THE SOUTH DEESIDE VIEW

March 2008

Welcome to the Spring issue

CONTENTS Thanks to the many folk who have let us know what is going on in their club, sport, primary school, local hall, church etc. 1 Plant Sale There are so many leisure activities in our rural area, but are there others we have not included? If so, please let the editors 2 Youth activities know. 3 Scouts Corbie Hall We now produce 800 copies of each issue in Spring and Autumn. These are delivered by Community Council 4 Schools members and their families, to households throughout 5 Hall Banchory-Devenick, Blairs, , Cookney and Netherley. We liaise with, but are independent from the Home deliveries Community Council (NKRCC). 6 Clubs and societies 7 Leisure activities All phone numbers are listed (01224) unless otherwise indicated. The back page, with its Events Diary and Blairs Museum list of useful contacts is arranged for handy reference. Other 8 Tollohill Wood contact information is at the end of each section. 9 “ “ Funds for printing (our only costs) come partly from local 10 Maryculter-Cookney Church advertisers, which we greatly appreciate. The annual Plant K and D Befriending Sale is our other source of income, and this year will be on a Saturday, with a Coffee Morning at the same time (see advert 11 St Ternan’s Church below). We hope to see you there. St Mary’s Chapel

SSPCA 12 Grampian Police PLANT SALE 13 Driving for the disabled and 14 Red squirrels COFFEE MORNING

15 Local councillors Saturday May 17 16 Sir Robert Smith MP from 10.30 till noon Corbie Hall, Maryculter 17 Community Council 18 “ “ We are holding a sale of garden plants: herbaceous, rockery, herbs, salad vegetables, annuals, bushes etc. all grown by 19 Road Sense local amateur gardeners. Hall booking contacts 20 Handy contacts Coffee and tasty bites will be available at the same time.

Events calendar Please let us know if you can offer any plants, biscuits or baking, or if you are able to assist in any way. All contributions will be welcome, as will help at the sale, and of

course lots of buyers!

Contact Rob Winmill about plants Tel: 01569 730308 Contact Sylvia Pike about coffee morning Tel: 733821

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Maryculter Babies and Toddlers Girls between 10 and 14 from Netherley, Cookney, Banchory-Devenick or anywhere within reach of We meet in Maryculter Church Hall, Kirkton of Maryculter, are welcome to come any week. Maryculter on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 Dianne Brown, Guider Tel: 734687 or 0780 154 2154 during term time. It’s a great chance for mums, or E-mail: [email protected] grandmas, dads or any other carers to meet for a coffee and a chat. The children benefit by getting to know others with whom they will start school later on. We Maryculter Rangers welcome anyone with children from birth to 2 1/2 from Last term saw the launch of the New Senior Section Maryculter, Netherley, Banchory-Devenick and the Programme and the introduction of the CD ROM that surrounding areas. accompanies it. The CD has all the information a girl Emma Twite-Davis Tel: 868242 could need including the updated Look Wider programme, the new Young Leader Qualification and a Maryculter Playgroup host of other challenges to participate in. Each Ranger has her own copy of the CD so there should be no This runs on weekday mornings from 9:30 to 12 during stopping them! term time in Corbie Hall next to the Old Mill Inn. With some of our group heading off to university come Children are welcome from ages 2 1/2 to 5 years and the summer, we would love to recruit some new members and to this end we are holding an Open funded places are available from age 3. The Playgroup is th run in accordance with the pre-school 3-5 curriculum. Evening on Monday 14 April at the Scout/Guide Hut in Kirkton of Maryculter from 7.30 – 9.30pm. There are a few vacancies for children who will be 2 1/2 If you are approaching 14yrs, are under 26, and would after the summer holidays. We hope to run a ceilidh in like to find out what Rangers can do for you on alternate June, time and date to be confirmed soon. Monday evenings, come along for a fun- filled night with lots of chocolate, chat, games and more chocolate For any other information please contact the Playgroup – we look forward to meeting you. direct on Tel: 07765 525317 Tel: Jackie on 01224 869668, Elaine on 01569 730374 or E-mail: [email protected]

Maryculter Brownies Maryculter Rainbows We continue to meet at the Scout Hut on Thursday We would really like to re-start this group for 5-7 year evenings from 6.30 to 8pm. We have recently old girls, but need some volunteers. If a few mums, participated in a postcard swap in which we have heard aunties or grannies came forward, we could work out a from other Brownies in all sorts of exotic places around rota as the Cubs have done. the world. In the coming weeks we have a variety of escapades planned, including two themed sleepovers and Please contact Lynn Murphy, District Commissioner an Easter Egg Hunt. In September we will have Tel:01330 811500 , E-mail: [email protected] vacancies so if you are interested and aged 7 – 10 years please contact one of us. Elaine Davies: Tel: 01569 730374 Beavers or Lynn Murphy: Tel: 01330 825936 Now that Spring is here, Maryculter Guides the Beavers are getting active outdoors again after The 1st Maryculter Guides are a thriving and friendly a winter indoors! We are group, with two Guiders, one helper and now three looking forward to the light evenings and better young leaders. Five new Guides are about to enrol, weather. A trip to Altens Fire Station in March should joining in the fun of weekly meetings during school be fun! Let’s hope they don't all get hosed down! terms on Tuesdays between 7.30 and 9pm. Peter Cowan, a Scout doing his Duke of Edinburgh Each patrol recently produced an impressive powerpoint service, is helping meantime with other leaders Sally display featuring different countries, demonstrating their McAllan, Linda Hoyle and Kathleen Paterson. We try mastery of computing. They produced meals from each to provide the Beavers with a mixed programme of country as well, to round off a memorable evening. crafts, fun and games. Beavers are for boys between 6 and 8 years old and meet in Maryculter Scout Hall on Once the evenings are lighter, they look forward to Tuesdays from 5.30 to 7 pm. outdoor cookouts, tracking in the woods as well as Anyone wishing to join should contact competitions and games in the Glebe field. A long Kathleen Paterson , Beaver Leader Tel: 868676 weekend at camp is keenly anticipated. 2

YOUTH ACTIVITIES cont. Corbie Park and Community Hall, Maryculter

1st Maryculter Cub Scouts Hooray! The Changing Rooms are built!

The committee is delighted to announce the completion Plans to relaunch the Maryculter Cubs after it lay of the new changing rooms at Corbie Park. This will dormant for more than a decade were made over the release the hall for other activities when the field is in summer and the Pack held its first meeting after the use. It will also allow a wider range of sports and October break. Fifteen cubs have enrolled and were participants to use the field, and provide them with invested collectively by the Group Scout Leader on 17 secure changing facilities and showers. The changing December. They have already enjoyed a mixed rooms will be opened officially on 26th April, when we programme of activities, including map and compass hope you will come along - see below. work, knotting, fitness, and basic science, as well as the traditional Cub Scout games and ceremonies. A Over the winter we had an infestation of moles. They particular highlight was a tour of Police have now been eradicated - we hope - but they continue Station in December. Future plans include a first night to be in neighbouring fields and may return. However away for the pack at Muir Hut in Inverey during the they have created considerable damage to the surface of Easter break. the playing field which may mean a partial re-levelling The Pack is led on a rota basis by a team of four parents, and re-seeding after the football season. and we are keen to recruit more leaders to ensure it remains sustainable, and to help us to balance the There will be a 'volunteer' morning on 5th April to organisation of Cubs with our work commitments. 'spruce up' and 'spring clean' before our Open Day. For more information contact Dave Burslem Tel: Anyone with a bit of DIY skill and willing to help 732819, Bill Caffyn Tel: 734080, Dave Kirk Tel: inside and out should contact Les. Tel: 868676 869006 or Chris Grinyer Tel: 732324.

The Hall continues to be well used but there is still

plenty of scope for evening and weekend bookings for 1st Maryculter Scouts children's parties, games nights, beetle drives, whists etc. We have access to table-tennis tables, pool tables Like the Beavers, the Scouts are looking forward to the and table football if any group wished to organise a Spring, with a trip to Orkney being planned for Summer games night. camp this year. Some of our hardier Scouts are undertaking the Zodiac award which requires them to Carol Masson, booking secretary Tel: 733583 sleep out each month of the year - whatever the weather. February saw us up at Ballater Bothy for a weekend. It was minus 8 degrees - no electricity - no running water - no problem for our guys!! GRAND OPENING of the Maryculter Scouts seem to come from a wide area these NEW CHANGING ROOMS days - from Aberdeen to Stonehaven. We look forward CORBIE PARK, MARYCULTER to welcoming our own Cubs into the Troop soon. If any Saturday April 26 guys in the neighbourhood between 10 and 13 want to join our Friday evening meetings, they should contact At 2 pm Robert Smith MP will officially open Les Paterson, Scout Leader Tel: 868676 the new changing rooms and there will be a or E-mail: [email protected] range of activities on the park throughout the afternoon including a schools football match, ladies football match, lacrosse and a Junior Brazilians football skills demonstration.

The WRI will be serving tea, coffee and home Friends of Guiding - Daffodil Tea bakes in the hall and the Scouts will have a stall outside with juice and crisps. Saturday May 24 from 2 - 4pm Corbie Hall, Maryculter So please come along and join the fun.

Join us for home baking, teas, raffle and a variety of stalls Maryculter Community (Corbie) Hall Cleaner required for two hours each fortnight, timing flexible when the hall is not in use. Please contact Jill. Tel: 739235

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PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Banchory-Devenick May has joined Mrs Gray, Mrs Duguid and Mrs McLaren in the school kitchen as Catering Assistant. Banchory-Devenick School has given We said goodbye to Mrs Foubister, our French me a very warm welcome as their new specialist recently. Head Teacher. I took up my post on the 3rd March having previously worked as Congratulations to the winners of our Scots Poetry a Head Teacher for Scottish Border Council. Competition. All pupils from P1-7 recited poems and Mrs Joyce Murison and Ms Carol Anderson had the I would like to congratulate all the children for taking hard task of selecting 3 winners from each class. We part in the Burns Competition. It was obvious that a lot were so impressed by all the children as well as those of hard work had gone into learning the poems. Our who recited their poems to the whole school as part of winners this year were Anna Stephen P1, Joshua Wood our Robert Burns Day celebrations. Our P6-7 winners P2, Ewan Robertson P3, Samantha Fraser P4, Finlay now have the opportunity to compete in the North of Van Der Vossen P5, Will Britten P6 and Kristofer Primary Schools Festival in Aberdeen in Milne P7. Rachel Ellis, Craig Grant and Sarah Garden March. received a commended certificate for good effort. Continuing our Scottish theme, pupils in P6-7 recently March is proving to be a busy month at Banchory- completed a homework task on Robert Burns, which Devenick with Parent Consultations being held on the involved carrying out research on his life and then 12th and 13th March. Children and Staff will celebrate presenting their work. Three projects have been selected World Book Day in style by dressing up as their to go forward to the Robert Burns World Federation favourite character from a book on Thursday 6th March. Competition, which aims at encouraging individual research, by pupils. Children from Primary 6 and 7 have now completed their Positive Playtimes training. On a Thursday at Mrs Braidwood and the Pupil Council are to be lunchtime they organise games and activities for the congratulated on organising a most successful other children in the playground for example skipping ‘Suitcases on Sale’ afternoon which created great rhymes. They will be giving out stickers and handing excitement! The children not only raised lots of money out awards at assembly. Mrs Jones and Mrs Rothnie to buy equipment for the school’s adopted crew member have regular meetings to help the pupils plan and from the Maritime Institute in Stonehaven, they also support them. practised their maths skills by using money in a real life context. Just over £230 was raised on the day. Our Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils are looking forward to their trip to PGL Dalguise in May where they will get The children on the Eco School Committee are busy the opportunity to try various activities including organising competitions for the whole school in an fencing, kayaking etc. This is a combined trip with the effort to raise awareness of their action plan. pupils from Lairhillock School. Pupils in Mrs Kirk’s class have been learning all about The weather so far has been considerably mild and what it was like to be a child in the 1930s and 1940s. pupils and staff are hoping the sunshine will hold for the They thoroughly enjoyed finding out about the various Easter Holiday, which begins on the 20th March. items brought into class by Mrs Dreelan, especially the Joyce Hill, Head Teacher warming pan! The children also had fun listening to Mr Bruce talking about wash day and he also brought household items such as a mangle for them to look at.

Lairhillock Children in Mrs Henderson and Mrs Youngson’s class have visited Blairs Museum and Chapel to find out Our official opening ceremony was more about the Catholic religion. They were also able to on 12 March 2008 when a small see the original ‘Mary Queen of Scots Memorial group of invited guests were shown Painting’ and other priceless exhibits. around the school before a plaque was unveiled by Provost William Howatson. Various activities have been planned as part of National Science and Engineering Week. Primary 4-7 are Following Mrs Anstock’s retirement, we are delighted undergoing first aid training from a tutor from Banff that Mrs Lorna Walker has been appointed as School and Buchan College. Cycle Training led by Sandra Administrator. The post of Clerical Assistant / McKechnie is planned for the summer term. Receptionist is currently being advertised. Ms Rachel Marian Youngson, Head Teacher

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Primary Schools Football HOME DELIVERIES

Corbie Park is still the venue for the most furious and Milk and local papers fashionable footballing activity in the area. The new orange juice, eggs, potatoes and more….. grass sown at Lairhillock School is a special bonzai Alan Masson Tel: 07770 332969 variety which is taking a long time to grow, which [email protected] means that we have still been using Corbie Park as our home pitch. The highlights of the season so far for the Fruit and Vegetables Lairhillock team have been winning the indoor 5-aside The organic farm shop at Lorienen, Bridge of competition in December, and then getting presented is open on Wednesdays from 12.30 to 6pm and on with a new kit in February. Many thanks to Donald Law Saturdays from 9.30 to 5pm and the Lairhillock Inn for providing that. If there was a Paul van Midden Tel /Fax: 01569 731746 / 739137 trophy for the smartest team in South Deeside, we would surely win it. Neil Gammie, Fernieflatt Farm, delivers Stephen Davies vegetables, eggs (and fruit in season) on Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders must be in the day before delivery. Friends of Cookney Hall Tel: 01569 750374 or 07790 558880 E-mail: [email protected] The Friends of Cookney Hall continue to be kept busy with trying to raise funds to upgrade the Hall and the Fish facilities it can offer to the local community. George Fairweather delivers west of the B979 road on Thursday mornings and east of the road on Friday In November 2007, we held a ceilidh, which was well mornings. Tel: 07974 311326 attended and raised in excess of £750. On Saturday 19 January we had a Burns night, to celebrate one of Coal Scotland's most famous and talented sons, which raised J.H. Roberts from can deliver orders in our in excess of £1600. However, the total cost of area on Monday mornings. Tel: 01561 320335 renovating and upgrading the Hall will be very substantial and dwarfs the figures raised so far.

However, the next planned event is another ceilidh on Saturday 26 April 2008. Tickets are £7 and £5, so book now to avoid disappointment by phoning: NEPTUNE ROSS DEEPTECH Joyce Murison, Tel: 01569 731236

We are also looking at organising a Race Night in October and a St Andrew's Night ceilidh in late SUBSEA AND ENERGY ENGINEERING November 2008, both to be held at the Hall. Watch this Stonehaven, and Orkney space... From our extensive workshop and office facilities at We are currently pursuing a number of grants from a variety of companies including the National Lottery, but Stonehaven and Fordoun, we manufacture to client if you are aware of any organisation that we might be specification and provide support for Subsea and able to apply to for grants, we'd be only too pleased to Offshore Production, Drilling, Diving, Construction, hear from you. No matter that it may be an organisation we're already dealing with or have dealt with in the past, Intervention, Alternative Energy Systems and it's better that we hear about a company from several Environmental Projects. people rather than miss a potential godsend. We also support traditional industries and offer

Likewise, if you feel you have a little time to spare to Design and Manufacture, Fabrication, Welding and get involved in our project, please feel free to get in Machining, Assembly and Test, Field Work, Onshore, touch with me for further details. Offshore, UK and Overseas. We can provide Bob McKinney, Correspondence Secretary, Tel: 01569 730706 E-mail: [email protected] assistance with all manufacturing, welding, quality and project management requirements.

Congratulations Tel : 01569 767888 Fax : 01569 766990 Geordie Murison from Netherley was crowned Bothy Ballad Champion of Champions in Elgin recently. His Web : www.rossdeeptech.com rendering of the ballad ‘Auld Jock Bruce O’ The E-mail: [email protected] Fornet’ was judged ahead of strong opposition and he was presented with the Macallan brose bowl.

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CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

Maryculter WRI Meetings are at 7.30pm on the second Dog Clubs Wednesday of each month in the Corbie Hall, Maryculter between Ardoe Hall is up for sale, but until August and May. We look forward to then two clubs continue to meet there monthly competitions, a variety of at 7.30pm. speakers and a Bring and Buy sale. Tuesday The Bon Accord Kennel Club New members will be very welcome. Tel: Susan Stewart, 01330 860569 Secretary, Sheila Bissett Tel: 01569 731708 Thursday Training for Showing Group Tel: Betty Munro, 632856 Netherley WRI We meet in the Lairhillock School on the third Monday There is also a Dog Training School in Cookney Hall on of each month at 7.30pm. New members welcome. Wednesday evenings Tel: Yvonne Reid, 865249 Secretary, Margaret Carmichael Tel: 01569 764330

Friendship Club Scottish Accordion and Fiddle Evenings We’ve had a most successful winter session with several interesting speakers and safety advice from the police. Up to 40 musicians meet in Durris Hall at 7.15pm on Our last indoor meeting of the season will be a the second Sunday evening of the month, and the 160 fundraising whist drive on April 18 in the Corbie Hall. seat hall is usually full. If you play the box or fiddle, The summer programme of bus outings is taking shape bring along your own instrument and they will supply with plans to visit several new venues, on the first music for the sets chosen for the evening. Those who Thursday of each month between May and September. play other instruments should phone ahead to check Anyone of pensionable age who wishes to join this whether they can be fitted in. Visitors are made very happy bunch will be most welcome. welcome, but should arrive in good time to ensure a seat Contacts: Anne, Tel: 732071 and Peggy, Tel: 734888 at these popular sessions. Jim Smith Tel: 01330 824831 Cookney Bowling Club

The club meets in Cookney Hall twice a week at 7.30pm to enjoy games of carpet bowls. Monday is Lethen Archers competition evening while Thursday is a ‘hat night’. The season finishes at the end of April, starting again in This archery club holds mid September. New members are always welcome sessions in Academy President: Arthur Durward Tel: 01569 730164 every Wednesday between 8 – 9.30pm and on Saturdays from 2 – 5pm. All equipment is

provided and at least one Kupso Martial Arts National Archery Association coach is in attendance. Classes for primary-age children are held from 4.30- Children aged 8 and over can join, but must be 5.30pm on Wednesdays in Lairhillock School. accompanied by an adult. £3.75 per session but one trial lesson free. Secretary, Bill Gilchrist Tel: 782144 Emma Lester-Smith, Tel: 0776 125 7965 www.lethenarchers.co.uk www.kupso.com

Glendale Football Club Aberdeen Aeromodellers Club The team is doing well in Division 1 East of the

Amateur League, and we are in the latter stages of a The club owns a 6.5 acre grass flying field at Hare number of cup competitions (at the time of reporting - Moss, Banchory-Devenick and is permitted to fly from March 7). We play at the Corbie Park on Saturdays 9am to 7pm on weekdays, and 10am to 7pm at with training evenings on Tuesdays at Blairs. Any lads weekends. The midweek fliers get together on Monday, aged seventeen or over hoping to join us, just phone: Wednesday and Friday mornings. Jim Grant Tel: 867512 Visitors are always welcome, but please contact a

member on arrival and ask for an explanation of site Brig O’Dee Football Club safety procedures. The team play at Corbie Park on alternate Sundays. Secretary, Stuart Bale E-mail:[email protected] Colin Smith Tel: 878076 plus comprehensive website: www.aamfc.org

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LEISURE ACTIVITIES BLAIRS MUSEUM A GEM ON OUR DOORSTEP

Blairs College is in the news at the moment, with proposed re-development plans signalling a potential Our nearest National Trust castle and garden re-open transformation of the former Catholic seminary. daily (except Tuesdays and Fridays) on Friday March However, while it’s largely business as usual at Blairs 22 from 12.30-5pm, lengthening to 11am –5pm daily in Museum, there’s plenty to be excited about there too. July and August. The grounds and woodland walks are Changes are afoot; all of them concerned with making open all year from 9.30am until sunset. its many treasures more accessible to the general public. There are special events most weekends, including:- Since opening its doors in May 2000, the museum has March 23 Easter Funday proudly displayed an internationally renowned array of fine and decorative art, including embroidered April 6 Falconry th April 27 Plant sales and advice vestments dating from 15 century and fabulous gold May 4 May Day celebrations and silver sacred vessels. May 11 Scotland’s Garden Scheme Day June 14/15 Medieval Moments Manager, Mandy Murray, who came to Blairs from the June 17 Outdoor performance of ‘The Merry Wives National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, is busy of Windsor’, when you can come along compiling an exciting programme of events for the new with your picnic hamper for 6.30pm season. It all kicks off with an early season opening on July 8 Romantic Rose Day. Easter Sunday. Add to that plans for onsite art August 3 Country Skills workshops, a summer concert and the commissioning of Tel: 10330 811204 www.nts.org.uk replica costumes for a hands-on historical experience; these are exciting times indeed.

The museum is open at weekends from April to Storybook Glen October, from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays and holiday

Mondays, and from noon to 5pm on Sundays. Visitors With over 100 nursery rhyme and fairytale characters in are always welcome throughout the year by booking 28 acres of rolling parkland, self-service restaurant, ahead. garden centre and gift shop, this is an interesting and Tel: 863767 or E-mail: [email protected] attractive venue for a family outing. www.blairsmuseum.com Opening times are from 10am to 6pm daily with season tickets available. St Mary’s Chapel, as well as the ante-room and Tel: 732941 www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk cloister, which form part of the museum, are not

affected by redevelopment plans for the Blairs estate.

Stonehaven Swimming Pool

Building work is ongoing, thanks mainly to a couple of very generous donations, to incorporate a new paddling pool into the main area. This should be complete before the Olympic-sized, heated, salt water pool re-opens on Saturday May 31, a week earlier than usual. Easter Eggstravaganza at Opening times during school holidays will be between BLAIRS MUSEUM on Sunday 23 March 2008 10am and 7pm, otherwise just in the afternoons. 12noon - 4pm Sheila Stuart Tel: 734222 Join us for an afternoon of family fun, including an Do You Enjoy Reading? Easter Egg trail, drawing activities and decorated egg competition! We are a small reading circle looking for new members. We meet every six to eight weeks in each other’s homes. Books are chosen from a list provided by Council’s Library service. If you are interested please contact Muriel Bring your own decorated egg! Tel: 01569 730302 or Sheila Tel: 01569 731608 Prize draw for winning entries! Free entry to museum and £1 to enter the Easter Egg trail Refreshments available

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Tollohill Wood

If you haven’t been down to Tollohill Wood lately, Part of the upgrading work required the design of an all- you’re guaranteed a big surprise. Major investment by purpose path, suitable for wheelchair users. Rupert the local estate owner, in conjunction with the Forestry explains: “This was very much one of the aims of the Commission and Aberdeen City and Shire Councils, WIAT Scheme; to make it multi-user. Certain provision has seen the creation of a somewhat unique public had to be made for the disabled and gradients had to be facility. worked out to cater for wheelchairs.”

Situated just to the south of the city, Tollohill Wood The grant assistance enabled new trees to be planted and was laid out in the mid-nineteenth century with an old stock removed. Some thinning and small scale tree extensive network of Victorian paths and featuring a felling allowed more light into the woodland floor to granite obelisk commemorating the visit of Prince encourage young trees and ground plants, and to open up Albert in 1859. The paths have been restored, a new strategic viewpoints. car park provided and access improved for disabled visitors. The provision of picnic areas alongside Although the Forestry Commission checks that the new spectacular views over Aberdeen and Deeside makes trees have taken and weeding has been done properly, it’s no surprise that it’s increasing in popularity. Rupert says: “One of the problems we see with a scheme like this is that there will be a lot of ongoing It is hoped that the paths within the Tollohill Wood maintenance of the paths and the trees but there’s no will form part of Aberdeenshire’s “Core Path Plan”, as funding currently available to do that. So it really falls defined in The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, on the landowner to carry out all that work at his own requiring local authorities to give the public reasonable expense. The Forestry Commission are looking, in access throughout their area. As a result, the Council consultation with a number of landowners and councils, has been working closely with landowners and to provide a funding package which does go on over the communities to improve the rural paths network. years so that these schemes can be kept up. Had we Aberdeenshire Local Outdoor Access Forum was realised quite how large the costs of ongoing formed in 2004, comprising members independent of maintenance would be at the start, we’d have thought the Council and representing a broad range of about it twice!” experience. Support has also come from Aberdeen City and Shire Tollohill Wood forms part of the Banchory and Councils. Aberdeenshire Council donated a small sum of Leggart Estate. Owner – Mr Rupert Lumsden – is a money to the project and collect litter from the bin they member of the Aberdeen Outdoor Access Forum and provided in the car park. Rupert hasn’t stopped to hazard has overall responsibility for the ongoing maintenance a guess as to how many visitors there are but it’s and upkeep of the Wood. Since inheriting the Estate certainly very well used. So much so that, he jokes: “The from his father in the early 1990s, he has worked in car park is in danger of having to increase in size due to partnership with Aberdeen City and Shire Councils. its popularity!” The upgrading of Tollohill Wood is just the first phase of his overall plan to allow greater access to the He goes on to say: “Even though we’re in the Shire, the countryside. He says: “We took the proactive view that City Council very rightly took the view that the Wood by managing it, we would hopefully make it more would be used mostly by city residents. They very enjoyable for all.” generously funded the restoration of the monument to Prince Albert and have been otherwise very helpful.” The Wood has benefited from funding under the The views from the monument are stunning with WIAT (Woods in and Around Towns) Challenge panoramic vistas over the City and, on a clear day, you Fund, which is managed by Forestry Commission can see all the way up the Dee valley to Lochnagar. Scotland. As Rupert explains, this was really the trigger for the upgrading work. He says: “Tollohill The story of the monument begins in 1859 when Prince Wood had always been well used by locals and people Albert, was invited to stay at Banchory House (now the from further afield but there was an element of main house in Beannachar) while attending the meeting vandalism and drug taking that was creeping in. We of the British Association in Aberdeen. To really took the attitude that if we could encourage commemorate his visit, Sir David Stewart, the then more access by the general public, it would be self- owner of the estate, built a granite memorial on nearby policing in a way. If the bad element saw the good Cotcraig Hill. He also planted an avenue of beech trees element in there, it would generally keep them away, from the house to the obelisk and called it “The Prince’s which it has proved to do to a certain extent. People Walk”. are certainly taking pride in the wood and are helping to look after it.”

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Tollohill Wood cont.

The beech trees have all come down over the years but well. Part of the next stage if we push out to the west is Rupert says: “We’ve since replanted a new avenue of to provide a dedicated bridleway so that horse riders trees. Part of the real bonus to the estate here was being could get through the wood and away from the roads able to involve Beannachar in the project. Previously, entirely.” the people of Beannachar had to wander down the dangerous South Deeside Road to get into town. The The Estate is also in discussions with the City and Shire newly upgraded path network not only provides them Councils and the Robert Gordon University to with access into the Wood for recreation but also a safer Waterside Farm, linking the existing City Path Network route into town. Camphill have been great and have to Tollohill Wood and South Deeside. It would also organised regular litter picks around the Wood which provide safe and convenient access for cyclists to the both involves them in the wider community and allows National Cycle Network, avoiding the . them to get out and about more safely.” If successful, Rupert is hopeful that the bridge will be in The Local Access Forums are working towards place within the next 5 years. He says: “It’s obviously publishing their respective Core Path Plans later this crossing a very sensitive stretch of water, the Dee being year. Copies of the draft plans will be available on the a Special Area of Conservation and all the various Council’s websites and in public libraries, for public different bodies requiring liaison with. But it’s comment during the spring/summer. potentially a very exciting project if it comes off.”

The Estate continues to work closely with both Councils Scottish Ministers approved the Scottish Outdoor to provide signs for Tollohill Wood which Rupert hopes Access Code in 2005. It provides basic guidelines for will go up later this year or early next. This will form responsible behaviour in the countryside and can be part of a unified signage system for the overall core path seen at www.outdoor-access.com or on the Scottish plans with the City and Shire working towards one National Heritage website at www.snh.org.uk cohesive route.

Tollohill Wood is open to the public for walkers and cyclists although the existing path networks are not suitable for horses. It’s well used by local walkers but its spectacular views also make it popular with artists. Rupert says: “Some of the most famous, recent views of Maryculter House Hotel Aberdeen have been painted by Eric Auld and one of his South Deeside Road, Aberdeen favourite spots was on the bottom path of Tollohill Tel: 01224 732124 Wood looking over the Bridge of Dee.” E-mail: [email protected]

The Estate relies on visitors using common sense Gourmet evening although guidance is provided in the published Scottish Friday April 11 Outdoor Access Code. Rupert concedes: “It’s down to 5 course gourmet menu £32.95 education at the end of the day. Council and Forestry Meal and stay over with breakfast Commission rangers have been running education from £59.95 programmes in the Wood. They bring local schools out to learn about woodland ecology and to point out what damage can be done by careless use of fires and the like. Murder Mystery dinner Local schools and clubs are using it now as a resource, Fridays April 4 and November 14 carrying out local projects in there. The Council rangers 4 course dinner and entertainment very kindly pop out to check that things are going Meal and entertainment only £32.95 alright although it’s not part of their remit.” Meal, entertainment and stay over with breakfast from £62.95 The next phase of the project will see the creation of a new path linking Tollohill Wood to the city via the We are taking bookings for festive events well scenic Den of Leggart. Work is due to start later this ahead, such as St Andrew’s and Burns nights year and will be completed by February 2009. There are as well as parties over the Christmas season. also plans to bring the path down past Beannachar and into the policies of the estate. Rupert says: “There’s a pinetum and a network of ponds within the policies which are really very attractive and it is hoped that the public will be able to enjoy that part of the estate as

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Banchory-Devenick & Maryculter-Cookney Parish Church

Minister: Rev. Bruce Gardner, Tel. 735776 Alpha Group E-mail: [email protected] Contact the minister for details.

The Guild meets on the first Monday of the month at Morning services (until April 19) Banchory Devenick Church at 10am and 7.30pm from September to November and February to May. New members always welcome to come along Maryculter-Cookney Church at 11.30am and hear interesting speakers, enjoy fellowship and a cup of tea. Please note that from April 27 , services will alternate in both churches at the new time of 10.30am. (first, third Further details from Sheila Bissett, Tel: 01569 731708 and last Sundays of the month at Maryculter-Cookney Church and second and fourth Sundays at Banchory- Maryculter Kirk Hall and its extensions are available Devenick Church). This is for a trial period of six for hire to local groups for only £5 an hour. The Church months. The evening service will remain unchanged. and Community Office with internet and copying facilities is due to open soon, and further information Informal Evening Service in Upper Room Extension at will be intimated Maryculter-Cookney Church at 5.00pm The Stated Annual Meeting takes place on Wednesday Informal Communion Service in Upper room on the March 26 at 7.30pm. It is intended to make a first Sunday of the month at 5pm presentation at the meeting to George Abernethy, who has been a loyal elder at Maryculter-Cookney church for the past fifty years. Sunday School welcomes children aged 3 and over.

They attend the church service for around 20 minutes The half acre Glebe Field is being used by the church then go out to Sunday School for the rest of the hour. community and uniformed organisations. If anyone B-D contact, Jane Ah-See Tel: 863301 wishes to hire the field, please contact the minister or M-C contact Helen Anderson Tel: 780352 Anne Massie, Tel: 732071

Easter services Projects March 21, Good Friday The car park, paths and new cemetery at Banchory- 7.30pm Banchory-Devenick Church Devenick Church are still at the planning stage. After March 23 Easter Sunday the closure of Ardoe Hall, it is intended to alter 10.00 am Banchory-Devenick Church Banchory-Devenick Church to provide new hall 11.30am and 5pm Maryculter-Cookney Church facilities, and plans have been drawn up.

Communion services (Please note new times) Renewal of some of the pews in Maryculter-Cookney April 27 at 10.30am Banchory Devenick Church Church is still planned, and it is hoped that all these May 4 at 10.30am Maryculter - Cookney Church projects will make progress this year. May 4 at 5.00pm Informal Communion Service

in Upper Room, M-C Keep up to date with church news on our website

www.bdmc-parish.org.uk and by reading Church Corner The following Groups meet regularly in Maryculter- in the Deeside Piper and Mearns Leader. Cookney Church Hall, and more information can be obtained from the Minister or any of the office bearers:

Men’s Breakfast Fellowship Befriending Saturday from 8.00-9.30am in the Happy Lounge Bible Study and Prayer Group Do you have some time to spare for others? Wednesday from 7.30-9.30pm in the Happy Lounge Our volunteer befrienders are paired with older people Youth Café for Pr.7 to S.6 who live independently or with little support. You Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm could visit socially or perhaps take them out shopping House Groups or for a car run. This may be just an hour or two each meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from week or whatever suits you. We provide training, 7.30pm-9.30pm in congregational houses in a spirit of expenses and support and welcome folk who would like fellowship to look at the Gospel of Mark together. More to discuss the possibility of assisting. information from Leaders, Joan Thorne, Tel: 783834 and Joyce Mackintosh, Tel:733495 Catherine King, 42 Barclay Street, Stonehaven Tel: 01569 765714 E-mail: [email protected]

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Further details on any of the above events can be obtained from Mrs. Sue Selway on 01569 730972 or any member of the Ministry Team. Please contact any of the above Ministry team for help or information on marriages, baptisms, funerals, pastoral visiting etc. Keep up to date with church news by reading Church Corner in the Mearns Leader.

ST TERNAN’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUCHALLS St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs St. Ternan’s is the northern-most Scottish Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Brechin. We are part of the Saturday March 22, Easter vigil at 7pm world-wide Anglican Communion. The church is Mass is held every Sunday morning at 9am to which all located in the North Kincardine Community Council are invited. area and is to be found to the west of the A90 approx. a mile from Muchalls village on the Causey , Father George Hutcheon Tel: 876704 where the road branches off to Cookney and Netherley. Deacon Peter Macdonald Tel: 780351 St. Ternan’s congregation has worshipped in this area of North Kincardine for over 300 years as Episcopalians, first at then moving down to the ———————————————— present site where building started in 1830.

St. Ternan’s continues to operate with a Ministry Team SSPCA under the direction of Rev. Michael Sabell as Priest in Charge. The Ministry Team are as follows; The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Rev. Michael Sabell 01569 730625 Animals is Scotland's leading animal welfare Prof. John Usher 01569 731608 organisation. Established in 1839, it is a charity entirely Eric Hargreaves 01569 730302 supported by voluntary donations. The Deeside Branch George Masson 01224 733583 of the Society will be holding the following fund raising The church is open every day from 10am until 3pm. events this summer. You are welcome to join us in worship at the 10.30am Family Eucharist on Sundays. Weekly services are SATURDAY 3RD MAY held on major Saint Days and are advertised on the Coffee Morning & Table Top Sale plus other stalls to be church Notice boards and in the magazine. held in the Guide Lodge, Banchory from 10am-1pm. To book a table or a stall, please contact Mrs Sue Thomson. Our social committee have been busy putting together a Tel. 01330 820420 social programme for 2008. Our first social took place st in Muchalls Village Hall on 1 February in the form of SUNDAY 1ST JUNE a Burns Supper. Our guest speakers were Arma Iles The annual & very popular CANINE CARNIVAL. A from Stonehaven who replied to the Toast to the Lassies fun day out for all the family & their canine friends at and Rev. Bruce Gardner of Maryculter who gave a Drum Castle. Entries taken from 11.30am judging wonderful rendering of Tam O’Shanter. Our ‘home commences 1pm. All dogs over 6 months welcome. grown’ speakers were our local Councillor, Carl Nelson who gave the Address to the Haggis, Eric Hargreaves SUNDAY 15TH JUNE who gave the Immortal Memory and George Masson COMPANION DOG SHOW held in conjunction with who gave the Toast to the Lassies. Pipe music was St. Ternan's Fair in Bellfield Park, Banchory. Pedigree provided by Neil Hewitt of Cookney and fiddle music & Novelty classes. Entries taken from 11.30am judging provided by our organist Morag and several of her commences 1pm. Open to all dogs aged over 6 months. friends. All in all an excellent evening. Future events – SATURDAY 26TH JULY 5th April Country/Western Night in Muchalls Hall th COMPANION DOG SHOW held within BANCHORY 25 May Soup/Sweet Lunch after morning service SHOW. Pedigree & Novelty classes. Entries taken from 14th June Garden Fete in Rectory Gardens at Church th 1pm, judging commences 2pm. Open to all dogs over 6 14 Sept. Soup/Sweet Lunch after morning service months of age. October Harvest supper th 6 Dec. Christmas Party in Muchalls Village Hall For further information contact: Dec. Community Carol Singing in Muchalls Hall Mickey Ramsay Tel: 733832, Sue Hawkins Tel: 868984, Rosemary Pirie Tel: 01330 811348

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Grampian Police Storybook Glen was once more the victim of this mindless and apparently pointless offence in October As ever, Road Safety remains a high priority for Grampian Police. Over the winter months, the Road 2007, with several of its models having been damaged, and one even having been stolen. In two separate Policing Department has run a number of initiatives in and around the North Kincardine area, for the purpose incidents, damage was caused to an industrial premises of promoting road safety and detecting crimes and in Marywell, and to an estate sign in Maryculter. offences. In particular, speeders, taxi and private hire cabs, drivers using mobile telephones, and antisocial Grampian Police treats vandalism as a Priority Crime drivers have been targeted. and are committed to reducing such acts as part of a Force-wide initiative. Offences detected have ranged from vehicles being Other crimes in recent months which remain undetected driven at excessive speed and in a dangerous or careless manner, to drivers failing to have the correct are two instances of wilful fire-raising – one of hay- bales in Maryculter, the other within the staff quarters at documentation and vehicles being used with defective or dangerous parts. the Ardoe House Hotel –, the theft of a trailer and a small quantity of scrap metal in Maryculter, a Encouragingly, there have been no fatal or serious road housebreaking in Banchory-Devenick, and the theft accidents in the area in recent months. from a motor vehicle in Maryculter.

Motorists are encouraged to drive in accordance with Worthy of note are the detection of offences in relation the prevailing road and traffic conditions and regularly to an incident of sheep-worrying in Findon, and one of a male in possession of cannabis near Duffshill. Reports check their vehicle lights, tyres and coolant / screen- wash levels. have been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in respect of both of these offences.

Over the coming spring and summer months, initiatives will be run in the area targeting speeding, the non- The staff at Portlethen Police Office would like to thank wearing of seatbelts, the use of mobile telephones, and you for your continuing assistance and help in keeping drink / drugs driving. Grampian Police remains our communities safe. Grampian Police are committed committed to improving road safety, reducing to working hard to ensure that the quality of life of the casualties and detecting offenders. residents in this beat area is not reduced by anti-social behaviour and crime.

The North Kincardine area has seen one report of vandalism to a domestic property in recent months, and Kirsty Lawie, Constable G0396 Portlethen Police Office there have been two notable instances of damage caused to commercial and industrial premises.

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donate home baking, plants etc to support our funding, please contact one of the two persons listed below or any member of the committee.

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Maureen Watson passed away on Wednesday 27th Feb 2008 Maureen was a long time member of the Group and has been an AB Whip since 1997. She was treasurer from 2002 to 2007 and was a great fundraiser for the group, cajoling me into activities that I didn’t think I Maryculter Driving for the Disabled could do. She will be sorely missed not only by the group but all her family and friends. Though I aspire occasionally to drive my horse Corbie as shown in the sketch at the top, Driving for the We now have a website giving further information. Disabled has to be a bit more circumspect. www.maryculterrda.org.uk George Masson (Chairman) Tel: 733583 Maryculter Driving for the Disabled Group is an Caroline McTaggart (Secretary) Tel: 734093 independent charity registered in Scotland and a member of the Federation of RDA (Riding for Disabled Tea ladies required including Driving). Our aim is to give the opportunity There is a wonderful team of local ladies who come to of driving a pony or horse to any disabled person who Driving for the Disabled at Home Farm, Maryculter on might benefit in general health and happiness. The Wednesday afternoons from May until September. Group normally meets from the end of April through to Unfortunately two of our regulars have had to give up, the end of September on a Wednesday afternoon at so if there are any ladies out there who enjoy baking and Maryculter Home Farm courtesy of Jane MacInnes. would like to join our team they would be very welcome. You would be asked to do only two duties Our first aim is enjoyment, but in a safe manner that during the season and you would be at Home Farm no takes account of the disabled, helpers and horses. The more than two hours. In return you would enjoy good second is to help the disabled and interested helpers company, a fine blether and be much appreciated by our how to manage the horse and cart and to drive the horse. disabled friends, their carers and all who help with this The disabled among other things, are taught within their worthwhile cause. capabilities to whoa (stop the horse), walk, and trot For more information please call Carol Masson on while driving through fields, tracks, or obstacles. Our Tel:733583. rules forbid cantering. On a Wednesday afternoon there are on average 25-30 people consisting of the disabled, tea ladies, helpers, carers, and able bodied drivers (instructors) having an enjoyable afternoon. As well as driving, we enjoy picnics on the banks of the Dee, a drive through Maryculter Woods and finish off the season with a barbecue.

If any of the above has whetted your appetite as a disabled person or helper, please get in touch. There are two training days for helpers: Wednesday afternoon 23rd MARYCULTER CARRIAGE April at Maryculter Community Hall and at Maryculter DRIVING CENTRE Home Farm on the 30th April at 1pm. New helpers will be very welcome. The season for the disabled starts on Wednesday the 7th May, at 1pm, Maryculter Home Learn the art and tradition of carriage driving Arrive in a horse-drawn carriage for your wedding Farm. Enjoy a farm tour and riverside drive Visit our unique carriage collection Christmas seems a long time ago but thanks to all who Bring disabled friends for a drive attended the Christmas meal and AGM held in Let us take you for a drive to mark a special occasion Maryculter Community Hall. The hall was packed with well over 60 people enjoying a superb meal and the 10- We can do all this and much more with our disabled present enjoyed their presents from Santa. experienced horses and ponies. Thanks to all who organised the evening and prepared We also have a self-contained flat overlooking the the meal River Dee - ideal for business visits or short breaks.

Jane and Ewan MacInnes, Home Farm, Maryculter To help our fundraising, a tabletop sale is to be held at Tel: 01224 732710 and 07889 340362 th the Plainstones in Stonehaven on the 6 Sept 2008 Any Email: [email protected] community minded person out there who would like to www.marycultercarriages.co.uk

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Red squirrels

Attempting to study the Environmental Statement on the proposed Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is not for the faint- hearted. There are thirteen huge spring clip folders, one weighing 7 kilos! However, given access to a ready supply of strong coffee and a sturdy table, there is much to be learned from the surveys done on the flora, fauna, archaeology, landforms etc. of our area.

Red squirrels have a section of their own since they have legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) as amended, and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004. It is an offence to “intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used by a red squirrel for shelter or breeding.” Now this presents a problem, since there have been many sightings of these creatures over the years, on or near the proposed route.

Environmentalists were employed by roads consultants Baptie to survey 500m either side of the proposed route, which they did between April and September 2006. Visual sightings are unreliable since red squirrels move quickly through the tree canopy, often too far away to be distinguished from the larger greys. The researchers used hair-tubes made from 30cm lengths of PVC downpipe, each with double- sided sticky tape held inside on wood blocks, and baited with nuts and seeds. Each was attached to a horizontal branch of a tree at a height of 2m, and intervals of between 100 and 200m with the sticky tape retrieved within 7-14 At St Margaret’s School for Girls we have days. Cross-sections of the hairs found adhering to the tape were analysed, as those a lot to celebrate—come and find out from red squirrels have dumb-bell shapes which distinguishes them from the round grey ones.

So what did they find? The incidence of finding any hairs at all was low. Small birds found the bait first in many traps, while several showed no signs of visitation at all. This came as no surprise to those who know the locations well, since many traps were situated inappropriately. Once sightings reported by people living locally were taken into account, they concluded that there were populations within Durris Wood (behind Kirkton of Maryculter), Kincausie and Cleanhill Woods. All are contiguous and so together provide a large and varied habitat of coniferous and broadleaved woodland. The proposed route cuts through this! Hill of Blairs and Whitestone Wood were noted to have good Find out what makes us so special. habitat value as they are dominated by Scots To request a prospectus or arrange a Pine, which should provide good foraging and tour of the school, please contact the breeding opportunities.

Admissions Office on 01224 595188 We hope to use information from the Environmental Statement as the basis of future articles.

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REPRESENTATION

Councillor Carl Nelson Councillor Ian Mollison

It is almost ten months since the Aberdeenshire Council Planning matters have dominated the past few months. elections in May 2007. Since then I and my fellow In North Kincardine, the Blairs application for houses, councillors have had to come to terms with a new way golf course, equestrian centre and hotel came before the of working in a multi-member ward. We all have to area committee. It was approved, to move to the next work together for the benefit of our constituents. With stage, the infrastructure services committee, on 13 this in mind I have been thinking about the issues March. A new procedure, brought in after the Trump affecting the three community councils;- North furore, means the plan will go in front of the full Kincardine Rural (NKR), , Muchalls,and Aberdeenshire Council. Even then, Scottish Ministers (NMC), and Portlethen and District will decide. (PD). It is worth noting it was recommended for approval by NKR has to contend with the Aberdeen Western planning officials. Councillors can over-rule Peripheral Route (AWPR) and the Stonehaven - recommendations. However, this can be a minefield. If Maryculter link road and the large-scale housing a councillor successfully moves that a plan be turned development (280) at Blairs College. PD has different down, he has to come up with the technical reasons problems. Major road works on the A90 with two personally. If the applicant subsequently appeals, underpasses being constructed and 840 houses for then that councillor appears at the inquiry to defend the development at Hillside are but two. Some of these decision. In the case of Blairs, councillors were told at issues are of equal concern to NMC as is road safety the start of the area committee that the application and unwelcome planning applications would move to the next stage irrespective of their views. One of my concerns is that we do not end up with an The really big issue that will affect all three councils is urban community in a country setting. Transport the Portlethen Corridor Capacity Study which covers Scotland is also against it because of the impact on the the area from Marywell to Muchalls. All the land to the Bridge of Dee. When will that problem ever be solved? east of the A90 and 5 km to the west is classed as the corridor. The Study looks to accommodate a Meanwhile, a Portlethen Corridor Capacity Study is hypothetical growth of 100% in terms of residential under way for the council. This is one of a number of development. This is 5000 houses, and other related planning studies to find out what barriers and development, over the next 20-25 years. Dare I say it; opportunities there are to meet the demand for homes. ‘New Town’ has been mentioned. A public workshop was held in Portlethen Academy. Several suggested major housing to the west of the A90 All the community councils I visit work in isolation, and south of the new Charleston-Cleanhill road. Others each dealing with their own particular problems. The felt that Portlethen, Newtonhill and Muchalls could be Capacity Study will be a big issue, common to all three expanded to the west of the A90. community councils. They should work together to face the inevitable problems that will arise. What better way + + + + + + + to start than having an informal gathering of all community councillors to discuss issues of mutual interest. This suggestion has met with favourable Each of the four councillors for our area were invited to responses from NMC so will be put to the other two. If contribute up to 250 words—a tricky task when so much NKR and PD agree, this could become an annual event is going on! with each taking turn to act as hosts. I sincerely hope that all three community councils support this proposal, as it can only benefit the residents of North Kincardine.

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REPRESENTATION cont.

Sir Robert Smith MP

The relentless round of price increases from the energy suppliers will be of concern to all users, but is a particular challenge for those on low incomes. Our The Lairhillock winters may not be so extreme at the Inn & moment, but we still see a considerable Crynoch increase in deaths during the winter months compared with the summer Restaurant months. This is something that does not happen with our Scandinavian neighbours. Netherley, Nr. Stonehaven, AB39 3QS Telephone: (01569) 730001 Fax: (01569) 731175 Being able to keep our homes warm in E-mail: [email protected] www.lairhillock.co.uk winter is an important factor in ensuring good health especially for the elderly or THE LAIRHILLOCK INN IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR TEA/COFFEE disabled who are at home a lot. There LUNCHES AND EVENING MEALS. are three public policy levers that can help. Low energy prices, higher incomes and easier to heat houses all have a role to play. The regulator, OFGEM, is investigating the latest price rises, but the reality is there are considerable world pressures pushing prices up. So even if they have some impact we still look like having to cope with higher prices. Of course for many of us in rural areas we rely on oil for heating which has risen dramatically around the world.

It is important that pensioners and others check they are getting all the benefits they are entitled too. Often when energy companies do a benefit check in an area they find many customers are missing out. FOR YOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

Of course the long term permanent solution is to improve the quality of Ground Source Heat Pumps insulation of our houses and the efficiency Under Floor Heating of our heating systems. Local advice can Heat Recovery be obtained from SCARF Tel: 213005 Central Vacuum Systems

We do need to see greater investment in Paragon Systems (Scotland) Ltd offers a free design and quotation these schemes as the easy houses have package for supply only or supply and installation on receipt of drawings. been done. Building regulations will Phone: 01224 735536 Today to discuss your particular requirement. improve the quality of future housing, but we need to tackle traditional housing with e-mail: [email protected] more imagination if we are not going to Visit our web-site ~ www.paragon-systems.co.uk see a growing problem of fuel poverty. Paragon Systems (Scotland) Ltd, Corbie Cottage, Maryculter, Aberdeen AB12 5FT You can write to me at 6, Dee Street, Banchory, AB31 5ST , Other products/services include: Bore-holes/Insulation/UFH Electrical Works via E- mail at [email protected] or Tel: 01330 820330.

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I am pleased to report that the North Kincardine Rural Community Council continues to serve the local community Planning matters with the same level of enthusiasm as it has done for many In 1999 the Muir Group applied for planning permission for years – all of the wards are represented by councillors who 281 houses etc. at Blairs. This was turned down by the Area actively participate in Community Council meetings and Committee in 2006 as it would be a huge, new settlement. other local groups. We also have an excellent relationship Only three weeks later the developer submitted virtually the with the Aberdeenshire Councillors for this area, who same plan, though including 60 affordable homes and a regularly attend our meetings and provide us with a very pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Dee to Cults. This was useful link into the workings of the local council! recently approved!

Planning, as you will see from the article provided by Rob The specially pertinent point in all of this is that the developer Winmill, continues to dominate our business. The recent has, throughout, used as his justification the concept of decision by Aberdeenshire Council local area committee to enabling development to persuade the Council to grant approve outline planning permission for an extensive housing permission. In other words, the profit from 280 houses development at Blairs, without any guarantee that all of the would enable the restoration of 4 deteriorating Listed historic buildings on this site will be preserved, has raised Buildings. Naturally, most reasonable people believed that significant disquiet among many local residents and your would include the main College building itself. However, as Community Council. We are told that this proposed was pointed out to the elected members, the College building development has been identified as being of “regional and will not in fact benefit from this money. The hope is that the national importance” and that it will therefore inevitably be College can be sold to a hotel operator who will then have to sent to Edinburgh for review by the Scottish government – in finance the restoration and conversion of the College at his the same way as the application by Donald Trump for a hotel, own expense. Curiouser and curiouser...... So, if the main residential housing and golf course complex at Balmedie. The College building is not to benefit from the 280 houses, who or planning process must be transparent, and when decisions are what does? Then there is the new roundabout which this taken that are contrary to local planning guidance without Blairs development would need at the junction of the South proper debate, it inevitably raises concerns about whether the Deeside Road and Milltimber Brae. It would carve a lump planning process is fair and equitable. We are writing to our off the football pitch at Corbie Park, rendering it unsuitable local MSPs on this issue which we consider raises important for league matches, just when the Hall Committee has just concerns about the use or misuse of the planning system. spent £80,000 on an extension with showers and changing rooms. Did this cause a major rumpus when the Area After a gap we have eventually been able to restore our links Committee discussed it? Not a bit of it - glossed over. to the NKRCC website www.nkrcc.org.uk that provides a useful source of information, not only on Community Council Now, however, another consideration comes into play. Since business but also other local groups and events. If you wish to l’affaire Trump a few months back, Aberdeenshire Council publicise such events on this website please contact the has decreed that any development of “regional or national ‘Webmaster’ as shown on the website. importance” should be considered by the whole Council, not merely the Area Committee. Blairs has been deemed to be Lastly, a date for your diary – Monday, 16 June 2008 – this just such a case. So this application will now be considered is the date of our Annual General Meeting at 7.00 pm at in turn by Infrastructure Services, the full Council and then Corbie Hall, Maryculter, next to the Old Mill Inn. We are the Scottish Executive. Exactly what constitutes a keen to have new people join the Community Council and it development of “regional etc.” is not at all clear; what are the is likely that there will be some vacancies on the council at criteria, who decides, how big, how small? Feeling puzzled that time as some of the existing councillors reach the end of or confused? So are most of us. their tenure. I know many people are put off the idea of being on any committee, but we have worked hard to make our Elsewhere in the View you will have seen a reference to the meetings open and informal to encourage participation from Portlethen Corridor, which is the next opportunity or threat everyone attending. It is also a great way of not only finding (depending on your point of view), that this area faces. out about the place where we live but also influencing how it There are 5,000 houses in the Portlethen area now and the changes, and is a very rewarding experience (speaking Aberdeenshire Council is studying the idea of adding another personally). Please do consider getting involved as a 5,000 houses to that, over 20 years or so. Join Portlethen and community councillor or as a co-opted member - Newtonhill perhaps.....build out from PL to the coast YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU!! maybe..... enlarge PL across the A 90.....build a completely Mike Birch, Chair - NKRCC separate town on a greenfield site...... who knows? The debate has just begun and the public will be invited to have its say in Community Council meetings are held in Maryculter due course. Community Hall at 7.30pm on the third Monday of each month, except July. For the application for wind turbines on Meikle Carewe (12 All residents are welcome to attend and participate in of them, 220 ft in height), we still await the response of Air discussion. Traffic Control. They have objected to the proposal as

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Planning matters cont. potentially interfering with radar and are (still) carrying out experiments to decide whether that objection can be withdrawn

Finally, and not strictly a planning matter, there is the AWPR NORTH BURNSIDE KENNELS with its potentially enormous impact on the N. Kincardine AND CATTERY area. The Public Inquiry appears to be imminent and Mr Salmond has said that he will abide by the Reporter’s decision. Surely only a cynic would think that the terms of the Inquiry might be so severely restricted as to ensure a ‘yes’ answer...... wouldn’t he? Rob Winmill, vice-chair, NKRCC

The 200+ Club Congratulations to community councillors who have sold a record 327 tickets costing £5 each for our 2008 community lottery. Opportunities to win cash prizes at each monthly draw have been increased as follows:- £5, £10 and £15 each month, £25 in February, May and “where part of your family August, £50 in March, June and October plus £100 in becomes part of ours” December and account for around 41% of income. Draws take place in public during Community Council meetings and cheques are sent to winners immediately. Tel 01224 733474 Netherley Road, Burnside, Maryculter Here are those who have been successful since last July: M. Bailley, Cookney; B Broomfield, Blairs; J. Bruce, Stonehaven; L.Campbell, Maryculter; E. Chang, Maryculter; J Ewen, Banchory; D. Forman, Portlethen; N. Fotheringham, Aberdeen; E. Garrett, Banchory-Devenick; D King, Netherley; L King, Netherley; S. King, Netherley; M. Marr, Newtonhill; C. Masson, Maryculter; A. Milne, Cookney; K. Moir, Netherley; L. Nicol, Netherley; C. Nelson, Muchalls; B. Park, Aberdeen; D Ritchie, Aberdeen; C. Smart, Netherley; R.. Smart, Netherley: A. Story, Maryculter; G. Thomson, Maryculter; W. Thomson, Banchory-Devenick; A. Unwin, Banchory-Devenick.

Thus over £900 is available for local good causes so clubs, societies and groups are invited to apply for grants, giving good reasons. Chances of success are always improved if applicants can outline their case at a meeting of the Community Council.

Grants have been given recently to the Friends of Cookney Hall for new kitchen equipment, towards the Maryculter Senior Citizens Christmas party and to the Portlethen and District Community Ambulance Association.

Secretary: Robert Keeler, Howieshill, Netherley, Stonehaven AB39 3SN Tel: 01569 764436 E.mail: [email protected] Website: www.nkrcc.org.uk

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its concern that the new road will be followed by retail ‘sheds’ around the City, and that these will hasten the decline of Aberdeen as a shopping centre. Is this what we want? Do we really need to sacrifice our attractive open-field landscape; our badgers, bats and red squirrels; our ancient woodland, our salmon and The AWPR bandwagon continues to roll. At the time of rare freshwater pearl mussels; and our clean and quiet writing we are awaiting an announcement on the Public environment for this noisy, smelly, polluting road and Local Inquiry which is due to take place this summer. all the development which will follow it? At the Inquiry evidence will be presented both for and against the route. The merits for the road will be What can we do to halt the AWPR? The answer is to considered objectively. A Reporter from the Scottish fight the Public Inquiry with all the resources at our Inquiry Reporter’s Unit, part of the Scottish disposal. We cannot allow Transport Scotland to get Government, will then make a judgement on whether away with this ill conceived and poorly designed the AWPR will go ahead in its present form. development. Road Sense has been talking to prospective expert witnesses and to advocates who can It is becoming increasingly evident that the route will help us to present a strong case against the route. But, not serve its main purpose of alleviating congestion we need money to fight our case. Please get in touch within Aberdeen. Papers recently released under the with Road Sense at www.road-sense.org if you feel able Freedom of Information Act have shown that Transport to help. Scotland told the Transport Minister as early as Secretary - E-mail:[email protected] November 2005 that “none of the route options fully address....congestion and transport problems in the Our next meeting will be on Saturday April 19 at the region”. They also acknowledged that it was too far out International School, Milltimber. Time to be confirmed. from the city to help resolve city centre traffic. It is now certain from Transport Scotland’s own traffic models that the AWPR will actually increase traffic levels on the main radial routes into the city – at Wellington Road, Kingswells, Balmedie and especially through - as traffic is funnelled on to the AWPR.

Other, new, expensive solutions are now being put forward to alleviate the existing and new traffic 10am to 6pm problems which will be with us after the AWPR has Garden equipment been built. The Haudagain roundabout will have to be Good quality hardy plants completely revamped, and a new bridge will be required Childrens’ toys and gifts at the Bridge of Dee. Hang on! Wasn’t the main Pet food purpose of the AWPR supposed to be to solve all those Large selection of cards and candles Large free car park problems? No entry charge for visiting the Garden Centre Some of the papers recently released by Transport or restaurant Scotland show that Jack McConnell, the First Minister at the time had queried the high cost of the new route. Tel: 01224 732941 Transport Scotland officials assured the First Minister and Tavish Scott that they expected to bring the costs of the new route down. Far from that, the costs are now rising inexorably as the Stonehaven link has been turned into a dual carriageway and as construction costs rise.

If the costs of borrowing the money to build it are taken BOOKING OF HALLS AND GROUNDS into account the new road will cost in total somewhere in the region of one billion pounds! And 19% of that Corbie Hall and field will have to be borne by the local Councils. Can we Carol Masson,Tel: 733583 [email protected] really afford that? M-C Church Hall and Glebe field Rev. Bruce Gardner , [email protected] Tel: 735776 We really need the Scottish Government and local Scout and Guide Hut Councils to acknowledge why they are pushing for the Les Paterson, Tel: 868676 [email protected] AWPR to be built. It is a corridor for development. Cookney Hall The intention is to open up new areas for housing and Willie Angus Tel: 01569 730123 for shopping malls. The John Lewis Partnership, one of Blairs College Hall John Evans-Freke Tel: 867626 the most successful retailers in Aberdeen, has expressed Lairhillock School Marian Youngson, Tel: 01569 732520

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REPRESENTATION EVENTS CALENDAR

MP Sir Robert Smith April Tel: 01330 820330 Fax: 01330 820338 Saturday 5 Corbie Hall spring clean [email protected] Monday 7 School term begins MSP Mike Rumbles Wed 9 Maryculter WRI ‘Scottish Night’ Tel: 01330 820268 Fax: 01330 820106 Monday 14 Rangers Open Evening [email protected] Friday 18 Friendship Club whist Saturday19 Road Sense meeting COUNCILLORS Sunday 20 Blairs Museum Easter Eggstravaganza Alastair Bews Tel: 01224 784594 Monday 21 Community Council 33 Bruntland Court, Portlethen Netherley WRI—Making handbags E-mail: [email protected] Saturday 26 Corbie Park Grand Opening Event Friends of Cookney Hall ceilidh Paul Melling Tel: 01224 784534 51 Broomfield Road, Portlethen May E-mail: [email protected] Wed 14 Maryculter WRI, Business meeting, Bring and Buy sale Ian Mollison Tel: 01569 739087 Saturday17 Plant Sale + Coffee Morning, Corbie Hall 11 Greystone Place, Newtonhill, Stonehaven AB39 3UL Monday 19 Community Council E-mail:[email protected] Netherley WRI, Food tasting Saturday24 Friends of Guiding Daffodil Tea Carl Nelson Tel: 01569 730733 21 Dunnyfell Road, Muchalls, Stonehaven AB39 3RP June E-mail: [email protected] Monday 16 Community Council AGM

Aberdeenshire Council July Viewmount, Friday 4 School holidays begin Arduthie Road, Stonehaven. www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk August AB39 2DQ Wed. 13 Maryculter WRI Monday 18 Community Council POLICE Netherley WRI Emergencies Tel: 999 Tuesday 19 School term begins All non-emergencies Tel: 0845 600 5700 Crimestoppers Tel: 0800 555 111 September Drugs Information Line Tel: 0800 371553 Saturday 6 Riding for the Disabled sale from 10-noon at the Plainstones, Stonehaven Wed. 10 Maryculter WRI SERVICES Monday 15 Community Council Bluebird buses Netherley WRI No. 103 Aberdeen to via Banchory- Devenick and Netherley No. 204, Aberdeen to Strachan via Maryculter and Blairs Tel: 212266 or 591381 E-mail:[email protected] Editors: Hazel Witte Tel: 732738 Dial a Trip Monearn, Maryculter AB12 5GT Bus service with tail lift for concession card and taxi [email protected] card holders. Tel: 01569 765765 Pam Robertson Tel: 863887 Library 2 Little Banchory Mews, The mobile van visits Netherley, Maryculter and Banchory-Devenick AB12 5XS Banchory-Devenick fortnightly on Wednesday or [email protected] Thursday. Jaqueline Geekie Tel: 01651 872707 Please send copy for the Autumn issue of YOUR NEWSLETTER by August 22 Window cleaning Martin Pilley Tel: 01261 815411

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