issueissue 1919 -- 20172017 partnershippartnership updateupdate www.banffshirepartners.co.uk

freefree developing communities

“support for an active community”

community development marketing support project development advice fund-raising advice local networking & gatherings research & consultation . . . a voice for the area

The Old School Banff AB45 2JT T & F: 01261 843598 E: [email protected] Partnership limited partnership Chairman’s update Letter Banffshire Partnership Ltd. Welcome to the new edition of the Banffshire The Old School, Boyndie, Partnership Yearbook. As in previous years, it Banff, AB45 2JT has been a very challenging year for everybody T & F: 01261 843598 at the Partnership and I would like to thank E: [email protected] Duncan Leece, his staff and especially all the volunteers for all their efforts. Community Transport Board Of Directors Since the Community Transport side of the Directors can be contacted through business started, it has grown steadily and is and national companies and community the Partnership office - now the main activity of Banffshire Partnership. organisations and feedback from our 01261 843598. We have three minibuses, two of which are customers has been excellent. Directors meet quarterly wheelchair accessible and towards the end of last year we replaced one of the wheelchair Event First Aid (or more often if necessary). Last year we started to provide First Aid cover accessible minibuses with a new VW Crafter CHAIR at indoor and outdoor events using a large pool Robin Maddock accessible minibus. This was partly possible of fully trained volunteers. They were all kept Ross Balharry through the very generous donations from our very busy especially during the summer months Sandy Duncan Dial-A-Bus clients. Pat Gardner covering events such as the Scottish Traditional The Dial-A-Bus service is very well used on a Janice Laing Boat Festival in , the European Pipe Band daily basis. Our annual survey of our passengers Mavis Wise Championships in Forres, the Speyside KiltWalk, shows how valuable this service is to them, not Keith show and the Lonach Gathering. just getting them to the shops and on outings, but in terms of social interaction and helping Community Economic Development The Community Economic Development Design Kay Beaton to alleviate social exclusion. All our buses are side of the Partnership although small in available for community hire when not in financial terms plays a very large role in the use on the dial-a-bus service. I would like to communities that it serves. Print J. Thomson Colour Printers remind all local groups that our vehicles are available for hire at a very reasonable cost. BPL is an active member of the Local Community Planning Partnership, and it has assisted many Well over half of the funding for our Banffshire Partnership Ltd. community groups with projects, business plans and Community Transport comes from grants is a Company Limited by Guarantee in funding applications over the years. . Reg No. 201922. from Council. However with the Council’s budget being tightened each year, our We have a paid contract with Aberdeenshire Registered Office: 1a Cluny Square, Council to provide this service, and without Buckie, AB56 1AH. priority is to provide a friendly, reliable but cost effective service for all our clients. that income we would be unable to help Charity registered in Scotland community groups. Funding for this work We are all aware that within our operating No. SCO29693 in 2016/17 was the same as the previous area and throughout Scotland we have an ever year. This continued level of funding is Banffshire Partnership Ltd. is recognised increasing aging population so we are sure that as a Local Rural Partnership by the very welcome but we are still receiving the need for this type of service will not diminish. Scottish Government. more requests for assistance than we can Training comfortably handle with our limited resources. For many years we have provided transport The board is very well aware that we face related training to minibus drivers and tightening budgets in the coming years. Passenger Assistants. We have broadened our However, it is our wish to continue with the range of available courses and we are now broad range of activities that we currently able to offer a range of training courses in undertake and where possible expand them to First Aid, Health & Safety at Work and Manual meet the needs of our communities. Green Handling. These are usually held at the Butterfly Banffshire Suite at Boyndie but if appropriate Award they can be held at customers’ premises. Robin Maddock, Chairman We have already delivered training for local [email protected] A copy of this newsletter is available in large format text if required. Front Cover Photo: Fordyce - Photo courtesy of Fordyce Community Association. courtesy - Photo of Fordyce Fordyce Photo: Cover Front Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 3 banffshire Partnership limited Contents . . . Meet The Staff In Every Issue Developing Communities - 01261 843598 3 Chairman’s Letter 4 Meet The Staff 5 A Word From Duncan 5 Our Valued Volunteers

6 Where Is Banffshire Partnership Based / Aims And Values Duncan Leece Robin Maddock Kay Beaton Director of 23 Useful Funding Sources Operations 24 Leader 2014 - 2020 Programme Community Transport & Training - 01261 843598 25 Engaging With Schools & Young People 26 Event First Aid 27 Community Action Plans 28 Transport For All The Community Jan Maddock Scott Ord-Jones Alan Thomson 29 Training In The Community Transport Manager 30 Useful Community Contact Numbers Featured Groups 7 & District Community Association 8 Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed 8 Bridge Recovery Café Heike Wilson Jim Esslemont Derek Anthony 9 The Boat Shed 10 Boyndie Trust 12 Brighter Horizons Centre 13 Fordyce Community Association 14 Home-Start Deveron

16 Portsoy Coastal Rowing Club Fiona Alexander Janice Laing Coral Pirie 17 The Sail Loft 18 Portsoy Pavilion 18 Portsoy Thrift Shop 19 Portsoy Salmon Bothy 20 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 21 & District Community Council Michael Moloney Rebecca Ross 22 Whitehills Harbour & Marina

4 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 banffshire Partnership limited A Word From Duncan You will have just read a short report from Robin, BPL Chairman, Our Valued recording some of the key points of activity in the past year; and he and Volunteers I agree that as we compile this book Many of our Passenger Assistants early in 2017, we already can see a and Drivers - whether for challenging year shaping up ahead. the Dial-a-Bus or community groups - are volunteers, whose Surely everyone now knows that a contribution is greatly valued whole host of circumstances, not by all who benefit. If you would least tighter budgets for public We are delighted to welcome like to join them, it’s necessary agencies, means that charities, Rebecca Ross to our team, and to register with us and take up volunteers and community to see Scott Ord-Jones take an appropriate training. organisations will be doing increasing level of responsibility. How more than ever, if we want our can I put the following sentence If you think you can help please communities to continue to be such delicately? OK, let me just say that contact us: great places to live. they both represent a different generation to some of our longer- Banffshire Partnership This book gives the wonderful groups standing staff, and I most certainly Community Transport, we work with an opportunity to include myself in that group, so I The Old School, Boyndie, Banff. showcase what they do, and to am sure you will agree that it is AB45 2JT publicise their future plans. Please great to see knowledge and skills E: [email protected] read their articles, as you can hardly passed on down the line. A vital step T: 01261 843598 fail to be impressed . . . but let me in BPL’s long-term future. be honest; we hope you will also be inspired to help and to join them.

And the busier community groups are, the more BPL gets asked for help and advice, even though our own resources are under pressure. Duncan D Leece, One thing I know for certain is Chief Executive Officer that my paid staff, and our fabulous contact me at volunteers, will not be bored in 2017! [email protected]

Editorial in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or part without prior written permission of the Banffshire Partnership. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Partnership.

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 5 banffshire Partnership limited Where Is Banffshire Partnership Based? he Banffshire Partnership is It is our intention to publish an based at Boyndie on the Moray annual Partnership Update. The next T Firth coast and is delighted edition of the newsletter - Issue 20 to work with community groups - will appear in early 2018 so don’t throughout the Banff & area. miss out on a great opportunity to get some free publicity for your The following pages highlight some group’s activities or forthcoming of the activities and events which events. have been happening throughout Banffshire Partnership, the area over the past months, as Please send us any articles, The Old School, Boyndie, well as giving an insight into some photographs, adverts or of the events which will be taking announcements which you would like Banff, AB45 2JT place throughout this year. to be included - we look forward to 01261 843598 hearing from you! [email protected] Banffshire Partnership Aims And Values

Our purpose: Objectives: Practical ways in which Banffshire Within our area to contribute to the Encourage and support communities to Partnership supports projects include: economic, social and environmental run and participate in activity that will help well-being of local communities by: them develop. • project management advice, and • valuing the work of volunteers capacity building of groups as a • creating opportunities for Provide rural transport solutions to whole, and individual members. employment based on the individuals and communities, where • assistance with funding applications, sustainable use of local culture, mainstream public transport is inaccessible. or development of financial skills and resources management packages. • enabling and encouraging Specific encouragement will be given to • putting groups in contact with others lifelong learning amongst local projects that have an economic benefit who have done similar projects, and people. and/or develop partnership working with helping the sharing of knowledge. We also aim to encourage and other groups and public agencies, such as • reducing rural isolation, and social support partnership working the Local Authority. exclusion, through transport initiatives and between community groups and opportunities for individuals to access private, public and voluntary The Partnership has a particular interest community activity. organisations. in tourism initiatives and ideas to • facilitating two-way communication promote the use of local products and between local communities and public Values: We try to: local suppliers. agencies, or policy makers at regional • encourage participation and consensus and national level. • be open and transparent in our It is Banffshire Partnership’s observation dealings and belief that the more local people • maximise resources - human, physical participate in and take ownership of and financial activities within their communities, the • remain people focused better that place will become to live in.

6 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups Aberchirder & District Community Association he past year has been another busy one for the TAssociation, involving an ever increasing number of volunteers as well as the committee. A review of the latest Community Action Plan carried out in November showed that many of the sections of the Virtual Museum station for elections. actions which the community will be added during 2017. Looking ahead, the could carry out by itself have As usual, the Association Association will be cooperating now been achieved. broke even financially during with the Aberchirder & District New projects in the past the year. This was possible only Men’s Shed group, which has year involved providing thirty thanks to fundraising, which at made great progress during new flower tubs made from over £5000 represented nearly 2016. And the Association has unusually cut whisky barrels 40% of total income. Our agreed in principle that once which were painted in black thanks to all who supported electricity is being sold to the and gold by our enthusiastic our events throughout the National Grid by the Deuchries environmental team. These year, including our most Wind Farm - possibly by 2020! match commercial street successful Gala ever. Also to - community benefit funds furniture seen in some other Aberdeenshire Council for should be shared between settlements and came at a an Area Initiative Fund grant itself and Alvah & Forglen small fraction of the price. The towards our website relaunch Community Council. entrance to McRobert Park was and display boards for use by As always, thanks to made more attractive with a community groups. Banffshire Partnership for help community notice board and The Community Pavilion and advice, and to our various repainting of the Lyon gates in McRobert Park makes an partners within Aberdeenshire presented to Foggie in 1962 important contribution to Council. by Andrew Lyon in memory village activities. Membership of his grandfather who farmed of the Gym is now constant at Craigiebrae. And the town around 80 and offers several flag bought in 1999 to show new items of equipment, the Foggie coat of arms had purchased during the year. seen better days, and has been At £70 a year, membership replaced by a new one. offers excellent value - why Volunteers were also not contact Richard Waters on busy with ongoing projects, 07910 532876? The Pavilion is Aberchirder & District including implementing the also used throughout the year Community Association Cleanhill management plan, by St Marnan’s Sports Club Bob Peden, Secretary festive lights, Foggie Facebook and St Marnan’s FC as well as page and a relaunch of the for one-off events including [email protected] Foggieloan website, where the Flower Show and a polling 01466 780277 www.facebook.com/foggieloan “New projects in the past year involved www.foggieloan.co.uk providing thirty new flower tubs . . .” Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 7 Featured Groups Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed ello, we are the Aberchirder work will continue in the hope some of you - and not & District Men`s Shed, cabins to set out a social just from Foggie and district - Hwhich we started to set meeting area and hobbies can join with us in this Men`s up in February 2016. We are areas. These will include a Shed enterprise at Aberchirder. now approximately one year blacksmith area where welding We will need your skills to into this project and things are and metalwork can be overseen make it work. going well for us. by a competent blacksmith. We have been able to Work will also continue secure a piece of ground in inside and outside the cabins the village from Aberdeenshire and perimeter fencing and Council, on the old Dorran site landscaping in and around the on North Street/Market Street. cabins will be done. The guys look to start The project will be broken getting this project set up in down into different stages. We the Spring time, setting out six Portakabins which will be “We will need covered with cladding and your skills to painted, and constructing a large Polytunnel. Thereafter make it work.” Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed James D Paterson, Secretary 5 Bronchal Place Aberchirder. AB54 7SE 01466 780861 james.paterson24@ btinternet.com Bridge Recovery CafÉ

anffshire Partnership Open every Friday 4.00pm - 6.30pm, has been working with BAberdeenshire Alcohol Macduff Town Hall and Drugs Partnership to assist some keen local people Building the Link Between Isolation and Inclusion establishing a new support organisation as an independent Are you, or is someone you know, in Recovery? and community-run group. We wish them every success. The initiative promotes self- Come along for a bite to eat and friendly chat help and sharing experiences, in a relaxed environment, while All welcome. Just pop in. collectively cooking and eating some nice food! 8 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups The Boatshed s you stroll by Portsoy’s Olympic gold medalist Dame at , where they fascinating seventeenth Katherine Grainger in 2013, now run two permanent classes Acentury harbour, make the completed building was for secondary pupils. A great sure you pay a visit to Portsoy formally opened by HRH the variety of fine boats such as Duke of Kent in October 2015. St Ayles Skiffs, curraghs and a Fully equipped with tools river coble have been produced and machinery to support and to a very high standard by the encourage wooden boatbuilding, pupils. this is very much a living With support of the and active building. The first international oil company occupant was the fine recreation Chevron, PCE has recently of a traditional wooden salmon undertaken a unique enterprise coble, named Soy Lady by in generating employability through industry links. Each week in the Boatshed, young people work with experienced craftsmen, learning skills firsthand and getting the feel of the real world of work. Looking to the future, the opening of the fantastic new Sail Loft has created great “. . . for anyone who wants to build or opportunities for anyone who wants to try boatbuilding restore a traditional wooden boat . . . .” for themselves. Families, Community Enterprise’s Banffshire’s Lord Lieutenant, individuals or corporate groups purpose built Boatshed. Once Mrs Clare Russell at last year’s can stay in Portsoy enjoying a sad, derelict shell, it has Boat Festival. Since then, the bunk-house’s comfortable been rebuilt to award winning volunteers have been busily accommodation, then have the standards and is available for working on a variety of beautiful choice of joining the volunteers anyone who wants to build or vessels. These include a harbour creating traditional boats or restore a traditional wooden tender, a river coble that is now take on new boatbuilding boat, or to learn how to in the Salmon Bothy museum projects for themselves. accomplish this. and a Zulu-skiff, with many All levels of experience Taken on as a major more boats in the pipeline. can be catered for and a warm project by PCE (formally PCE started building small welcome is guaranteed. the Scottish Traditional boats with eight local primary Boat Festival) in 2011, the schools in 2010 and in the restoration required a huge following six years built 59 effort from everyone involved. dinghies based on an original With a number of significant Optimist design. Over 700 obstacles to overcome, the children have been delighted to The Boatshed completed building is a great experience building then sailing 01261 842951 compliment to the volunteers their own vessels. who saw it through. With Boatbuilding volunteers [email protected] the foundation stone laid by continued their excellent work www.portsoyboatshed.org Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 9 Featured Groups Boyndie Trust ur skills development and while that brings its own and I know that will generate training service, which challenges, it also has added interest for our customers. Lots Ospecialises in working with to the vibrant and active feel of work has been done in the people who have special needs, our service is known for. So we gardens, making the plants sales just gets busier and busier. We welcome that . . . most days! area more wheelchair and buggy- generally have between fifty From a visitor’s point of and sixty people on placement view, of course, most people with us at any one time, and know us for our Visitor that number has not increased Centre, and its much-praised much, but the complexity and restaurant, shops and gardens. depth of training many of our Along with every other similar clients want, is where we see a business, we have to work real difference to what we did hard in the current economic ten years ago. climate in order to keep up our Another trend is that profitability. It is very gratifying we have many more young to see the highly positive people accessing our training, reviews on Tripadvisor, and such like. New for 2017 is our Tartan, Tweed & Thistles product range, which sees us supporting the Harris Tweed brand in particular,

friendly, and much credit goes to the grounds maintenance team for the way the place is looking. Our woodworkers have built some great stuff from designs supplied by School; the Mud Kitchens are wonderful play and learning tools, and we are developing an outdoor dolls house for them too. We were delighted to get the contract to build the tables and seats for the wonderful new Glamping pods at Aden Country Park. Lots more plans for projects and improvements . . . I can’t mention them all in the space I have here! Boyndie Trust doesn’t really enter for awards or competitions, so it is a treat indeed to have found ourselves 10 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups

My staff and I tend to just keep our heads down and concentrate on our work, so it is a real pleasure to find what we do at Boyndie being acclaimed in this way.

Boyndie Trust Limited receiving two real accolades. Network for Rural Duncan Leece, General Manager The Scottish Government Development spotted this The Old School, Boyndie, chose Boyndie to feature as story and have asked our Banff, AB45 2JT a national example of best permission to feature Boyndie practice, on its Rural Networks as an international example of 01261 843249 website: www.ruralnetwork.scot/ good practice, in a guide they boyndietrust@ case-studies/boyndie-visitor-centre are compiling for the European hotmail.com Brussels-based European Commission. www.boyndietrust.co.uk

“The Bakers . . .”

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 11 Featured Groups Brighter horizons Centre he Brighter Horizons Global Exchange Project The modern, light and airy Centre opened in August supporting a community in hall space can also be hired by T2015. Since then we have Zimbabwe and providing the public for a nominal fee. welcomed many local people an opportunity for young To find out more about and hosted community events people and local volunteers to what we have on offer please such as our August Family experience the wider world, and Fun Day, Supper & Singing create a positive attitude towards with Santa and Christmas Eve difference and diversity. Carol Service. These were well supported and are now annual events. The Brighter Horizons Centre was set up as a community venue and is a developing thriving hub within the local town. We provide a needs-led service for the local community. We are always looking for new volunteers to help with our current projects and these are:

see our website at www. “The modern, light and airy hall space brighterhorizons.org.uk or our Facebook page “Brighter can also be hired by the public for a Horizons”. You can also email nominal fee.” us at brighterhorizons@ bachlawprojects.co.uk or Monday Night Youth Drop-in Specialist Fostering Service telephone us on 01261 833132. Session - 7.30pm - 9.00pm providing high quality placements and offering Monthly Traditional Soup & children and young people Sweet - 12.00pm - 2.00pm first support and nurturing within a Saturday in month. family environment and as part of the community. Brighter Horizons Centre Friday Night Football Drop- 01261 833132 in Session - 7.30pm - 9.00pm Lillies Kindergarten hire at Princess Royal part of the building providing brighterhorizons@ nursery education from 0-5 bachlawprojects.co.uk Young Board of Advisors, a year olds from 7am -7pm www.brighterhorizons.org.uk group formed to provide our Monday to Friday, contact local young people with a say in them on 01261 833132 for www.facebook.com/ what happens locally and to be more information. BrighterHorizons involved in community projects.

12 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups Fordyce Community Association The Management Committee and community volunteers Thave continued to work hard to enhance the facilities and amenities of Fordyce for the benefit of villagers and those living in the surrounding rural area. The Community Hall Respecting Schools initiative group with responsibility for day is used for public and private and played a major role in the to day running of the facility is events as well as being a focus for development and completion always keen to recruit volunteers meetings of local groups, clubs of a sculpture project, assisted for manning the museum, and organisations. by Aberdeenshire Council generating new initiatives, general We continue to support Landscape Services, Macduff housekeeping, etc. The team those who may feel isolated Shipyards and Seafield Estates. has redeveloped the museum through lack of transport links community Hall Project: area to facilitate exhibitions and by hosting the twice-monthly Ongoing since 2002, this demonstrations and there is also Coffee & Company sessions year has seen the completion an area for local crafts people to that provide an opportunity for (apart from some areas of display their work. Aberdeenshire members of the community to flooring) of the refurbishment Council now validates the get together for a ‘blether’. and redevelopment of the Workshop for work with pupils Volunteers work regularly interior with installation with special needs, tutored by on enhancing the village of a new hot water system. Euan Hay whose father was the environment by maintaining Hall users’ comments on the owner and last working joiner at and replanting various areas vastly improved facilities have the premises. of the village, including continued to be very positive. With this expanding the Jubilee Garden and the We have to complete the laying remit we are grateful for all the Community Woodland. of new flooring and intend support given, by both those We are committed to to upgrade aspects of the who have made donations and maintaining sufficient funds hot-water system in the very grants toward the Association’s to cover management and near future. As a result of the efforts and the tireless work of maintenance costs of the improvements we have had a the committee and volunteers Community Hall as well as number of wedding bookings. who have worked so hard on the building a healthy development We are currently fund- Associations various projects. fund for future projects. A raising for work on the exterior major source of funding is of the building; this will include Fordyce Community Association the annual Open Village in pointing the stonework and Community Hall Bookings: July; this is very well attended bell-tower as well as some Dorothy Hutcheson - 01261 842658 and greatly appreciated by remedial roof work. We are visitors from far and wide. The most grateful for the continuing Car Boot Bookings: monthly Car Boot sales also support of the Portsoy Thrift Alan Morrison - 07801 329428 bring visitors into the village, Shop for the project. Other Contact: boosting the association’s Fordyce Joiners’ Workshop Brian Anderson, Secretary & Museum: income. The Association has The Association has 07933 201299 co-operated with Fordyce management responsibility for Primary School as a community the whole Museum & Workshop briananderson03@ partner on the Rights complex. The free-standing sub- btinternet.com Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 13 Featured Groups Home-start Deveron Is All About Families ome-Start Deveron (HSD) for families from all walks of visiting volunteers bring is an established local life. By encouraging parents to to families makes a real Hcharity that has been be aware of their own strengths and practical difference to supporting families in the we bring many benefits to the families. Volunteering is Deveron valley area since 1999. children in our community. a good way to learn new How do we do it Through home-visiting skills, meet new people, feel Our team of dedicated home sessions and the variety of valued, have fun and make a visiting volunteers and family group activities we are able to positive contribution to your support workers offer practical promote opportunities which community. and emotional support to encourage parents to bond Home-visiting volunteers families with a child under with their children, encourage undertake a preparation course the age of five through home positive behaviour, develop before being matched with visiting sessions and a variety speech and language skills but a family. They are supported of group activities. We most importantly have fun throughout the journey by represent the views and needs playing with their children. the coordinator and ongoing of families at a strategic level by Play is after all, a child’s training is available. Working contributing to the local early learning. We also offer support with families to help them year’s forums and at a national in managing family budgets. build their self-esteem and to level through Home-Start In 2016 HSD provided feel valued in the community is Scotland and Home-Start UK. home-visiting support to 43 very rewarding. Whichever way we reach out to families and gave a further The training course is free families our priority is to make 117 families support in local of charge and we pay all out sure we are there to support the community groups. of pocket expenses. Many of whole family in a useful and Why become a Home- the skills learnt on the course friendly manner. Start Deveron volunteer? are transferable and can help What impact does HSD have The time, care, commitment, when applying for other jobs. HSD provides opportunities and reassurance that home- Please contact the Home-Start Deveron office for details of when the next course is running. We also have volunteers who sit on our Board of Trustees at HSD. They carry out a wide-range of duties from Health & Safety management, Finance & Funding, Marketing, Strategic Planning as well as providing overall direction and maintaining sound management of funds. Without our volunteer Trustees HSD couldn’t function and both families and children would not get the vital support that they need. A full training & induction programme is 14 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups

implemented to support all new Trustees as well as the full backing and support of fellow Trustees, scheme staff and HS UK who provide information, support and guidance to all Home-Start schemes. some of the events HSD is involved with in the local communtity HSD obtains its funding through a variety of sources, including Aberdeenshire Council, Banff Area Initiative Fund, The Cattanach Trust, The Robertson Trust and various other smaller funders. We receive several donations each year from various other During the school holidays If you would like to know sources such as The Spotty Bag we organise joint outings for the more about volunteering for Shop, the Round Table and families that use our home- Home-Start Deveron or would the Fife Lodge Hotel Banff to visiting service and our groups. like details of any of our groups name just a few. I believe the In 2016 we took 86 children please contact Lorna Yuill continued funding given by to Hoodles and had a fabulous Home-Start Coordinator on all these organisations shows day playing both indoors and 01261 819964 or go to www. their commitment to us and outdoors. We also had a mass homestartdeveron.org.uk. You the value they have for the gathering at Banff Links with can also find us on FaceBook, services provided by HSD. lots of children playing together so give our page a ‘Like’ to keep Throughout the year we also building sand castles and having up with all that is happening do some fundraising events. races on the sand. The national within our scheme. You may have seen us at the trust ranger is no stranger to Portsoy Boat Festival and HSD she organises woodland Agricultural Show. walks, helping the children Both of these events attract and adults to identify all the many visitors. We provide a beautiful nature around us. safe place to feed and change During the festive period Home-Start Deveron babies while at the same time HSD teams up with the Lorna Yuill, Home-Start raising our profile and some Spotty Bag shop and other valuable funds through our childrens’ services to organise Coordinator tombola stall. Without the help the Giving Tree. The kindness 01261 819964 of our volunteers we wouldn’t shown by all of those who www.homestartdeveron.org.uk be able to do any of this. The donate gifts for children in our volunteers tell me they really community is heart-warming. www.facebook.com/ enjoy it and although it’s hard We are especially proud to be HomeStartDeveron work setting everything up its supporting our community in great fun. this way. Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 15 Featured Groups Coastal Rowing around the moray Firth by Wendy Clements of Portsoy Coastal Rowing Club accessible to all ages, with the Portsoy club currently welcoming rowers from 14 to 70 - so long as you are fit enough to climb into the boat! Start rowing now, and you could be competing at the Boat Festival in June, or going for a social picnic row, or joining rowth in the relatively new Ireland, Woudrichem in the one of the local harbour days… sport of Scottish Coastal Netherlands and even Franklin With clubs at Banff, Whitehills, GRowing continues to exceed in Tasmania, the coastal rowing Cullen and Burghead, as well as all expectations. From humble phenomenon is spreading. In Portsoy, there is bound to be a beginnings, when Anstruther’s 2017, there will be a focus on club not too far away. And Lossie Fisheries Museum launched younger rowers, with the Youth are just forming a club if you it’s “Scottish Coastal Rowing Series featuring races specifically want to be involved in a build. Project” in 2009, there are now for under 17’s and 19’s. At Portsoy, we have club over 50 clubs scattered around But it is not all about rowing sessions most Tuesday the coastline of Scotland - all racing: There is also a hotly and Thursday evenings once small groups, where a number contested cruising log, when the clocks change, weather of local enthusiasts have seen clubs set off on an adventure permitting, and we get out what coastal rowing can do for a . . . This year’s winner was the whenever we can manage it community, raised the necessary Isle of Mull Coastal Rowing at the weekend. If you are funds (around £5000 to start Club, who completed a interested in finding out more, up), bought and built their own circumnavigation of their go to www.facebook.com/ boat and taken out to sea! island, a distance of nearly 100 PortsoySkiffettes then click All the boats start as a flat miles! Other contenders were on ‘sign up’ to see when we pack kit to ensure that, when the ‘round the lough row’ at are going out and send us a complete, the boats are basically Strangford and a 59 mile row message. Or contact Wendy on the same, and race winners down the Great Glen! Perhaps 07717 220018. “If I know you do so because of their rowing we need to venture a little are planning to come along, I prowess rather than their ability further than . . .! can let you know should the to buy high tech gadgets to One of the reasons for the outing be cancelled due to improve performance! There success of the St Ayles skiff is adverse weather conditions or are races organized throughout the fact that it is such a sturdy whatever!” Hope to see you on the season and all round the and steady wee boat. She rides the water soon! coastline, giving you an excuse the waves beautifully and I to visit some amazing new have never felt in any danger places, if an excuse is needed! of getting wet - apart from the From established race venues, odd splash, or if the water goes such as Ullapool, where the over the top of your wellies inaugural SkiffieWorlds were when you are launching! We Portsoy Skiffettes held in 2013, to smaller, more have guidelines on safe weather intimate venues such as the conditions and we always wear Wendy - 07717 220018 Isle of Luing, Shieldaig and life jackets. The world somehow www.facebook.com/ Shawbost and further afield to seems a happier place when you PortsoySkiffettes Strangford Lough in Northern come in from a row. Skiffing is

16 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups The Sail LofT ortsoy Community Category B by Historic Scotland, however several discoveries made Enterprise is delighted the buildings were taken into the during the renovation works have Pto confirm that the ownership of North East Scotland allowed some additional details bunkhouse, the Sail Loft - is Preservation Trust (NESPT) of its fragmented history to be now open for business. This in 2006. Along with Portsoy pieced together. For example, former sail making building Community Enterprise (PCE), dressed sandstone fireplaces offers brand new self-catering the buildings have been developed were uncovered in the Sail Loft and the Georgian House, and alterations to the fireplace in the East Cottage indicate it had been infilled to improve its performance. Additionally, several artefacts including a set of dated prongs and an old pot holder have been discovered within the accommodation with 25 into a 25 bed bunkhouse buildings, both of which will luxurious beds and bunks. accommodation facility, opened feature inside the completed Sail It boasts a carefully designed in February this year. Loft as a reminder of its varied modern open-plan communal The new venue will bring historic past. kitchen, dining area and additional tourism business to Set in an idyllic location lounge, laundrette and drying Portsoy and surrounding areas, steeped in history, yet with the room. There is a secure lockable and provide a facility which will comfort of modern facilities area with racks for up to 25 make possible residential boat and the promise of a hearty cycles, as well as an outside building and traditional music welcome from our team, wash down area for bicycle courses at the Boatshed and you’ll want to stay at The Sail cleaning and we can even offer Salmon Bothy, both also owned Loft. Full details including on-site bicycle repairs. and operated by PCE. The Sail on-line booking on www. Overlooking Portsoy’s Loft project cost just under portsoysailloft.org beautiful Links Bay beach £2million and is funded by the and surrounded by rugged Heritage Lottery Fund, Coastal headlands the Sail Loft is Communities Fund, Historic superbly located for visitors to Environment Scotland (through take a break and relax. Portsoy CARS) and the The buildings located at Architectural Heritage Fund. Sail Loft the Back Green date from the Where reasonably practicable, 01261 842695 18th Century and comprise a the original appearance and former sail making loft, a finely character of the buildings has www.portsoysailloft.org detailed Georgian house and been retained. The full history of two associated cottages. Listed as the buildings remains unknown,

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 17 Featured Groups Portsoy Pavilion ant to change your life-style, get fit and Wimprove your health? Then Portsoy Pavilion has everything you need! A spacious, well equipped gymnasium includes all the modern There is also a large all- Open: weight training and weather Astroturf pitch on Mon, Wed, Fri: cardio-vascular machines for offer, available for all kinds 9am-12noon & 2pm-8pm; your fitness needs. Whether of sports - football and Tues & Thurs: 5pm-8pm; you’re a fitness fanatic or just tennis being most popular. Sat: 10am-1pm a beginner, everything you All equipment is provided need is under one roof here. and a booking is required. Membership is gained So, if you fancy 5-a-side Portsoy Pavilion through a gym induction football with your friends, Seafield Terrace, Portsoy and it’s up to you from or a relaxing game of tennis, there on to achieve the Portsoy Pavilion is only a (opposite Portsoy Motors) fitness you want! short distance away. 01261 843555

Portsoy Thrift Shop he volunteer team who run Portsoy Scouts very much appreciate the extra the Portsoy Thrift Shop Sandend Amenities support which the Portsoy shop Tare delighted to report Portsoy Players is able to provide. that they have had another Fordyce Community Association successful year. Sales were As ever, the Thrift Shop team slightly increased, thus allowing We’re delighted to say that would like to thank all who the team to help a wide range the total for the year was over donate goods - and of course of local causes and projects, £9,000. our wonderful customers including: without whom we would not It is appreciated that the Thrift be able provide the support Portsoy Book Festival Shop could be regarded as that we do. Portsoy Greenfingers “in competition” with other Deveronside Girls Football Club charity and appeal thrift shops, School’s Music Project for all of which we have the The Institute Hall greatest respect. However, given Portsoy Coastal Rowing Club that all the money raised is Portsoy Pipe Band for the benefit of Portsoy and The Boat Festival Children’s surrounding area community Portsoy Thrift Shop Programme projects, all of which work hard The Square, Portsoy The Salmon Bothy Lift Project to raise their own funds and 07870 536776 18 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups Portsoy Salmon Bothy ortsoy Salmon Bothy make direct contact with us their website www.bothyfolk.org comes under the umbrella and we will negotiate rates. Pof the Portsoy Community This last year we have had a We had the third Bothy Book Enterprise, an accredited wedding, children’s parties, Festival in March this year museum rated as a 4* attraction corporate meetings, concerts with an excellent range of and a venue for a variety of and workshops. Please consider authors taking part, including activities. us as a possible venue for your Ann Cleeves, Alex Gray and event. Caro Ramsay as “Partners in The Salmon Bothy Museum Crime” on the Saturday and on was awarded full accreditation The Salmon Bothy acquired the Sunday, Craig Robertson from Museums and Galleries professional film equipment spoke about his writing career Scotland in 2015 for the for community use in 2016. and his latest murder mystery second time. Visit Scotland We have had a recent sell featuring the maverick police rated it a 4* attraction in 2016. out - AB FAB when £800 photographer, Tony Winter. Although presently the closed was raised for the Church The Festival concluded with season, plans are in place for Hall Redevelopment Project. James Oswald, creator of the museum to open for the Look at the website for a Detective Inspector Mclean. season at Easter. programme of films run by the The Festival is another great Bothy Group. There is also the addition to Portsoy’s growing The Upstairs Area continues to possibility of having private events programme. be a popular venue. The Bothy showings for birthdays and Knitters go from strength to group night outs. Volunteers are desperately strength often raising money required particularly for for charity and assisting The Bothy Folk Group goes museum duty. Anyone community activities. They from strength to strength. They interested in doing duty at the meet on a Monday morning continue to meet on the third museum once a fortnight for from 10.00am - 12.00 noon. Friday of each month with a couple of hours would be Other community groups extra concerts from time to most welcome. Induction, peer have completed their life time. Their 8th HAAL is the mentoring, training and social cycle but anyone who would first weekend in June. Keep up activities are offered to make like to set up a group should to date with their activities on you part of the team.

Portsoy Salmon Bothy Links Road, Portsoy Anne McArthur 01261 842474 [email protected] www.salmonbothy.org

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 19 Featured Groups Scottish Traditional Boat Festival t doesn’t seem that long since to all of our sponsors - without Hall, a wide ranging music the 2016 event, but the 24th their support, the Festival and entertainment programme, IScottish Traditional Boat would not happen both indoors and outdoors, Festival is rapidly drawing near. With a strengthened and lots for the kids and, of course, This year’s Festival will be held extended maritime programme, the Loch Soy activity area. on the 24th and 25th June there will lots to see and hear The Segways and The Valkyrie and promises to be another around the two harbours with Slide will be making return “All of this cannot happen without the huge support of the Portsoy community . . .” a wide range of boats, maritime appearances - watch out for activities and music to keep more exciting news about these! you entertained. You will be All of this cannot happen able to go on board some of without the huge support of the visiting vessels and cheer on the Portsoy community and the crews as they take part in all those who volunteer their competitive racing and sailing services in the run up to the on the open seas - always an Festival and over the weekend exciting and much anticipated itself. If you would like to get event. involved, please contact us at: The very popular Food [email protected] Fayre will showcase the wide With up to 16,000 people variety of local produce, and descending upon Portsoy there will be of course ample over Festival weekend, be sure opportunity to breathe in the to come along and join the fantastic event with lots to keep aromas of fresh cooked fish, celebrations. Look forward to the whole family entertained. meats and other fine foods, seeing you there! Packed with brilliant moments, which may prove too much to the Scottish Traditional Boat resist as you wander through Festival engages the local the Festival enjoying the region, bringing together atmosphere and all that is going boats, music, crafts, food on. Ian Spink will be back with and drink to celebrate the us this year; his smokies are “to Scottish Traditional region’s rich cultural heritage. die for” and are ever popular. Boat Festival We are delighted that our In the Craft tents, you main sponsor for 2017, ACE can watch skilled traditional 01261 842951 Winches, have confirmed their crafters carve, weave, knit and [email protected] support for this year’s event and sculpt wonderful creations, www.stbfportsoy.org that our Friends at Northlink many of which you can take Ferries (who brought the home as a reminder of the Vikings to last year’s Festival) wonder of Portsoy and its are again working with us to authentic charm. There are deliver an exciting and varied some exciting new additions programme with lots of new this year including a dedicated attractions. We are very grateful art exhibition in the Town 20 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Featured Groups Whitehills & District Community Council to note that we have achieved another ‘ Gold Loo of the Year Award’ - many thanks to our team of volunteers. The Community Council is now a ‘corporate member’ of the new RAF Banff Trust (www.rafbanfftrust.org) a body tasked with creating an inventory of artefacts, and tidying and improving the principal buildings on the site, with signage on the existing visitor trails already created by ur willing team of are good enough to use these the community council. Community Councillors facilities. One of our long These are just some highlights have continued in the held desires is to have a safe O of the year’s activities and same vein as previous years walking route from Whitehills additionally we have been able to by actively pursuing the to Ladysbridge Village and support a number of applications completion of various projects, we have been working to this for funding from local groups a good number resulting end for a number of years. through the Boyndie Windfarm from local residents’ ideas Happily, this is now coming Community Fund which we and requests highlighted in to fruition with a pathway operate, to the extent of £22,404 our last ‘Community Action from The Memorial to the over the year. We continue to be Plan’, along with numerous crossroads at Annie’s woods receptive to applications from other activities to improve almost completed. This will bodies within our Community and enhance our local area. It be a great asset to the villages Council boundary for funding is intended to create a fresh and especially to the Primary that sits comfortably within our ‘Community Action Plan’ School allowing them safe laid down guidelines. Application led by Banffshire Partnership passage to the woods to restart Forms can be found on our website. Ltd in early 2017, and if any an outdoor learning facility. readers have any thoughts or As you will see we now have a ideas to improve our lovely new website as above and will area, please let them or any of be happy to have any ideas for our community councillors items you would like included know, and/or note them down within the site - again speak Whitehills & District and bring them to the open to any of our community night at St. Brandon’s Church councillors whose names are on Community Council Centre, date of which will be our monthly minutes posted Ross Balharry, Chairman advertised. outside the Premier Store. 01261 861882 We continue our efforts to You hopefully will keep our pavements clean with appreciate the various floral jrbalharry123@ ‘doggy bag’ dispensers available displays around the village btinternet.com at several strategic points round which we maintain and www.whitehillsand Whitehills and Boyndie, and additional bench seats on Low are grateful to dog owners who Shore. You will also be pleased district.co.uk

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 21 Featured Groups Whitehills Harbour & Marina 016 was a great year for Whitehills Marina, during 2which we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our annual regatta, and raised a record £1500 for the Whitehills Ladies Lifeboat Guild. This money was raised thanks to local businesses and supporters who donated prizes, to the crews of the 17 yachts taking part in the races on the day, as well all those who bid in our charity auction that evening. Prizes donated ranged from a haircut to a flight in a private plane. World-famous yachtsman and author, Roger Taylor, who has The harbour continues thank all our supporters, and used Whitehills as a starting to grow in popularity and the village in general who all point for his Arctic voyages, our reputation for first-class help to create a welcoming and donated a library of his books facilities and customer service friendly atmosphere for our for the auction. has travelled all over the harbour users. “ . . . lots of exciting developments planned this year . . .” Whitehills Harbour world, in no small part due to Commissioners have lots the good work done by our Whitehills Harbour & Marina of exciting developments Harbourmaster, Bertie Milne. Harbour Place, planned this year, the first Thanks also to our outgoing of which is our proposed Vice Chairman Willie Milne, Whitehills AB45 2NQ harbour dredging, to keep the who has worked tirelessly to 01261 861291 marina in tip-top condition promote the marina both at www.whitehillsmarina.co.uk for both visitors and regular home and abroad during his berth holders. We are looking years of service as a Harbour www.facebook.com/ forward to welcoming the new Commissioner. whitehillsmarina dredger, Selkie in April to start Whitehills Harbour her work. Commissioners would like to

22 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Useful Funding Sources Useful Funding Sources

Part-funded by the European Union’s European Maritime and Fisheries Fund The EuropeanA gricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group The North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group has recently launched a new local development programme for fishing communities and businesses.T he programme provides funding and support for community and business led projects supporting:

• Facilitating diversification within and outside of the fisheries sector• Supporting lifelong learning and job creation in fisheries areas• Adding value, creating jobs and promoting innovation at all stages of the fisheries and seafood supply chain • International co-operation • National co-operation.

Visit our website to find out more: www.nesflag.org.uk

Support for Aberdeenshire Business Scheme To find out more about whether Aberdeenshire Council can help your business grow contact:

Banff & Buchan Area: June Burnett, Banff T: 01261 813221 E: [email protected] www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/support/finance/sab.asp

Water Charge Exemption Scheme

If you’re a charity registered with the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) or a Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) you can apply for exemption from your water, waste water and drainage charges. www.business-stream.co.uk

Social Investment Scotland connecting capital with communities When did you last look at Social Investment Scotland? They have a considerable range of finance options, including match-funding and cashflow facilities for projects accessing LEADER funding. SIS is itself a social enterprise, and works by offering loan finance to your organisation, with affordable repayment plans tailored to suit. Well worth investigating: www.socialinvestmentscotland.com

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 23 leader 2014 - 2020 Leader 2014 - 2020 Programme 1. Place • Action 4.2 - The provision of • Action 1.1 - the development bespoke facilities, activities or of multi-purpose, sustainable and services targeted at supporting productive community and/or socially excluded people and business facilities, particularly using encouraging them to become derelict sites and empty units; more involved in community • Action 1.2 - the provision structures and activities. of new or upgraded culture/ tourism facilities; 5. Co-operation • Action 1.3 - place marketing • Action 5.1 - International co- and promotion initiatives; and operation; • Action 1.4 - assessing, • Action 5.2 - National co- enhancing and managing operation. biodiversity assets. Funding from the European The funds will be managed by the North Union and Scottish 2. Connectivity Aberdeenshire Local Action Group, Government has been • Action 2.1 - Sustainable and/ which is a partnership of community, awarded to the North or active travel solutions; private and public organisations. Aberdeenshire area to • Action 2.2 - Access to and support Community- delivery of eServices such as Community, public and private Led Local Development. digital health. organisations are able to apply for The funds will support funding from the North Aberdeenshire the delivery of the North 3. Business Competiveness LEADER programme for projects Aberdeenshire Local • Action 3.1 - Improving priority which support the delivery of the Development Strategy, sector competitiveness and Local Development Strategy. which was developed collaboration, through community • Action 3.2 - Facilitating A dedicated Co-ordinator has been engagement and diversification from agriculture appointed to support potential consultation. The Strategy applicants for funding. If you would identifies the following 4. Better Opportunities like to discuss a potential project priorities and actions: • Action 4.1 - The provision idea, please contact the Co-ordinator of training and employability on 01467 628 443 or via nalag@ support which complements aberdeenshire.gov.uk sectoral diversification and other development efforts;

The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development Europe investing in rural areas The North Aberdeenshire LAG is being part-financed by the Scottish government and the European Commuity LEADER 2014-2020 programme.

24 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Engaging With Schools & Young People BPL - Engaging With Schools & Young People BPL has made positive steps over specification trolley bed for our school hours, twinning with and the past couple of years, to ensure new multi-purpose vehicle that can assisting qualified BPL first aiders at that younger people benefit from be used for Dial-A-Bus services, as community events, sporting fixtures, our services, and that we benefit a first-aid treatment vehicle and a etc., delivering first-aid live. from their input too. command post. Another new initiative has seen We now have valuable relationships BPL staff have become involved in the BPL first aid team working with two schools in particular. The other aspects of Turriff Academy’s with local Army Cadets, in a similar relationship with Turriff Academy curriculum too. Working with manner to the Gordonstoun project. started when Banffshire Partnership business and technology teacher Rob followed Boyndie Trust’s lead in Haines, BPL staff have taken part In a very different initiative, BPL embracing the Youth Philanthropy in the school’s ‘Cereal Box Challenge’ has now encouraged and assisted Initiative, which is sponsored by Sir and their ‘Café’ projects. Additionally, a number of primary schools to Ian Wood’s foundation. YPI allows BPL trainers are assisting deliver become involved in developing school time for teams of pupils to basic first-aid courses. Community Action Plans for their choose a charity, work with the areas, working in partnership with charity to learn what it does and First Aid has been the link with community councils and parents how it works, then formulate a Moray school, Gordonstoun, too. councils. Schools in Aberchirder, pitch for a £3k donation towards Over forty pupils are now involved Portsoy and Inverallochy have all a project. Turriff pupils chose BPL’s in a project that sees BPL trainers delivered excellent projects, the Dial-A-Bus service, and the money helping develop the pupils’ skills results of which have really added to was won, part-funding a high in the classroom, but also outside the community engagement process.

For more information contact: Banffshire Partnership - Developing Communities on 01261 843598 or [email protected]

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 25 event first aid Event First Aid You may be aware that a couple out and use their skills to provide of years ago BPL embarked on a first aid at events. We have teams new venture, to provide affordable based at Sandend, Aviemore, Glasgow event first aid for public events. We and Gordonstoun and are looking have gained contracts with some of to expand further afield in the near Scotland’s largest public events and future. are proud to say we have become one of the largest providers of this If you are arranging a public event service in the North East of Scotland, or know of one that requires a we have even gained contracts in quote for professional event first aid the central belt. services please pass on our contact information. We also have a new To support the many commitments website up and running that you we have now undertaken we have can contact us through to request a fantastic group of volunteers who a quotation for any event. www. If you are interested in joining give up their own time to come banffshirepartnership.co.uk us as a volunteer event first- aider, please get in touch with Alan or Scott on 01261 843598 or email [email protected] where we can give you more information.

26 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Developing Communities / Making it real Community Action Plans There will be little, if any, financial cost to you in the process of getting a plan, but you will need to be prepared to put in some time. Specifically, the lead group will need to:

• Be prepared to distribute publicity material and twist a few arms, so that both a good number and a true cross section of local people take part in the exercise.

• Hire a suitable hall or venue for a public meeting and arrange for teas and coffees to Banffshire Partnership Limited’s aim be supplied to those attending is to help community groups or community (the cost of both can usually whole communities, plan, develop to have developed partnerships be met via BPL). and deliver projects, large or small. with others. They will want proof These projects may be things that that your idea really does have • Work with the BPL team to create jobs, boost the economy, or community support too. BPL can help them put the data and just improve the quality of life for help you with both. ideas collected into a plan that locals and visitors. will be realistic, deliverable and We would encourage you to have make sense to local people. We will not take your project over a Community Action Plan. This plan and do it for you, but we will gladly should contain and record the views, It really is not a daunting exercise, support, advise and mentor you to ideas and priorities of local people, and many communities have enjoyed get the skills and knowledge to and we will happily assist you to the exercise enough to repeat it. We make your own ideas work. compile one, if your community feel a plan has a valuable life of does not already have one. Working roughly three or four years, before it In return, all we ask is that you will with a lead group, which may be a is out of date. be willing to share that experience single body such as a Community with future newcomers. All BPL’s Council, or an alliance of smaller paid staff and volunteers have been organisations, we collect residents’ For more information contact: involved in community projects, and ideas and opinions using methods Banffshire Partnership - made that commitment to pass their designed to avoid the arguments and Developing Communities skills and knowledge on to others. hostilities that can arise in traditional public meetings. Everyone’s view will on 01261 843598 or More and more, potential funders be heard, and not just those with the [email protected] look for your organisation or loudest voices!

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 27 Community transport Transport For All The Community Banffshire Partnership has been DIAL-A-BUS may have more than one service a providing a Dial-a-Bus service in We have two buses which have been week. We operate a first come first the community for many years. We specially built with the shopping served booking service and you must currently have 215 clients who use trips in mind. Both buses have book in advance. Please phone the the service at least once a month. internal tail lifts and plenty of office on 01261 843598 for more information or to register with us. Shopping is the main demand for our storage space for all our clients’ Dial-a-Bus service and we take our shopping bags. Our third bus is a We will then ask one of our staff to clients to places where they cannot get Ford Transit. visit you at home. They will explain to on the normal bus service. To be We serve the communities of: the service in more detail and make eligible for the Dial-a-Bus service you Aberchirder, Alvah, Banff, Boyndie, sure it suits your needs. need to have difficulty getting to the Cornhill, Crudie, Fordyce, Forglen, COMMUNITY MINIBUSES shops. This may be because you don’t Gamrie, , Hilton, King We run our operations with three have a car or the nearest bus stop is Edward, Macduff, , Ordiquhill, minibuses. All three are available for too far for you to walk to. We pick Portsoy, Sandend and Whitehills. hire by community groups who are you up at your front door, take you We cater for people who have registered with us. Two of the three to the shops (help you shop if you difficulty using the normal bus service buses can accommodate wheelchair need help), pack your shopping in the for various reasons including: living passengers. These two buses also bus and bring you and your shopping more than a ½ mile from the nearest have a large capacity for shopping/ home to your front door. We are not bus stop, being unable to carry luggage and can take up to 12 in competition with the normal bus shopping, being disabled or infirm. passengers or 11 passengers and service, so you need to register with us For many of our clients the service one wheelchair. Our third bus can before using the buses. also means a social outing as it may take 16 passengers. Two of the three We also hire our buses to community be the only time from week to week buses have side steps. groups when they are not being that they get the chance to talk to We encourage the community groups used for the Dial-a-Bus service. The others. All our Dial-a-Bus services to have their own driver. However, we buses are available most afternoons, operate with a Driver and Passenger currently have a pool of paid and evenings and at weekends. Assistant. They are there to help. volunteer drivers whom we can rely on. We provide a service in our The buses are out every day and As members of the Community community in many ways: depending on where you live you Transport Association, we provide the nationally accredited Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme (MiDAS) training to everyone who drives our buses. Our charges are very competitive; please call us to find out the current charges. If you would like to find out more or register your group, please call us on 01261 843598. We’d be delighted to give you more information.

Left: Our current fleet of minibuses. 28 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 Community transport / Training

delighted to welcome you to our team. We will be happy to answer all your Please don’t think you would have to questions. You can call us on the work every day; the odd morning or number given or email us at bpl. afternoon will make a difference. [email protected] We will make sure you get all the

Above: Inside the Iveco minibus. training and support you need to VOLUNTEERS do the job. With your help we can For further info contact: A few committed and enthusiastic keep the Dial-a-Bus service running Banffshire Partnership - volunteers support our paid staff to support all our communities, Community Transport on that drive the minibuses and act benefitting a large number of people. 01261 843598 as Passenger Assistants. They all say We are able to reimburse our that they find the work fun, sociable or bpl.transport@ volunteers with any out of pocket and rewarding and not in the least banffdab.org.uk expenses. Anyone interested should bit boring or difficult. phone us on 01261 843598 for If you have any spare time and like more information. to interact with others, we would be

Training In The Community BPL is an established training We have a full portfolio of first aid We are also authorised to deliver provider in the North East of courses available including: the Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme Scotland, providing vital training to • First Aid at Work (3 Days) (MiDAS) Standard and Accessible companies and community groups • First Aid at Work Requalification courses as well as The Passenger across the region. We are proud to (2 Days) Assistant Training Scheme (PATS). have a great working relationship • Emergency First Aid at Work with many local schools offering to (1 Day) Other courses in our portfolio teach their students vital first aid • Paediatric First Aid (1 Day) include: 1 and safety skills from Primary 5 • Community First Aid ( /2 Day) • Manual Handling 1 upwards. • Basic First Aid ( /2 Day) • Disability Awareness • Save a Life courses (2 Hours) • Minibus Fire & Evacuation training please enquire For further information, a current course calendar and price list or just for an informal discussion of your training requirements please contact Alan Thomson on 01261 843598 or email: [email protected].

Issue 19 - 2017 partnership update 29 Community Contacts Useful Community Contact Numbers Community Groups & Portsoy Salmon Bothy Whitehills & District Community Council T: 01261 842951 T: 01261 861882 Associations E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Aberchirder & District Community W: www.salmonbothy.org Association T: 01466 780277 Local Councillors Scottish Traditional Boat Festival Banff & District E: [email protected] T: 01261 842951 Councillor John Cox W: www.foggieloan.co.uk E: [email protected] T: 07917 734774 W: www.stbfportsoy.org Aberchirder & District Men’s Shed E: [email protected] T: 01466 780861 Whitehills Harbour & Marina Councillor Michael Roy E: [email protected] T: 01261 861291 T: 01261 815614 / 07876 475497 W: www.whitehillsmarina.co.uk The Boatshed E: [email protected] T: 01261 842951 Councillor Iain Taylor E: [email protected] Local Rural Partnership Banffshire Partnership T: 07920 451 306 W: www.portsoyboatshed.org T: 01261 843598 E: [email protected] Boyndie Trust Limited E: [email protected] Troup T: 01261 843249 W: www.banffshirepartners.co.uk Councillor Ross Cassie E: [email protected] - Community Transport T: 01261 831810 / 07795 612721 W: www.boyndietrust.co.uk E: [email protected] E: [email protected] - Developing Communities Brighter Horizons Centre E: [email protected] Councillor Mark Findlater T: 01261 833132 - Training T: 01261 832192 / 07876 475129 E: brighterhorizons@bachlawprojects. E: [email protected] E: [email protected] co.uk W: www.brighterhorizons.org.uk Councillor Hamish Partridge Community Councils T: 01346 541303 / 07876 475126 Alvah & Forglen Community Council Fordyce Community Association E: [email protected] T: 01261 821671 / 07795 181476 T: 01261 842658 (Hall Bookings) E: [email protected] & District T: 07801 329428 (Car Boot Bookings) Councillor Charles Buchan T: 07933 201299 (General) Banff & Macduff Community Council T: 01346 515758 / 07876 475319 E: [email protected] Home-Start Deveron E: [email protected] T: 01261 819964 Cornhill & Ordiquill Community Council Councillor Ian Tait W: www.homestartdeveron.org.uk T: 07852 412289 T: 01346 518619 / 07768 536864 E: [email protected] Portsoy Skiffettes E: [email protected] T: 07717 220018 Fordyce, Sandend & District Councillor Brian Topping Community Council T: 01346 518133 / 07768 704507 Sail Loft E: [email protected] T: 01261 842695 E: [email protected] W: www.portsoysailloft.org King Edward & Gamrie Community Council Councillor Michael Watt T: 01261 851028 (Oct-Mar) T: 01346 518479 / 07768 863076 Portsoy Pavilion 01261 851221 (Apr-Sept) E: [email protected] T: 01261 843555 Portsoy & District Community Council Portsoy Thrift Shop T: 07982 721917 T: 07870 536776 E: [email protected]

30 partnership update Issue 19 - 2017 community transport

“keeping the community moving”

community use minibus dial-a-bus drivers & passenger assistants transport information training . . . for your transport needs

The Old School Boyndie Banff AB45 2JT T & F: 01261 843598 E: [email protected] See page 29 for further details

All your training needs covered by just one call

The Old School Boyndie Banff AB45 2JT T & F: 01261 843598 E: [email protected]