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, Lumsden & Towie Community Action Plan June 2013 Introduction Community Action Plan The Past Community Action Plan

The rural communities of Kildrummy, The focus of this community action The Past church building positioned close by. Towie and Lumsden are part of the plan, and the issues identified in it, Lumsden is the most recently Towie, in the late 19th century, had scenic area of Upper Donside in the are broader than those that may be established of the three communities, two churches and a post office and Area of , bordering supported with the community benefit being founded around 1825 by Harry a school with an average attendance on the to fund. The benefits of preparing a Leith Lumsden of Auchindoir on what of 84, serving a population of around the west, with the River Don winding community action plan are: was then a barren moor. By 1840 the 800. Biannual fairs were held at the its way through. The three parishes population was 243 and by 1881 had Glenkindie Arms Inn. The church is one extend over an area of more than 66 • to enable people to say what they reached 519. This contrasts with the of a group of buildings, including until square miles and are sparely populated want for their communities - now recently, the ruin of Towie Castle, built Lumsden Main Street. population of the whole parish of Kildrummy Kirk. with the biggest centre being Lumsden and in the future Auchindoir and Kearn for that period in the early seventeenth century, the village with a population of 344 (2009 • to encourage people to think of over 1,500. The 2009 population of only trace of which is a cairn on the estimate). The larger centres that these about what they value and want to the village (344) reflects a decline to spot and a plaque on the churchyard communities relate to for services and protect levels seen before 1861. The current wall. The current population of Towie retail are Alford, seven miles to the east • to publicise and seek support for population of the whole parish is parish is around 300. and , ten miles to the north, and local groups and projects estimated to be around 600. further afield to , Westhill and • to evidence community needs to In earlier times this area was central . The economy of the area is generate support from agencies and Kildrummmy and Towie are now to the history and politics of . predominantly land based, orientated funding bodies referred to as small hamlets, although , built in the 13th around the estates, although tourism is • to prepare a plan for short, they were previously much more century, was a seat of the kings of also of importance with the area having medium and long-term needs and populous, especially in the 19th Scotland, and in 1306 was besieged and Kildrummy Castle, a fine example aspirations century. The population census of 1911 captured by Edward I of England. Early of a 13th century castle and other • to provide a focus and a framework identified that the two parishes, in the in the 14th century it passed to the attractions. Some residents commute to encourage people to work whole of the county of Aberdeen, with Lords Erskine, Earls of Mar; served then out with the area for work. together to contribute to the the greatest decrease in population as the administrative capital of both development of their communities - over the preceding decade were Mar and districts; but suffered The rationale for considering the TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN! Towie and Kildrummy (22.6% and decline and much damage during three communities together for the 20.7% respectively) at a time when the Cromwell’s wars in the 17th century. purpose of a community action plan is overall numbers in the county were A hatching-place of the rebellion of twofold. Firstly; a key motivating factor rising. Again, between 1921 and1931 1715, it was forfeited by John, Earl of for preparing an action plan was the Kildrummy recorded the greatest Mar in the following year, and from construction of the Kildrummy wind decrease in the county with a further 1731 belonged to the Gordons of River Don. Kildrummy Castle. farm and the prospect of community reduction of 20.4%. Kildrummy School Wardhouse. It is now managed by benefit funding from the developer in 1881 had an average attendance of Historic Scotland and is a significant which will be distributed to all three 98 children and served a population tourist destination. of these communities. The wind farm in the parish of 656. Kildrummy at developer financially supported the that time also had a bank, an inn, two creation of the action plan on the churches and a post office at . basis that it would help to inform the The school closed in 2003. The current subsequent distribution of the fund. population of Kildrummy parish is Secondly; although the communities around 170. Towie Church was built are distinct, they do share a range of in 1803, using stones from an older facilities and services.

The aim of this community action plan is to encourage and enable the economic, social and environmental development of Kildrummy, Lumsden and Towie, to support sustainability and help them continue to develop.

Kildrummy turbines. Towie Kirk.

2 3 The Present Community Action Plan The Action Planning Process Community Action Plan

The Present Community Groups based in The Action Planning Process • Organised a community open day Lumsden has a primary school, a Lumsden, Kildrummy and Towie The communities’ interest in in November 2012 to feedback on village hall, a church, a garage and shop, include; developing a community action plan the information gathered, seek ideas a hairdressers and a pub. Clova and - Lumsden School Parent Council/ was generated as a result of the for community projects and enable Kildrummy Estates are significant local Friends of Lumsden School wind farm developer, BayWa r.e. UK more input (40 attended) landowners. Lumsden is the location - Lumsden Church (formerly RENERCO), identifying • Collated all of the information and of the Scottish Sculpture Workshop - Lumsden Quest (Children’s) Group at a community liaison meeting that prepared an outline of the themes, (SSW), established in 1979 with the aim - Lumsden Parent and Toddlers they were offering community benefit issues and potential areas for action - Lumsden Indoor Bowling Club • Facilitated a stakeholders meeting Lumsden School. of providing high quality facilities for funding for the three areas directly artists to make sculpture, supported by - Lumsden Loons and Quines Bowling affected by the development. Marr Area in February 2013 for local group technical and artistic expertise. SSW - Lumsden Community Association Partnership offered to work with the representatives and others has hosted residencies for visual artists - Lumsden Over Fifties communities to develop their action interested in supporting the action from all over the world but is also - Lumsden Senior Citizens plan, with the leadership and support planning process in order to an important resource for the local - Kildrummy Church of the Donside Community Council, develop further the outline actions community and runs community based - Kildrummy WRI who also agreed to chair the Steering and promote involvement in their arts projects involving the school and - Glenkindie Bridge Club Group. implementation (37 attended) other residents. - Kildrummy Gun Club • Developed the draft action plan, The Steering Group first met in July - Towie Hall Committee circulated it to all those who Open Day Poster. Towie has a primary and a nursery - Towie Toddler Group 2012. It was facilitated by Marr Area had expressed interest, gathered school plus the church and a village hall. - Towie Indoor Bowling Partnership and comprised members comments, and finalised the draft. Kildrummy has an inn with rooms and - Towie Outdoor Bowling of Donside Community Council and • Presented the draft plan to the a restaurant, and the Kildrummy Castle - Towie Senior Citizens other volunteers from the community, Donside Community Council Hotel. It also has an old kirk in the - Towie School Parent Council including both primary school parent on 11th June 2013 where it was ownership of the Scottish Redundant - Towie Pipe Band councils. It was open to anyone approved. A formal launch event is Churches Trust and managed by a local - Towie Church prepared to contribute to the process. to be arranged. group. Mossat has an antique shop, The Scottish Sculpture Workshop garden centre, tea rooms and a fishery. However, there are some major hosted meetings and provided other Glenkindie has a pub and a garage, with challenges. From having a relatively support. Aberdeenshire Council’s a shop and Post Office. The estimated heavily populated land based economy Community Learning and Development population of all three parishes in the nineteenth century, the changes staff provided support for youth Stakeholders meeting. combined is now 1070. to agriculture and estate management engagement. Glenkindie Garage and Shop. over the last century have significantly Results from the survey, carried out as reduced the size and changed the The Steering Group’s role was to part of the community action planning character of these communities. This encourage and enable the involvement process, show that local people value has lead to some significant impacts: of local people to ensure that their greatly the beautiful countryside, peace • Local services have contracted to needs and aspirations would be and quiet and friendliness of the area the extent that people are more reflected in the action plan. To do this in which they live. The communities dependent on facilities out with the the Steering Group: also greatly value the safety and local immediate area • Designed a questionnaire and schools and think that it’s a great place • Other industries and local delivered it to all households in the to bring up children. The communities employment opportunities have not area in October 2012, also made are active and there are many materialised, more people commute it available in local facilities such as community groups, some of which to work in other areas, young shops and schools, as well as an on- are listed below, based in the area and people leave the area to find work line version run by local volunteers. These provide and levels of unemployment are high • Publicised the process in order to activities, social networks and support • Some community groups struggle to encourage people to respond, then and are valued by those who use them. maintain their viability and sufficient analysed the survey results (57 Other community groups based in numbers of active volunteers to help responses received) neighbouring areas, such as the Silver organise them • Attended both primary schools to Circle in , and scouts, guides • The primary schools at both Towie seek the views of the children on etc in Alford, also contribute activities and Lumsden are well below total what they wanted for the future of and support for local people. capacity. their communities • Arranged a social event for young Kildrummy Inn. Lumsden Village Hall. people (teenagers) to obtain their input and ideas

4 5 Areas for Action Community Action Plan Areas for Action Community Action Plan

Areas for Action their survival and any closures impact Lack of local employment include longer opening hours in pubs/ The actions proposed by the on the community as a whole. The opportunities, the need to support shops/hotels, better maintained toilets, communities have been grouped into potential for community ownership small business start-ups, to provide marketing local produce, improving themes and are summarised in the was suggested by some respondents. local training schemes/apprenticeships signage/access to walking and cycling table at the end of this plan. The most While this has been done in other and the need for small business paths and linking with Gordon Way, significant of these, and those for which communities in Scotland, it would be a units locally, were raised frequently. extending and improving the Sculpture potential solutions are achievable, major project, requiring dedicated and Addressing this would enhance job Walk (both of which relate to Theme are described in more detail below. committed local effort. Support for opportunities for local people, more four), tourism information point, linking such community initiatives is readily people would move to the area and with other local tourist destinations Lumsden Garage and Shop. These reflect the current situation Kildrummy Castle poster. when the action plan was developed, available from Marr Area Partnership the availability of local services would (eg. Deeside), more B&B provision and but will be supplemented by further and Aberdeenshire Council economic increase. This issue could be addressed promoting ‘service with a smile’. actions as these are identified over development advisers. by working with estates and other time. Community action planning is local employers with support from Short Term a dynamic and progressive process Some people identified the need to set economic development agencies. There • Bring together tourism businesses that will reflect the priorities of the up a local food project or community are also clear links with promoting to form local tourism group (A local communities as they evolve. It is also garden growing facility eg. with tourism in the area (see Theme 3). lead would need to be identified to dependent on the involvement and communal polytunnel. take this forward) with the support Short Term of Aberdeenshire Council Economic energy of the community to enable Other concerns expressed, and to be actions to be achieved. • Explore demand for adult learning Development addressed by Donside Community classes eg, computer training • Gather information on all tourist Theme 1 - Community Council with Aberdeenshire Council • Identify sources of advice and attractions and opportunities and Services and Facilities officers include; improvements to support in relation to creating publicise/promote A number of people said that Lumsden waste recycling, maintenance of public local employment, training and • Create a tourism information point Hall could be better used and they toilets and lack of snow clearance of supporting local business start Medium Term would like to see more activities and pavements due to parked cars. ups and publicise. Engage with • Develop tourism marketing strategy. local estates and other employers events to bring people together eg. Quick Wins (Volunteers needed to work with Theme 4 - Access and mobile cinema, reading groups, music • At stakeholders meeting volunteers support agencies) Environment clubs, Pilates classes, social activities for agreed to organise Open Day in Medium Term A number of people commented that older residents . Some comments were Lumsden Hall to explore interest • Explore solutions to enable people access to the wonderful countryside in received that a community worker or in putting on local events, also to hall manager could be employed to to access adult learning classes. the area could be improved by better Lumsden Shop. expand membership of LCA Sculpture. help address these concerns and work way marking and access features eg, Short Term Theme 3 - Tourism stiles. There were also requests for alongside the existing groups. At the • Improve collection and situation of stakeholders meeting in February 2013 Although tourism is less developed improving/developing footpaths and recycling bins than in the National Park and in cycle paths and in particular, the need a small group of volunteers agreed to • Address public toilet maintenance help organise an Open Day in Lumsden Deeside, the potential for promoting to have footpaths and cycle paths concerns the attractions of Donside is linking villages so that young people can to gauge interest in organising events, • Address car parking issues on the and also to garner more support for considerable and if successful would walk and cycle safely. Specific mention main road in Lumsden have a positive impact on local was made of developing path networks Lumsden Community Association Medium Term (LCA) which manages the Hall on communities in terms of providing around Glenkindie and Towie and • Potential for employing a local jobs and income. It was suggested linking paths to Glenbuchat, as well as behalf of the community. Towie Hall is community worker to support also used by community groups and is a that the profile of the area as a tourist links from Lumsden to the Gordon community development destination could be raised and existing Way. The potential was identified for valued asset (some need for additional • Potential for employing a hall maintenance work was noted). tourist attractions could be promoted further development of the Sculpture caretaker in Lumsden more actively and successfully if Walk in Lumsden. Improvements Closure of the Lumsden shop is a real • Explore potential for community information was collated, coordinated to paths and cycle tracks were also concern and many are keen to see involvement in running local and advertised better eg. on a web seen as a possible benefit in relation it reopen, either as a shop or other facilities eg. shop, café or pub. site or social media site. This would to attracting tourists and linking require tourism businesses to liaise communities. A group of volunteers community facility. More generally, Theme 2 - Adult Learning, and combine their effort. Although came forward at the stakeholders concern was expressed about the Employment and Training this project would require time and meeting to discuss paths and cycle viability of other shops, garages and When asked whether adult learning in effort, it would have the potential to tracks. They agreed to meet with the hotels in the three areas and the the area could be improved, a number make significant improvements to Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust impact of future closures on the of people raised the need for local Towie Hall. the long term sustainability of these (COAT) to explore opportunities for View from Lumsden. sustainability of the communities. It adult education classes, eg. computer communities. Other suggestions for improvements and this is now ongoing. is appreciated that support for, and skills for older residents. use of these facilities is critical to increasing levels of tourism to the area 6 7 Areas for Action Community Action Plan Areas for Action Community Action Plan

Mention was also made of the desire to that better communication eg. web site the area, in addition to the availability have a village green in Glenkindie village Comments were also received about or social media would also be a good of jobs was the lack of affordable to act as a focal point and allow young the lack of local pre-school places/ vehicle for local businesses/services housing. This was also compounded by people to hangout and older residents activities and the need for additional and would attract more tourists to the the number of empty properties for to socialise. The general environment extracurricular activities for youngsters area (see Theme 3 above). sale. It is proposed that an assessment was seen to be good in the villages but eg. after school clubs, sports clubs cubs. of need should be undertaken. some comments were received about Short Term the need to smarten up Lumsden Quick Wins • Collate information on existing Outcomes to Date village with a lick of paint here or there • At stakeholders meeting volunteers broadband access and liaise with One of the most important outcomes Sculpture Walk sign. Road signs at Mossat. and flower tubs and to tidy up litter. agreed to form a youth club Council officers(volunteer needed to from the community consultation steering group with the support of take this forward) was confirmation of the fact that Quick Wins CLD • Local Donside Community many residents care deeply about • At stakeholders meeting volunteers Short Term Council representatives to collate the communities in which they live agreed to form a paths steering • Identify priorities for additional information about notice boards and would like to see things improve group and to work with COAT and youth facilities in villages (location, state of repair, ownership) and become more sustainable for the take plans forward • Identify need for local pre-school • Work with tourism group to pull future. They really value the peace Short Term places and after school activities. together information on all local and quiet, beautiful surroundings and • Explore reinstating flower tubs/ communications eg, web sites, friendliness of their neighbours. baskets in Lumsden Theme 6 - Communication newsletter, social media, in order to As a result of the community action • Organise litter pick in Lumsden The lack of broadband, or very slow assess need for more or build links planning process, a number of Medium Term speeds experienced, is seen by many between existing sources (volunteer significant developments have already • Develop signage for existing paths as a major limitation to the ongoing needed to take this forward) been started: and publicise. Explore possibility of development of the area. 66% of Medium Term developing new paths. those who responded to the survey • Lobby Aberdeenshire Council • Young people and adults have thought their broadband speed was about need to prioritise the area in formed a steering group to plan a Theme 5 - Children and unsatisfactory. Improvements would relation to broadband upgrade. youth club in Lumsden based at the Young People help in relation to attracting businesses Scottish Sculpture Workshop There is a strong perception from both to the area, allowing people to work Theme 7 - Transport • A paths steering group has met adults and the teenagers consulted from home, as well as improving When asked whether public transport with Cairngorms Outdoor Access that there are not many activities for quality of life generally. Mobile phone services were adequate, 83% of those Trust to assess potential for that age group in the local villages and signals were also a problem with 35% responding to the survey said no. development of paths in the area Lumsden Playpark. that a youth club in Lumsden would finding the signal unsatisfactory and There were varied comments about • Interest has been expressed by a Scottish Sculpture Workshop. be welcomed. A steering group was some commented that TV (and radio) what people wanted but they largely number of people in supporting the established at the stakeholders meeting reception was poor requiring the need focussed on the limited bus service and Lumsden Community Association with the support of Alford Community to pay a subscription charge in order poor/infrequent links to centres such and the Lumsden Village Hall Learning and Development (CLD) to get a signal at all. as Alford, Huntly and Aberdeen. People and planning to set up a youth club also commented on the increasing The Kildrummy Lumsden and Towie in Lumsden is under way. The newly Information was available about the costs of fuel and the impact of this on Community Fund Panel (“the Local formed Lumsden Youth Group are aim of Aberdeenshire Council to rural communities. Panel”) has been elected from local also looking at ways of enabling young facilitate basic access to broadband for people and will take decisions on people of Towie to be included in the everyone in Aberdeenshire. The needs There is a particular impact for older the distribution of funds, some of youth club. of people in Kildrummy, Lumsden and people and those with no cars. which will help to develop aspirations Towie require to be highlighted to the outlined in this action plan. This funding Younger primary aged children were Council. Short Term will be extremely significant and could also consulted on their views and • Raise issues with Aberdeenshire Bus help projects to attract additional came up with a number of different There were some comments about the Forum funding. suggestions including in Lumsden - need to improve communication about • Publicise local services eg. A-2-B more play equipment and better goal the area. This would allow sharing of and Dial a Bus The Local Panel is supported and posts in park, cycle track, and youth local information, encourage better • Explore car sharing scheme administered by Foundation Scotland, a club, and in Towie - an adventure attendance of events and generally Medium Term charitable organisation commissioned playground, community tree house, foster improved community links. For • Gauge interest in setting up a by BayWa r.e. UK Ltd, the owner of BMX track, and bigger wildlife garden. example, village noticeboards could volunteer transport group the Kildrummy Wind Farm who are A prioritisation exercise could be be improved (Lumsden) and new providing the community benefit fund. Theme 8 - Housing Towie School Playground. carried out at the two primary schools ones installed (Towie and Kildrummy), View from Towie. Concern was expressed that one of the to establish where effort should be newsletters could be produced and reasons for young people leaving the concentrated on improving local possibly a community web site could be developed. A number of people thought area, and the ability to attract people to 8 facilities for younger children. 9 Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan

Medium Term Actions Term Medium need and potential Explore development community employing or hall manager worler need and potential for Explore development community employing or hall manager worker projects Obtain funding for community potential for Explore involvement solutions to enable people Explore access classes supporting options for local Explore business start-up and employment/ skills employability strategy to marketing Develop tourism in the area promote existing paths. signage for Develop possibility of Explore Publicise. paths. new developing Explore alternative provision for pre- for provision alternative Explore school activities funding and organise Arrange Plan and fundraise to achieve priorities Plan and fundraise to achieve to be Towie people from Enable young club in the youth involved Council to Aberdeenshire Lobby upgrades broadband for prioritise area or costs of repair Research and install in all replacements communities. newsletter/ additional Assess need for sites/social media or build links web existing sources; between in setting up volunteer Gauge interest transport group.

Short Term Actions Short Term Seek support and expand for membership of LCA to develop Encourage local groups activities and events artsIdentify potential community and projects growing Identify potential courses of action and lead community service about improving AC Discuss with bins and siting recycling AC with Discuss maintenance problems about and Police AC Discuss with in village parking regime classes eg, demand for Explore computer training of advice and support Identify sources Engage with local estates and publicise. and other employers Bring together tourism businesses to local tourism group form on all tourist Gather information attractions and opportunities and publicise collate information group, Set up working of Identify sources about existing paths. support. tubs and flower reinstating Explore baskets Organise litter pick Identify need for nurseryIdentify need for places and pre-school Identify needs Identify priorities Set up Lumsden youth club at Scottish Set up Lumsden youth Workshop Sculpture on Obtain existing information coverage/speeds and state of repair Assess location, in of all notice boards ownership communities to volunteers Identify community Identify all existing co-ordinate sites and social media web newsletters, sites Bus Aberdeenshire Raise issues with A-2-B Publicise local services eg. Forum. Dial a Bus hosted on scheme, car share Explore site web community Identify need Community Community Lead/ SupportAgency (LCA)/Marr Ass. Lumsden Community Partnership (MAP) Area LCA/MAP SSW/MAP /Aberdeenshire Local volunteers MAP Council (AC), Council (DCC)/ Donside Community AC DCC/AC /Grampian Police AC DCC/ Learning Local volunteers/Community (CLD) and Development Economic Local volunteers/AC Development Economic Local volunteers/AC Development Paths steering group/Cairngorms (COAT) Trust Access Outdoor LCA/DCC/AC Scotland Council/Keep School Parent Beautiful Local volunteers/AC Councils School Parent Councils/AC School Parent club steering group/CLD Youth AC Planning Officer; DCC/Community DCC/AC Local volunteers DCC Local volunteers Council Housing Dept., Aberdeenshire Rural Housing Service

Issues Lumsden Hall not used to full potential. hall committee. for Need volunteers Not enough going Activities and events: things to bring need more on locally, together community Workshop Build on Scottish Sculpture (SSW) supportprojects community for of Lumsden shop and potential Closure garages and services hotels, loss of shops, in Lumsden most only recycling: Waste Lumsden bins often full. Alford; and State of public toilets in Lumsden often not cleared Lumsden pavements on due to cars parked of snow pavements None available Adult education classes: locally opportunities Lack of employment locally. small business units more Need for locally. of the Raise profile tourism: Promote as a tourist destination area and cycle footpaths Improve/develop paths and access to countryside: Lumsden village could be made to look attractive more Lumsden untidy with litter Pre-school: No nursery in Lumsden, No nursery in Lumsden, Pre-school: limited pre-school activities, activities, limited pre-school Support local schools - inc extra- sports eg. children activities for curricular Younger children want additional want additional children Younger facilities and activities club and other activities for Youth teenagers: speed in villages and no Low Broadband: areas access in some outlying with notice Problems Notice boards: communication limit effective boards Facebook: Website/ Newsletter/ sharing of local information, Improved businesses and activities, groups, for tourism. Integrated public transport needed buses at buses; frequent more eg. weekend; Older people or those with no cars find go shopping it difficult to young housing for Lack of affordable number of empty significant people; sale. for properties

Community ServicesCommunity and Facilities Employment Adult Learning, Training and Tourism Access and Environment People Young and Children Children and Young People (Cont) Young and Children Communication Transport Housing

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Theme 5. 6. 7. 8. also as shortreviewed. achieved and the plan is term actions are and that prioritiesover time; will change the action planning process, the actions identified from It should be noted that these were NB. Partners who may help to deliver the above: help to deliver Partners who may Council Donside Community Workshop Scottish Sculpture Council Services Aberdeenshire Planning PartnersOther Community Cairngorms Outdoor Trust Access Area Marr Partnership Estates and Other Businesses

10 11 Making It Real CommunityCommunity Action Action Plan Plan

This booklet is one of a series other issues which have been and take their place in future produced by Local Rural identified. For each priority or versions of the community plan. Partnerships for a number of issue this will involve agreeing communities in Aberdeenshire. who should be involved, what We recommend that this Plan resources will be needed and has a maximum life of three This initiative is sponsored by target dates for completion. It is years. Aberdeenshire Community hoped that this process will be Planning Partnership and run driven by representatives of the Queries about the community by Aberdeenshire Local Rural community with support - moral, benefit fund, the Local Panel or Partnerships. The aim is to technical and financial - from the associated grant applications provide community action plans relevant Partners. should be directed to; in an attractive, easy to read, Rachel Searle-Mbullu, Head of professionally printed format. It is important that this booklet Community Investment is seen by all concerned as an Foundation Scotland This information can now guide account of the community’s Phone; 0141 341 4961 or the community and Community views at the time of the latest Email; rachel@foundation Planning Partners in drawing consultation, and that it will have scotland.org.uk up detailed action plans to to be regularly reviewed and Website; www.foundation implement the top priorities updated. As some projects are scotland.org.uk as well as addressing the completed, other issues will arise

Thanks are due to all the individuals and organisations who contributed to the development of Kildrummy, Lumsden & Towie’s first Community Action Plan.

June 2013 Marr Area Partnership Gellan Cottage • Coull • • AB34 5JU T: 013398 87577 • E: [email protected] • W: www.marrareapartnership.org.uk

Design by Design by www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk

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