regular interaction with local communities. It identified four key priorities for Formartine (Fig 4.1):

Fig. 4.1 FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN 2016-19: Table of Priorities

Priority 1: Stronger Empowered Communities 1.1. Communities are empowered and supported to develop and deliver a vision for their local area 1.2. Communities are well informed, involved in decision-making and take a responsibility in delivery of local actions and priorities.

Priority 2: Safer Communities 2.1. Fewer Formartine residents are injured or killed as a result of preventable accidents, particularly in relation to road collisions, accidental dwelling fires and deliberate and non-domestic fires. 2.2. Formartine communities experience fewer instances of antisocial behaviour and residents experience a better quality of life, particularly in relation to vandalism and perceptions of safety. 2.3. Greater awareness of individuals, families and the vulnerable within our communities to be safe from harm (cyber safe) while online. Priority 3: Tackling Inequalities 3.1. Reduction in inequalities in health outcomes between identified communities across Aberdeenshire. 3.2. Equality of access to early intervention and prevention creating healthier and active lifestyle choices, especially for older people and the vulnerable. 3.3. Individuals and families are enabled to make small changes that have long lasting positive impacts for themselves, their families and the community they live in. 3.4. Children living in families who are vulnerable are identified and offered early support. Priority 4: Transport and Connectivity 4.1. Demand responsive transport and supported bus network serving Formartine. 4.2. An improved transport provision to access healthcare and wellbeing activities to address challenges of inequality, social exclusion, rural isolation and vulnerability. 4.3. Greater opportunity to encourage sustainable travel in the area for 30% of people covering shorter distances, to either walk or cycle all or part of their journeys.

Tarves Community Action Plan

Section 5. TARVES ACTIONS: and their LINKS TO THE FORMARTINE COMMUNITY PLAN (FCP 2016-19) C. FACILITIES Superfast Broadband (included in both C. Facilities and D. Economy) FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 2.3; 3.3.

As the highest ranked issue, Tarves Community Council has taken this forward as an action, and continues to lobby Openreach, Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband, MP’s, and MSPs, for improved rural coverage.

Community Hub FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.2; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3. This issue ranked second and was an underlying reason for carrying out the survey. Tarves Community Council wished to show residents’ support for a Community Hub in the village and the establishment of Tarves Development Trust (TDT), a Social Enterprise that could acquire the lease of the old surgery for a community hub. On April 17th 2017, TDT working with an independent operator opened the Murly Tuck café within the building, since then it has been a popular asset for the community and a sustainable use for the building. On the 17th May 2019 Tarves Development Trust with financial assistance from The Scottish Land Fund became the owners of the Community Hub Building. The facility has sufficient capacity for the increase in residents anticipated to occupy the new homes planned prior to 2022, thereafter additional facilities at a site closer to the new housing, within the major development may be required. The Hut FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.2; 2.3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4. This was the highest issue in the young person’s survey. It improves community facilities, by increasing activities for young people and opportunities for intergenerational interaction. With grants from Aberdeenshire Council and the Rotary clubs of Ellon and Oldmeldrum, the Portacabin, which has served as the youth centre for the village since 1998, was recently clad with wood, improving its appearance and insulation, and making it considerably more comfortable to use. Future upgrades required include internally: new toilet and kitchen facilities, and externally: safer access and improved lighting. Melvin Hall FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.2; 3.2; 3.3. The Melvin Hall is the focal point for recreational, sport and social activities within the village. To meet the needs of today’s society and to accommodate an anticipated increase in demand from residents from the recently approved housing within the village perimeter further modifications/improvements/ upgrades will be needed including the entrance, main hall, stage, Queens and Carnegie Rooms. Community Storage Capacity is fully utilised and will have to be relocated elsewhere to allow increased utilisation of the hall. Community Asset Storage Facility / Community Volunteering: FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.2; 3.2; 3.3. An appropriately sized building and secure open storage is required within the village to accommodate village assets, equipment & materials and maintenance of equipment used to meet the continuing demand for upkeep of village and surrounding area amenities, including Christmas lights, the orchard, allotment, play areas, and paths. Currently the limited capacity outwith the Melvin Hall relies on the goodwill of a small number of residents. Village expansion will create additional community volunteering opportunities. Community Allotment FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.2; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3. The present community allotment is at capacity with demand outstripping availability. Additional land needs to be designated for use as an allotment. Youth Hall FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.2; 2.3; 3.2; 3.3; 3.4. This facility is used almost every day of the week by different organisations and age groups from the Toddlers group, to Fitness classes, to Indoor Bowlers. There is a need to develop the facility and the Church is leading a project to deliver this (http://www.tarveschurch.org/about-us/youth-hall-development/).It would be appropriate for the developers of new housing within the village to contribute to the cost of enhanced community facilities necessitated by the increase in the number of residents.

Tarves Community Action Plan

A. TRANSPORTATION

Connecting local communities- Footpaths and Cycleways

FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.1; 2.2; 3.1; 3.2; 3.3; 4.3. Footpaths appeared under several headings and together were 4th highest. The most popular suggestion was to improve signage and awareness of existing paths and routes around Tarves, followed by the creation of a safe walking and cycling route to Haddo Country Park, from Tree Road via Thornroan and the tarred Haddo estate road, thus providing safer access to the facilities available at Haddo Country Park and Haddo House (NTS). A safe walking/cycling route from the village should be established to the Prop of Ythsie, reinforcing Tarves Development Trust’s cycle hire scheme and providing opportunities to improve the health and wellbeing of the community. The need for a safe cycling/walking route between Craigdam and Tarves was included at the final Public Meeting. Maintenance of local core paths is of concern. Some maintenance is provided voluntarily by community members. For paths be used to their full potential improved drainage is required. Improving the Old Aberdeen Road core path (Tarves to Raitshill) and the Fisher Walk (Cairdseat Cottage to Pitmedden Garden (NTS) & Pitmedden) would create an easily accessible safe off-road route. Similar schemes would extend safe off-road connectivity from Pitmedden to the Formartine and Buchan Way (Pitmedden Paths Group), the newly completed path between Haddo, Methlick and Gight and first section of the proposed Ythan Trail from Forvie NNR, via Ellon, to Fyvie Castle (NTS) (Formartine Partnership).

Connecting local communities- Public Transport: Inverurie/Ellon tied into the Methlick/Aberdeen link FCP Priorities: 1.1; 3.1; 3.2; 4.1; 4.2. Key issues were 1) changing the bus timetables to Pitmedden to facilitate access to Pitmedden surgery, (raised under community), and 2) making easier frequent connections with the Inverurie-Oldmeldrum- Ellon bus route, to increase access to employment, services and leisure and recreation facilities. Evening connectivity via public transport to Inverurie, Oldmeldrum & Ellon is also required. Traffic & Parking: FCP Priorities: 1.1; 2.1; 2.2; 3.1; 3.3. Issues such as speeding on the B999 throughout the village; inconsiderate parking at the Square, the school and Melvin Hall, and concerns about safety in crossing the road were raised frequently. Conversely, many respondents didn’t see these as problems and there was no agreement about potential solutions such as a pedestrian crossing, traffic calming, flashing speed signs, yellow lines and enforcement. Taking into account the recently approved increase in housing numbers Aberdeenshire Roads Service and Police Scotland could be asked to review the issue and see if a satisfactory solution can be found. D. PLANNING AND ECONOMY

Housing: FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 2.2; 2.3; 3.2. There was disagreement about housing, with very strong opposition to more housing but support for small, affordable housing matching the character of the village. Opposition seems to be against extensive estates of expensive houses. Within Tarves, the lack of vacancies arising in council housing, means relatively few applications are made. However, there is strong hidden demand for council accommodation. E. COMMUNITY AND BELONGING A series of issues were raised under this heading such as: More activities at weekends/evenings – e.g. Film nights at Melvin Hall; better inclusion of new residents. Many others were included as part of other issues:- Community café; Improved broadband access in rural areas; Better access to the GP facility in Pitmedden; Improved signage/awareness of paths and routes; and Intergenerational integration. 10

Tarves Community Action Plan

SPECIFIC ISSUES INCLUDED:

Improve all-weather courts - expand/share for other activities: FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 2.2; 3.1; 3.2. The all-weather courts continue to be in need of improvement. Improve/modernise playparks - outdoor gym FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 2.2; 3.1; 3.2; 3.4. There may be existing Developer Obligation funds available to assist. Participation FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3. Encourage participation through self-selecting areas of interest within the activities of Tarves Community Council; increased membership of Tarves Development Trust; and Community Volunteering e.g. with the Amenities Group or the Tarves Heritage Project. Employment FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2. Superfast Broadband for home working; start-up premises.

BARTHOL CHAPEL Barthol Chapel is an extended community of approximately 20 dwellings in the centre with over 30 in the surrounding parish. It is a distinct part of the Tarves community area, set in rolling open countryside. It nestles around a crossroads, where the local primary school and attractive Church and churchyard are situated. It has no other community facilities or employment opportunities.

1.1 The priorities for Barthol Chapel are similar to Tarves, with a heightened emphasis on: A. TRANSPORTATION: Traffic and Moving around FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 3.3. Road quality, width and safety are a significant concern i.e. the lack of pavements from the school to the church, particularly for the children. Again, specific traffic measures (e.g. speed bumps, additional signage, 20 mph school speed zone) have been suggested but not been agreed on. Public Transport FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3; 3.3; 4.1; 4.2; 4.3. With no bus service, the community is highly car-reliant: access to Community Transport to be explored. D. PLANNING AND ECONOMY Housing: FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 2.2; 2.3; 3.2. The school has available capacity therefore any development in the village should support the school and be kept to small scale, with designs in keeping with existing housing. C. FACILITIES FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 2.3; 3.3. Fixed line broadband signal is currently poor. Affordable, fast broadband is a key high priority. “Parts of the school’s structure require significant investment e.g. the roof”

Participation FCP Priorities: 1.1; 1.2; 1.3. Encourage participation through self-selecting areas of interest within Barthol Chapel Community Association, Tarves Community Council and membership of Tarves Development Trust.

Tarves Community Action Plan

Section 6. TARVES AND BARTHOL CHAPEL COMMUNITY ACTION PLANS

Fig. 6.1. TARVES: Table of Actions

PROJECT ACTION TIMING Partners Upgrade Broad- Watching Brief of Scottish FACILITIES Medium TCC; SG; AC; band Coverage Govt & AC schemes Community Constitute Tarves Develop- Completed TDT HUB/Café ment Trust Ltd Opened TDT Open Community Hub & 17/04/17 Appoint Murly Tuck Cafe

Operator. Transfer Hub to TDT Community Ownership. Q2 2019 The Hut Wooden cladding Completed CLD; TCC Further upgrades Medium CLD; TCC The Melvin Hall Upgrade facilities Medium/ Management Long C’ttee; TCC; TDT

Community As- Medium / TCC; TDT; Tarves set Storage Facil- Purchase or build facility Long Amenities ity TCC; TDT Heritage Immedi- Community Vol- More volunteers to village Amenities ate / unteers groups Bonfire Christmas Medium Lights. TCC;TDT; Community Al- Medium / Secure additional ground Allotment users; lotment Long Residents Reconfigure interior and Medium Youth Hall- rejig Church exterior facilities /Long

Improve signage and TCC; AC; Paths TRANSPORTATION Paths and routes Quick awareness: maps, leaflet Group around Tarves Safe cycling and TCC; Paths group, Connecting Local Upgrade surface/re-route Medium / walking routes to AC Env Planning; Communities: along the Tree Road Long Haddo, TDT Safe cycling and Paths group; AC Footpaths & Cy- Short/ Me- walking route Plan in Place Env Planning; cleways dium Prop of Ythsie Heritage Walking/cycling Repair Surface, including Medium / TCC; UCC; AC Env route to Pitmed- drainage on Old Aberdeen Long Planning; den Road core path Negotiate with Stagecoach Initiate TCC; Stagecoach; Public Transport Inverurie/ Ellon to tie in with the Methlick/ quickly ACTransportation

Tarves Community Action Plan

PROJECT ACTION TIMING Partners

Speeding, Ask AC Roads and Police TCC; AC Roads Inconsiderate Initiate Traffic & Parking Scotland to review Traffic Services; Police parking, Pedestrian quickly issues. Scotland crossing

Build appropriate number PLANNING & of affordable homes and/ Medium / TCC; AC Planning; Housing ECONOMY or council/housing Long and AC Housing association rental homes Re-lay surface Improve all- Completed COMMUNITY & weather courts Q2 2019 TCC; AC Education BELONGING and expand for Reinstate / Upgrade Urgent Maintenance other activities Lighting TCC; TDT: AC Playparks - out- Improve, modernise, Medium Landscape door gym upgrade /Long Services

Fig. 6.2. BARTHOL CHAPEL: Table of Actions

TRANSPORTATION Connecting Local Safe route to Construct pavements Long BCCA; TCC; AC; Communities: church and school Community Negotiate with CT Initiate BCCA; TCC; AC Public Transport Transport Providers quickly Transportation Ask AC Roads and Police BCCA; TCC; AC Traffic safety Initiate Traffic & Parking Scotland to review Traffic Roads Services measures quickly issues Police Scotland

PLANNING & ECONO- Consult AC Planning and BCCA; TCC; Housing New LDP MY Housing AC Planning; AC

Improve School Consult AC Education & Initiate BCCA; AC C. FACILITIES maintenance Property quickly Education

Make wind and water Immediate Church tight. Review option to Medium turn Church to dual use, with a Community Hub. /long Church Church; BCCA Set up Community Cafe Actioned

Affordable, fast Watching Brief of Initiate TCC; BCCA; SG;

Broadband Scottish Govt. and AC quickly AC

Community Action Plan

1.2. Historical Development i). Prehistory A wide range of prehistoric artefacts have been discovered including a hoard of Bronze Age weapons from between 1000-850 BC. There are few prehistoric monuments. Only two stone circles are recognised: South Ythsie diameter 8m, composed of ‘six upright stones graded in height from the south -west’ and Shethin, diameter 5m, which is ‘the remains of a cairn’ surviving ‘as a ring of approximately twelve stones.’

ii). More recent history A church is thought to have been founded in Tarves about AD 600 by the Irish monk St Murdebar. In 1176 King William I of Scotland granted the parish of Tarves to support his newly founded abbey at Arbroath.

In later centuries Tarves was heavily influenced by the area’s two important landowners, the Forbes of Tolquhon Castle, and, especially, the Gordons of Haddo House, who became Earls, then Marquises, of Aberdeen. Haddo House is actually in neighbouring Methlick Parish, but the Gordon’s influence on the development of Tarves has been substantial. Tolquhon Castle is a ruined historic monument and a visitor attraction in the care of Historic Environment Scotland. The earliest part, Preston's Tower, dates from early 15th century. But the majority of the existing ruins were built between 1584 and 1589 by Sir William Forbes, the 7th Laird. It was more palace than castle, designed for show rather than defence. The Tolquhon tomb, protected by Historic Environment Scotland, was erected in 1589 to commemorate Sir William and his wife Elizabeth Gordon. Part of an aisle of the long demolished medieval kirk, it now stands at the edge of the churchyard. The 10th Laird, Sir Alexander Forbes, invested in the ill-fated Darien Scheme. By 1716, Tolquhon had to be sold and the 11th laird, Sir William Forbes forcibly evicted in 1718 by a troop of soldiers. It was later purchased by the 2nd Earl of Aberdeen as a farm house, and in the early nineteenth century allowed to drift into ruin.

Haddo Estate The Haddo Estate is an outstanding example of an 18th-century and mid-19th-century Designed Landscape created by William Adam (1689-1748), George Hamilton-Gordon, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, (1784-1860) and the artist, James Giles (1801-1870). The Designed Landscape with its extensive parks and woodland canopy, its lakes, its long, wide, avenues and the prominence of its estate buildings and ornamental features, is of major scenic significance in the local landscape. It extends into both Methlick and Tarves Parishes.

The Prop of Ythsie was erected by public subscription in 1861 as a memorial to the reforming 4th Earl of Aberdeen, by his grateful tenants. It is a striking square tower resembling a rook on a chessboard, and widely visible.

Community Action Plan

Haddo: Designed Landscape iii). Landscape History: Agricultural Improvements The descriptions in the Statistical Accounts of Scotland, the Old (OSA 1793) and New (NSA 1842) describe the life and appearance of the parish and the changes over the intervening period, brought about by the agricultural improving movement. Tarves village was altered massively. The original village, small and focussed around Kirk Lane to the north of the church, became a much larger "planned village" funded by the Gordons, including the creation of the Square which today remains the centre of the village. The church, described in the OSA as ‘very old and ruinous’, was replaced in 1798. In 1825 the new Toll Road to Aberdeen was completed. In 1842 there were schools in the three villages, Tarves, Craigdam and Barthol Chapel. iv). Modern Times Much of the centre of Tarves village has become a Conservation Area. The old school has become Tarves Heritage Centre. The village has expanded greatly with housing developments to the south and southeast in the 1970s and 1980s and later towards the west.

In 1978 Haddo House, its contents and the immediate policies were transferred to the National Trust for Scotland, and Haddo Country Park, some 240 acres of woodland, grassland and water, part of the Designed Landscape was transferred to the Council. The wider Haddo Estate remains in the ownership of the Gordon family. Strong emphasis is placed on retaining the historic structure of the Designed Landscape, and improving the habitat and amenity value of the grounds.

In 1987, the whole Estate, 3,168 acres, was designated in the Inventory of Scottish Gardens and Designed Landscapes. In 2011, the Heritage Lottery Fund granted £1.1 million towards a phased Regeneration Project in the Country Park. The total project cost is around £1.9 million. The project has two main strands: the restoration of the physical elements of the Park, and enhancing the overall visitor/user experience. 15

Community Action Plan

A corner of Tarves Square

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