issueissue 1818 -- 20162016 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 Directors can be contacted through the business started, it has grown steadily We have already delivered training for local the Partnership office - and is now the main activity of Banffshire and national companies and community 01261 843598. Partnership. We have three minibuses, two of organisations and feedback from our Directors meet bi-monthly which are wheelchair accessible. We receive customers has been excellent. (or more often if necessary). very generous donations from our Dial-A-Bus clients which enables us to regularly renew Community Economic Development CHAIR Robin Maddock our bus fleet. The Community Economic Development Ross Balharry side of the Partnership, although small in Sandy Duncan The Dial-A-Bus service is very well used financial terms plays a very large role in the Pat Gardner on a daily basis. Our annual survey of our communities that it serves. Roger Goodyear passengers shows how valuable this service is to them, not just getting them to the BPL is an active member of the Local Janice Laing Community Planning Partnership, and it has Dr Anne McArthur shops and on outings, but in terms of social interaction and helping to alleviate social assisted many community groups with projects, Mavis Wise exclusion. All our buses are available for business plans and funding applications over community hire and this activity continues to the years. thrive. I would like to remind all local groups Design Kay Beaton We have a paid contract with that our vehicles are available for hire at a Council to provide this service, and without very reasonable cost for outings, meetings, etc. that income we would be unable to help community groups. Funding for this work Print J. Thomson Colour Printers Well above half of the funding for our Community Transport comes from grants in 2015/16 was the same as the previous from Aberdeenshire Council. However with the year. This continued level of funding is Banffshire Partnership Ltd. Council’s budget being tightened each year, very welcome but we are still receiving is a Company Limited by Guarantee in our priority is to provide a friendly, reliable more requests for assistance than we can . Reg No. 201922. but cost effective service for all our clients. comfortably handle with our limited resources. Registered Office: 1a Cluny Square, We are all aware that within our operating The Community Empowerment Act, which Buckie, AB56 1AH. area and throughout Scotland we have an should come into force this summer, Charity registered in Scotland ever increasing aging population so we are will provide significant opportunities for No. SCO29693 sure that the need for this type of service community groups and we are anticipating will not diminish. an increase in the demand for our services, Banffshire Partnership Ltd. is recognised which we shall try to accommodate. as a Local Rural Partnership by the Training Scottish Government. 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 can now broad range of activities that we currently offer a range of training courses in First Aid, undertake and where possible expand them to meet the needs of our communities. Green Health & Safety at Work and Manual Handling. Butterfly These are usually held at the Banffshire Suite Award at Boyndie but if appropriate they can be Robin Maddock, Chairman held at customers’ premises. contact me at [email protected] A copy of this newsletter is available in large format text if required. Front Cover Photo: High St, Banff - Photo courtesy of the Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership. Tourism Coast Photo courtesyBanffshire - of the Banff St, High Photo: Cover Front Issue 18 - 2016 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 24 Useful Funding Sources Duncan Leece Kay Beaton Director of 25 Leader 2014 - 2020 Programme Operations 26 Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action 26 Event First Aid Community Transport & Training - 01261 843598 27 Community Action Plans 28 Transport For All The Community 29 Training In The Community 30 Useful Community Contact Numbers Jan Maddock Derek Anthony Heike Wilson Featured Groups Transport Manager 5 Talking Banffie 7 & District Community Association 8 Banffshire Business Association 9 Brighter Horizons 10 Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership 11 Boyndie Visitor Centre Daniel Wilson Jim Esslemont Alan Thomson 12 Fordyce Community Association 13 Gamrie Business Forum 14 Village Community Activities 15 Boatshed 16 Portsoy Skiffettes 17 Portsoy Links Caravan Park & The Sail Loft Bunkhouse Fiona Alexander Janice Laing Scott Ord-Jones 18 Portsoy Salmon Bothy 19 Scottish Traditional Boat Festival 20 Portsoy Past & Present Community Group 21 Portsoy Pavilion 21 Rowing Club 22 Whitehills & District Community Council Coral Pirie Michael Moloney 23 Whitehills Harbour & Marina

4 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 banffshire Partnership limited A Word From Duncan 2016 sees Banffshire Partnership as busy as ever, Our Valued and for yet another year I am delighted to be able to Volunteers thank publicly all our staff, Many of our Passenger Assistants both paid and volunteers. and Drivers - whether for the Dial-a-Bus or community Our volunteer numbers have groups - are volunteers, whose increased a lot this year as contribution is greatly valued we have welcomed over by all who benefit. If you would twenty new people to help Of course, we have not like to join them, it’s necessary with our ability to supply forgotten our origins in to register with us and take up affordable first aid cover at working with and assisting appropriate training. events, large or small. See a wide range of community page 26 for details of this organisations in fulfilling their If you think you can help please popular new service. We projects and activities. The contact us: started it by request, knowing main purpose of this book that many of the people we is to showcase what they do. Banffshire Partnership train in first aid wanted a Read their stories and I will Community Transport, practical way of keeping their be amazed if you don’t join The Old School, Boyndie, Banff. skills current, and also that me in being impressed by AB45 2JT local groups who organise the sheer scale and quality of E: [email protected] events were finding it a community-led activity here T: 01261 843598 challenge to meet their first in Banffshire. aid requirement. Our job - matching a local resource with a local demand.

Dial-a-Bus and our other transport services continue to be the bulk of what we do, and it is with great pleasure that we have welcomed three Duncan D Leece, stalwarts of these services Director of Operations (DOO) on to BPL board of directors. contact me at Welcome Pat, Janice and [email protected] Mavis.

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 18 - 2016 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 19 to work with community groups - will appear in early 2017 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 T & F: 01261 843598 hearing from you! E: [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 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Aberchirder & District Community Association fter an absence of some years from Partnership Update we are happy to provide an account Aof community activities in Aberchirder during 2015. At the AGM of Aberchirder & District Community The Square is looking good since its enhancement in 2010. Association in March to offer facilities to the young working in partnership with several new faces joined the members of St Marnan’s Sports Aberdeenshire Council to committee, which has been Club as well as St Marnan’s FC provide more waste bins and revitalised and has worked well and - for several weeks during dog glove dispensers. as a team to contribute to the summer - Deveronvale FC. An exciting development wellbeing of the village. Meanwhile the Gym in the which emerged last year An important event was Pavilion has been reorganised was a proposal for a Men’s the publication of Foggie’s and upgraded, and membership Shed. A group of interested fifth Community Action has recovered to around men has been formed and Plan since 1999 following a seventy. (At £70 a year, the the Association will provide public consultation organised facility offers excellent value, so support while they arrange for by Banffshire Partnership in why not join? - contact Richard charitable status and look for May. As on previous occasions Waters on 07910 532876). suitable premises. this document will provide The Association has also The other major project a framework to guide the made improvements to for 2016 is to relaunch the community and partners in communications, with a foggieloan website which has addressing the issues raised by Community News display been in abeyance for the last local people. in the Library window and a two years. A new volunteer Much of the time and energy Facebook page as a source of webmaster has come forward expended by the Association community adverts and news. and will be working to have is devoted to the village In the coming year a start at least some of the new site environment and we now have will be made to implementing live early in the year. The an energetic team of committee the Community Action Plan, Association is grateful to those members and other volunteers where the top issues concern businesses which contributed who have worked hard to dealing with derelict properties, to the costs of the relaunch. expand our floral displays problems of traffic speed and and contribute to the care parking, and development Aberchirder & District and maintenance of Cleanhill of a sports/community hall Community Association Wood. Volunteers also made - although two hall projects Bob Peden, Secretary their invaluable annual input to continue to compete with the festive lights display. each other! We have already [email protected] The Community Pavilion addressed another perennial 01466 780277 in McRobert Park continues issue - dog fouling - by www.facebook.com/foggieloan “An important event was the publication of www.foggieloan.co.uk Foggie’s fifth Community Action Plan . . .” www.foggieloan.co.uk Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 7 Featured Groups Banffshire business association “Also to improve local from to and employment opportunities; inland as far as Aberchirder and to provided training and . educational opportunities for members; and to assist The committee members members to meet and exchange comprise of chairwoman Jill ideas with other like-minded Clark of Sparkle & Shine people.” Housekeeping & Laundry Services; vice-chairwoman Businesses who join the Kay Beaton of Purple Creative he new look Banffshire Association will receive a Design; secretary David Business Association number of benefits including Duguid of DA & M Duguid (formerly known as the a minimum of two seminars Joinery Services; treasurer Banff, Macduff & District per year on business topics; a Arlene Anderson of Anderson TBusiness Association) was website to promote both the & Co Chartered Accountants launched at a special informal area and members products and committee members Sandy event held in November. and services; networking and Alison Buchan of Tuleni; opportunities; and access Diane Wood of DW Home The evening was attended by to business associations Furnishings and Michael a number of local businesses throughout Aberdeenshire. Ritchie of Mantell Ritchie from the area to find out about Chartered Architects. the Business Associations’ At the informal event held in aims for the coming year. A November attendees were given comprehensive action plan was the chance to speak to the new also presented setting out the committee and network with objectives of the organisation. other businesses. Banffshire Business Association [email protected] The plan states that the The area that the Business www.banff-macduff.com Business Associations’ aims Association covers stretches and objectives are: “To encourage the use of members “. . . aims to encourage the use of members, products and services by products and services by residents, visitors residents, visitors and the larger business community; and the larger business community . . .” Journal. and photo courtesy of Banffshire Words to encourage and develop new business opportunities in the area; to develop a forum for the discussion of issues of importance to members; and to raise the profile of the area as a business location.

At the launch evening of the new Banffshire Business Association are the committee with Banff and District Councillor John Cox. 8 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Brighter horizons Centre he Brighter Horizons Monday Night Youth Drop-In Centre opened its doors Session - 7.30pm - 9.00pm in August 2015. Since then we have welcomed Monthly Soup & Sweet Event Tmany local people and hosted - 12.00 noon - 2.00pm first Saturday of every month.

Friday Night Football Drop- In Session - 7.30 pm - 9.00pm at Princess Royal Astro Turf children and young people support and nurturing within a Young Board of Advisors, a family environment and as part group formed to provide our of the community. local young people with a say in what happens locally. Lillies Kindergarten continue to hire part of the building Global Exchange Project providing nursery education supporting a community in from 0-5 they are open 7.00am Zimbabwe and providing - 7.00pm,Monday to Friday. a platform enabling young people and local volunteers to The modern, light and airy hall space can also be hired by the “The modern, light and airy hall space public for a nominal fee. can also be hired by the public for a nominal fee.” community events such as our experience the wider world, Christmas fayre and Christmas cultivate a positive attitude Brighter Horizons Centre Eve carol service. These were toward difference and diversity. Sarah Christie well supported and will now be annual events. Specialist Fostering Service 07738 949344 providing high quality brighterhorizons@ The Brighter Horizons Centre placements and offering bachlawprojects.co.uk was set up as a community venue and we hope it will develop into a thriving hub Bachlaw Projects within the local town. We Upper Seaview, Glenbarry aim to provide a needs-led Cornhill. AB45 2HJ service and welcome the input from our local residents.We 01466 771395 are always looking for new [email protected] volunteers to help with our www.bachlawprojects.co.uk current projects and these are:

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 9 Featured Groups Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership

here are major city: Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeenshire Councils developments with City Council, Visit have agreed the transfer of the organisation for Aberdeen, Visit Royal Deeside all their tourism budgets to promoting tourism on the and the Banffshire Coast the new company. Sir Ian TBanffshire Coast and the whole Tourism Partnership, plus Wood has created a new of Aberdeenshire. all the independent tourism trust “Opportunity North organisations across the region East” - ONE - which will Just over two years ago it was - , , work through four key sectors recognised that the current , and so on. including tourism and Scottish tourism organisation for the Enterprise will support the new region was fragmented and Altogether, quite a task, but company, as will VisitScotland. lacked a cohesive way of remarkably it has happened. presenting the huge appeal of That adds up to an annual the shire and city.It was also As of the beginning of April budget of £1.5 million - far recognised that the way this 2016, the Aberdeen and more than has ever been put fragmented organisation was Aberdeenshire Tourism behind the promotion and funded could not continue. Company will be the officially development of tourism in the recognised as the lead body shire and city and in fact makes That Aberdeen and for tourism serving Aberdeen the region having the second Aberdeenshire have a fantastic and Aberdeenshire. Its primary largest financial investment tourism product was not in purpose is to deliver the in tourism in Scotland - more doubt including of course, the tourism strategy for the area than for Edinburgh! Banffshire Coast - but how to and its remit embraces both present it all a new approach? destination marketing and These are exciting days for There was also the matter of destination development. Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen funding: where was the money tourism - not least, here on the going to come from to make all AATC will be a ‘not-for-profit’ Banffshire Coast. this possible? company limited by guarantee; transparent, accountable to its Banffshire Coast A report was commissioned, stakeholders and reinvesting out of which has been any trading surplus in the Tourism Partnership produced a business plan and destination tourism offer. contact@ plans for marketing leisure It will have a new Board of banffshirecoast.com and business tourism: all to Directors, including one from www.banffshirecoast.com be carried out by a new, single the Banffshire Coast. body. To make this happen required the uniting of all the The funding has also been VisitAberdeenshire tourism bodies in the shire and secured: Aberdeen City and 01224 900491

10 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Boyndie Visitor Centre oyndie Visitor Centre continues to be a popular The Old School, Boyndie place to come, whether it Visitor Centre is for lunch, a walk round & Restaurant Bthe gardens, or to buy gifts and YPI again in 2016, and we plants. very much support the idea of getting those of secondary It is always gratifying to school-age to find out about, We were honoured to be the get good reviews from our and engage with, charitable chosen local charity by some customers, and a notable trend activity in their community. is seeing people come from pupils from both Banff and Turriff Academies, as part of further afield for day trips, with These are the people who will their engagement with the the Forres and Elgin being a be running Boyndie Trust, and Wood Foundation’s Youth prime example. similar organisations, in the Philanthropy Initiative. future. We made a conscious effort This entails pupils picking a during 2015 to up our game a 2016 is already off to a busy charity, studying it to find out touch in various areas, and for start, and we invite you to example, our extended range what it does, then making a come to see us. of home-baked cakes is going presentation as to why the down a treat! charity deserves support. There is a £3000 prize per school for

Lots of new developments in the winning group to donate to the gardens too. their charity. Boyndie Trust Limited Duncan Leece, General Manager Many of our regular customers The quality of work done by The Old School, Boyndie, know that the Visitor Centre these young people was really is the training tool for Boyndie excellent, and it is nice to be Banff, AB45 2JT Trust’s main purpose: its skills able to thank them publicly on 01261 843249 development services aimed at behalf of Boyndie Trust . . . boyndietrust@ people who have special needs. particularly the Turriff team, who won! hotmail.com We have introduced better www.boyndietrust.co.uk methods to measure and Boyndie will be engaging with evaluate the progress and outcomes of that training, and that has helped us see what a great service it is.

Here too, we have been gratified by some lovely feedback, which is very motivational for the Job Coaches and Training Leaders.

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 11 Featured Groups Fordyce Community Association ommunity Hall Project: Since 2002 much of the Community Association Management CCommittee’s effort, both in terms of volunteer work and fundraising, has been directed towards the upgrade of Fordyce Community Hall. A ‘ring-fenced’ Development Fund was set up specifically for and a display cabinet. with Aberdeenshire Council the redevelopment project. • Kitchen hand-wash facility and took over management and additional secure storage. responsibility for the whole The previous year saw: • New corridor and emergency Museum & Workshop • The refurbishment of the lighting complex. A free-standing kitchen. sub-group with responsibility • The installation of the new Hall users’ comments on the for day to day running of storage facility, including a vastly improved facilities have the facility was formed and a link into the main hall. been very positive. We have team of volunteers recruited. • The fitting of the hall banners. to complete the laying of new The group will be responsible • The installation of an flooring and intend to upgrade for manning, generating improved ventilation system. aspects of the hot-water system new initiatives, general in the very near future. We will housekeeping, fund-raising, etc. The grants from Awards begin fund-raising for work on for All (£10,000), The Co- the exterior of the building; With this expanding remit we operative Community Fund this will include pointing the are grateful for all the support (£2,000) and Age Scotland stonework and bell-tower and given, by both those who have (£1500), with a further £5,000 cladding the storage unit. made donations and grants from the Banff & Buchan Area toward the Association’s efforts Initiatives Fund, have enabled Volunteers continue to work and the tireless work of the us to complete the final phase regularly on enhancing the committee and volunteers who of the redevelopment of the village environment including have worked so hard to bring Community Hall during 2015. the Community Woodland. The the initial phases of the project annual Open Village makes to a successful conclusion. This comprised: a significant contribution to • New disabled toilet and baby the association’s fund–raising changing facility. efforts along with the regular Fordyce Community Association • New female and male toilet areas. car boot sales. Hall Keeper: Mr Sid Grant • Enhanced disabled access 01261 842350 with a new corridor into the Fordyce Joiners’ Workshop Meeting Room. & Museum: The Association Treasurer: Mrs Dorothy Hutcheson • Further storage accommodation completed the discussions 01261 842658 Secretary: Mr Brian Anderson “Volunteers contiue to work regularly on 01261 843098 enhancing the village environment . . .” [email protected] 12 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Gamrie Business Forum ince its original launch culture and history of the in 2005 the www. area is preserved for future discovergardenstown.co.uk generations. website has proved their business within the San extremely useful marketing “. . . the main Business Directory - get tool for Gardenstown and the them to send us their details. surrounding areas of Crovie, aim is to ensure Listings are included within and Gamrie - indeed, continuity of an appropriate section of the the website has consistently Directory and contain Business appeared high up search engine information Name, Business Address, Short rankings. regarding local Introduction (50 - 60 words), The old website was beginning Full Description (up to 350 to look a little dated, and along services and words - please, no prices!), with major changes in internet E-mail Address, Telephone tehcnology, meant that the site facilities, and to Number, Web Address, Twitter wasn’t compatible with mobile help keep the area URL/Web Address, Facebook browsing, which is being used URL/Web Address and up to by more and more people. alive.” a maximum of eight photos. Other businesses of a tourist A new look responsive site To ensure that information nature with strong links to the has been developed with the within the site is kept current area can be added to the Links assistance of local businesses it is essential that listings in section. and Banffshire Partnership the Directory are regularly Limited. The main aim of the updated and any businesses We’re aiming to add further website is to ensure continuity not listed can be added. So, if value to the site with the of information regarding local you own, or know someone inclusion of local interest services and facilities, and who owns a business operating articles and news stories. These to help keep the area alive. within the Parish of Gamrie, could be local walks, sealife, The site also ensures that the who would like to advertise bird watching, activities, day trips or even more general information about the area, such as local events. We welcome any contributions so please send any articles or ideas to info@discovergardenstown. co.uk Gamrie Business Forum info@ discovergardenstown.co.uk www.discovergardenstown.co.uk

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 13 Featured Groups Gardenstown Village Community Activities Events around the harbour have been able to utilise the kitchen facilities available in the old Salmon House adjacent to the Heritage Centre, and these have included 5k runs, walks and community carol singing.

We managed, at last, to have some Christmas lights in the village - at the harbour and e were again lucky Weekend was a great success. outside the Public Hall, and enough to enjoy Local artists and crafters opened these were supplemented by two a fine day for the their studios and living rooms Christmas trees and lighting on annual Harbour to display their skills, and many the village entrance features. WGala, organised by a committee new visitors were able to explore consisting of members of the village. We hope this will GVAC continues to act as a focus each of the village community continue annually. for ideas and would welcome groups - Gardenstown Village additional committee members. Action Committee (GVAC), The community were The Harbour Trustees, The generously donated the former Dreel Hall Committee, infant school building (known Gardenstown Village Action Bracoden School and Bracoden locally as the Little Schoolie) Committee (GVAC) Playschool. We enjoyed music by the Christian Brethren. The Andy Sturdy, Secretary from the Turriff Pipe Band, the building retains many of the 01261 851339 original features of the school Strathbogie Fiddlers and the [email protected] Guarana Street Drummers from including blackboard and Aberdeen. In addition to the cloakroom pegs. A reunion of The Dreel Hall usual events around the harbour the classes of 1948 brought Nicola Watt, Secretary there were also a number of together many of the former stalls to add to the fun. schoolchildren from far and 01261 851411 wide, and the building is now Gardenstown Harbour Trustees In the second week of August being used for village activities. Ian Moir, Secretary the second Gamrie Creatives These included a children’s art project to design a mural for 07736 157317 “Events around the the sea wall next to the Crovie Facebook: footpath which we hope will Gardenstown Village Community, harbour included be painted in the spring. The The Dreel Hall, . . . 5k runs, walks building supplements the Public Hall, providing a variety Gardenstown Harbour and community of spaces available to all. and I Love Gardenstown carol singing.” 14 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Boatshed, Portsoy alking by Portsoy’s appointing architect Andrew when on October 26th last year, beautiful seventeenth Brown (who gave his design the Boatshed was officially opened century harbour is service pro bono), skilled builders by HRH the Duke of Kent who delightful at any time, and masons, and ensuring expressed his admiration of what Win any weather! As you stroll, be everything was delivered on time had been achieved. sure to drop into the new, purpose and to the highest standards. built Boatshed. This stunning It’s fair to say that achieving At present, the Boatshed is building, once a derelict shell this created its challenges, only home to an exciting project is now home to boatbuilding overcome by perseverance and which is recreating a 26ft. activities in the town and dedication of those involved. wooden salmon coble in the surrounding area and as such, a original style. Since few plans valuable asset for the community. The result has been the creation of this important, though often of an outstanding building, overlooked Scottish vessel exist, Inspired by the annual Boat based squarely in the Scottish a valuable and challenging Festival, many in Portsoy vernacular style of this area. learning process arose for those have become involved in While the Boatshed’s thoughtful working on her. She is now traditional boatbuilding. From design incorporates the rugged almost complete and certainly local primary and secondary stonework of the original worth a visit. Although her name school youngsters to lady skiff structure, its spacious well-lit is secret, this will be revealed builders and senior citizens, interior is modern, attractive and at the launch and naming these enterprising folk have functional. In addition, inventive ceremony, planned for this year’s committed themselves to use of the adjoining rockface Boat Festival, 25th-26th June. building and crewing their own has created a vital teaching area, complete with raked benches and Boatbuilders can be seen working boats - Optimists, Pessimists, in the Boatshed on most week Faerings, Curraghs, St Ayles lit by a huge plate glass viewing window. A useful kitchen/office day mornings and would be Skiffs, a Salmon Coble and a pleased to show you around. Scaffie-Yawl to name but a few. area together with toilets and showers completes the facilities. If your visit to Portsoy doesn’t All of these were constructed coincide with a boatbuilding by volunteers, often with Well stocked with boatbuilding day, don’t worry! Please contact little previous experience in tools of all descriptions, this is a 01261 832935 and you will be temporary premises around the perfect learning environment for made welcome by one of STBF’s town. What better then, than anyone who wants to understand volunteers. We look forward to to provide a unique base which traditional techniques or has a seeing you at the Boatshed. will ensure the preservation and specific boatbuilding project in development of boatbuilding mind. Boatshed skills while encouraging both The STBF team was delighted when 01261 832935 enthusiasts and novices to join in their hard work was recognized this fascinating activity.

In 2009 the Portsoy Maritime Heritage Group decided to gift the derelict former warehouse by the Old Harbour to the Boat Festival charity. Much work went into securing funding, principally from Aberdeenshire Council, Historic Scotland and the European Fisheries Fund,

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 15 Featured Groups Portsoy Skiffettes - the 43rd skiff when she was Reasons for the success of the launched in 2013. Just in time St Ayles skiff is its sturdiness, for the Portsoy Coastal Rowing how they ride the waves club to be able to compete in beautifully and how you’ll the inaugural ‘Skiffie Worlds’ - rarely get wet - apart from the an event held in Ullapool with odd splash, or if the water goes 30 clubs attending. Whilst over the top of your wellies most were from Scotland, there when launching! We have were representatives from the guidelines on safe weather USA, Australia, New Zealand conditions and we always wear ho would have and the southern shire . . . life jackets. Skiffing is accessible thought, when to all ages, with the Portsoy Anstruther’s Fisheries Since then, she has been joined club currently welcoming Museum launched by the Soy Loon so the mannies rowers from 14 to 70 - so long Wits “Scottish Coastal Rowing didn’t feel excluded. Clubs as you are fit enough to climb Project” in 2009 that such an are popping up all along the into the boat! And 2016 is the exciting new sport would soon coast as communities see the year of the 2nd Skiffie Worlds. follow? Since the first regatta benefits of building their own Just think - start rowing now, in May 2010 interest and enthusiasm for the St Ayles “Reasons for the success of the St Ayles skiff Skiff has grown exponentially! Skiffs were first seen locally is its sturdiness, how they ride the waves . . . when the then small skiff and how rarely you’ll get wet . . .” community was invited to race and you could be competing at the Scottish Traditional Boat boat. They range from Wick in Northern Ireland at the Festival in 2011 and soon after, and Helmsdale, Chanonry end of July, or rowing at the the Festival bought a kit. All and Avoch on the Black Isle, Boat Festival in June. Once we the boats start in this way to Ardersier, Findhorn, Burghead, get the longer days, weather ensure that they are essentially and Findochty to the most permitting, we have club the same, ensuring that crews recent Deveron club in Banff, rowing sessions most Tuesday win because of their rowing rowing in ‘Banac’, the skiff and Thursday evenings and prowess rather than their ability built by Academy pupils. There whenever we can at weekends. to buy high tech gadgets to are also skiffs in build at the improve performance! new Cullen Sea School and Our Facebook page has details Whitehills and, rumour has of when we are going out. If However it wasn’t until 2012 it, that the pupils at Meldrum we know you are planning to that a group of local ladies Academy are planning a build come along, we can advise you formed the Portsoy Skiffettes - perhaps stretching ‘coastal should the outing be cancelled to build the pink Soy Quine rowing’ a little! for whatever reason. Hope to see you on the water soon. Portsoy Skiffettes Wendy - 07717 220018 www.facebook.com/ PortsoySkiffettes

16 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Portsoy Links Caravan Park & Sail Loft Bunkhouse

t’s a year of change at to complete at the end of Portsoy’s Caravan Park, the June with fitting out over the trading subsidiary of the following weeks and the target IBoat Festival company. opening in mid-September. “Plans are in hand for improvements to The North East of Scotland the Caravan Park and . . . the Sail Loft Preservation Trust, owners construction is well under way.” of the property, working in conjunction with the Festival After 14 years amazing service The facility will include company have done an as Warden, Violet Richmond accommodation for up to 25 amazing job in fund raising has taken well deserved people in 2, 4 and 6 bedrooms. and, with the architects retirement and whilst she will A communal kitchen, dining overseeing the project and be sadly missed, we’re delighted area and lounge make up the there can be no question that that her daughter- in-law, Irene living area and other facilities it will provide Portsoy with Thompson is continuing as include a laundrette, drying another splendid asset to add Assistant Warden, working with room and cycle store. The to the Salmon Bothy and The the newly appointed Manager/ target standard is 4 star with Boatshed. Warden, Ian Tillett. Ian and Green Tourism accreditation - Irene are the team responsible something that more and more for the caravan park and the 25 tourists are demanding. The bed Sail Loft Bunkhouse. architects, LDN have ensured Portsoy Links Caravan Park & that the external appearance Sail Loft Bunkhouse Plans are in hand for of the building is going to be improvements to the very attractive and a great deal 01261 842695 Caravan Park and at time of of careful planning is being www.portsoylinks.co.uk going to print, the Sail Loft undertaken to ensure that the construction is well under grounds will be an attraction in way. The contractors, A D themselves. Walker of Banff are scheduled

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 17 Featured Groups Portsoy Salmon Bothy “The Salmon Bothy has just been awarded full accreditation from Museums and e are an asset of the Galleries Scotland for the second time.” Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in two community but anyone who their website www.bothyfolk.org would like to set up a group parts, an accredited We have the second Bothy museumW rated as a 4* attraction should make direct contact with us and we will negotiate Book Festival on the 12th and a venue for a variety of and 13th March. On the activities of some renown. rates. This last year we have had a wedding, children’s parties, Saturday morning there is a The Salmon Bothy has just corporate meetings. Please children’s event - Badger the been awarded full accreditation consider us as a possible venue Mystical Mutt - in the Town from Museums and Galleries for your event. Hall followed by an afternoon Scotland for the second Vintage Tea in the Bothy where time. Visit Scotland rated The Salmon Bothy acquired two authors - Maggie Craig it a 4* attraction in 2014. professional film equipment and Aline Templeton talk about Although presently the closed for community use. We their work. On the Sunday season, plans are in place to have had a some recent sell morning Keith Hewitt will reinvigorate the museum outs - The Second Marigold present the true story of the SS for an Easter Opening. This Hotel, Singalong Frozen and Politician, the ship that inspired year’s temporary exhibition a DVD pre release of Sunset the novel Whisky Galore. The will be a collection of old Song. Look at the website for Festival concludes with Rt Hon photographs presently housed a programme of films run by Alex Salmond who will talk in Aberdeenshire Council’s the Bothy Group. There is also about his autobiography. Look museum service. the possibility of having private out for posters. Volunteers are desperately required particularly for museum duty. Anyone interested in doing duty at the museum once a fortnight for a couple of hours would be most welcome. Induction, peer mentoring, training and social activities are offered to make The Upstairs Area continues to you part of the team. be a popular venue. The Bothy showings for birthdays and Knitters go from strength to group night outs. strength often raising money The Bothy Folk Group goes Portsoy Salmon Bothy for charity and community from strength to strength. Links Road, Portsoy activities. They meet on a They continue to meet on the Anne McArthur Monday morning from 10 - third Friday of each month 12. Other community groups with extra concerts from time 01261 842474 have completed their life cycle. to time. Their 7th Haal is the [email protected] We don’t have a paid worker first weekend in June. Keep up www.salmonbothy.org.uk to set up projects for the to date with their activities on 18 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Scottish Traditional Boat Festival ith a growing The musical element of the programme of Festival ensured that rhythmic traditional vessels, vibes were present throughout skiffs, music, crafts, the weekend, with music from Wchildren’s entertainment and Malinky, Chaotica, singer/ food and drink, Portsoy attracts songwriter Amy Baillie and the over 16,000 visitors annually to Strathspey Fiddlers to name a the annual Scottish Traditional few. Hoolichan ensured that handcrafted their goods and Boat Festival, keeping alive ceilidh goers were kept on the offered finished items for sale, the maritime and cultural dancefloor all night long, whilst from glass ware to jewellery heritage of the north east and De Kinkels rocked a sell-out and woodturning to knitting, providing an enjoyable weekend gig at their new Saturday night ensuring all tastes and budgets for all the family to enjoy. The venue, the Wally Green Marquee. Add to this the combination of were accounted for. school performers, street buskers, The 2015 children’s programme skippers and dancers, visitors was commended in the visitor’s were never without music and survey following careful focus entertainment all weekend long! on additional offerings for our Scotland’s Year of Food and younger Festival visitors. Our Drink gave the perfect stage favourite activities including to showcase the north east’s bouncy castles, face painting, larder of fine produce, from storytelling, puppetry and soft tasty local meats and fish to play were enhanced by a teddy fruity chutneys and Portsoy’s bear’s picnic, pop-up pirate own ice cream, visitors were kitchens and gigantic crafts sure not to go hungry over provided by Doric Days. The Festival proved as popular as the weekend! Complementing fabulous ‘Walking Theatre ever in 2015, with the crowds the annual Food Fayre was the Company’ and skills inspiring flocking to Portsoy to enjoy the focus on Fishermen’s Fare in ‘Modo - Circus With Purpose’ entertainment and atmosphere, the Harbour Marquee, which were also on hand to entertain, despite the not so favourable highlighted the similarities and enthral and encourage children - weather at times. contrasts of Fisher Folk’s food young and old! On the maritime front, we between Scotland and our close We’re already working on the welcomed many returning neighbours in Norway. Visitors programme for the 2016 Festival friends as well as some new to were invited to witness chefs and hope you can join us on the Festival, including Reaper, cooking up various delicacies, 25th & 26th June, where you Isabella Fortuna, Sovereign and including butteries and fish are guaranteed the warmest Rose Leaf. Despite the disruptive dishes, and then undergo the of welcomes and a packed weather in parts, visitors were taste test to find out which side programme of events to enjoy. treated to various maritime of the North Sea proved to have displays from the vessels, as well the tastiest fisher fare. Scottish Traditional St Ayles’ Skiff teams from all We once again welcomed many Boat Festival over Scotland who took part in talented and dedicated crafters 01261 842951 exhilarating races in the open seas and demonstrators, who showed and between the harbours. www.stbfportsoy.com visitors ‘how it’s done’ as they

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 19 Featured Groups Portsoy Past & PresentCommunity Group ollowing the creation The garden can be accessed us every step of the way. of the Liberty Garden by climbing the lodging brae in Portsoy the garden steps opposite the Shore Inn In December we moved was officially opened on or via Schoolhendry Street, what has become an annual FSunday 12th July 2015. which leads onto a disabled Christmas Carol Singalong into the newly refurbished Scout Hut at Loch Soy. In previous years, this had taken place outdoors and following the horizontal sleet of last year the warmth and community feeling in the scout hut was very welcoming.

As we look forward to more community events in 2016 we welcome any enquiries which can be posted on our web page, Portsoy Past and Present or why not join our 2,800 members on our facebook page of the same access platform giving a good name. The above photograph shows clear view of the two harbours the boat ‘Liberty’ which and beyond, as well as allowing was gifted to the group and visitors the opportunity to www.portsoypastand now rests in pride of place read historical information present.co.uk and overlooking the old harbour. regarding the old harbour www.facebook.com/ Frank Henderson, a previous and Liberty. We are indebted PortsoyPast&Present owner of Liberty opened the to Aberdeenshire Council’s ceremony. Landscape Services who assisted

In the photo below you can see members of the recently formed Portsoy Pipe Band who came along to play for us and to add support. Paulina Honig played a piece of music on an Irish whistle entitled ‘Liberty’ which she had composed, along with other local tunes including The Pride of Portsoy also attributed to the boat.

20 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Portsoy Pavilion ant to change your life-style, get fit and improve your health? WThen Portsoy Pavilion has everything you need!

A spacious, well equipped there on to achieve the Portsoy Pavilion is only a gymnasium includes all the fitness you want! short distance away. modern weight training and cardio-vascular machines for There is also a large all- Open: Mon, Wed, Fri: your fitness needs. Whether weather Astroturf pitch on 9am-12noon & 2pm-8pm; you’re a fitness fanatic or offer, available for all kinds Tues & Thurs: 5pm-8pm; just a beginner, everything of sports - football and Sat: 10am-1pm you need is under one roof tennis being most popular. here. All equipment is provided Portsoy Pavilion and a booking is required. Seafield Terrace, Portsoy Membership is gained So, if you fancy 5-a-side (opposite Portsoy Motors) through a gym induction football with your friends, and it’s up to you from or a relaxing game of tennis, 01261 843555 Whitehills Rowing Club he initial idea of building The skiff has now been ordered, a rowing skiff for a club and WRC are expecting based in Whitehills started delivery of it in February in 2014, following the 2016. Whitehills Harbour Tsuccess of similar ventures Commissioners offered the in nearby harbours. The first club use of the old Fishmarket train. Rowing is a great way official meeting of Whitehills to complete the build, which to exercise, and there’s already Rowing Club was held in should take around five been significant interested November 2015, where months. The plan is that pupils from all ages and genders in interested parties met, a from Whitehills Primary joining the club and crewing committee was formed and School will decide the name of the skiff. We’re aiming to train a plan of action was tabled. the skiff, and the build manager at least four teams: veterans, The group decided to buy and is Donald Smith, who has been male, female and juniors. It will build a St Ayles skiff, and were involved in similar projects in be another great community delighted when Whitehills Portsoy and . project to add to the village.” Community Council agreed to fund most of the build of Alastair Wiseman of Whitehills Whitehills Rowing Club the skiff, with the rest of the Rowing Club said: Alasdair Ramsay monies kindly donated by “We’re hoping the skiff will be alasdairramsay skippers of local fishing vessels ready for the summer, when @btconnect.com as well as local businesses. we can get the teams out to Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 21 Featured Groups Whitehills & District Community Council detailed therein from which Services in the village and at you will note the ongoing the cemetery. efforts to have Aberdeenshire • New gate latches fitted on the Council assist us financially back path. in creating a safe pedestrian • Two new Christmas Lights pathway between Whitehills purchased to brighten up the and Ladysbridge Village, so festive period. hitehills & District far to no avail. We do however • Arranged for Aberdeenshire Community have further plans in this Council to create a bus bay Council connection which hopefully we at the end of Loch Street to As always, our will be able to report on in next help ease bus turning from Wactive team of community year’s report. and into Seafield Street. councillors continue to respond wherever possible to the Brief details of practical These are just a few highlights requests and ideas put forward activities dealt with through the of our ongoing efforts to by our local community, year include :- enhance our local area, and and we have endeavoured to • Completion of the RAF additionally we have been complete the various tasks Banff Project, a heritage trail able to assist a number of highlighted in the most recent with information signage. projects throughout the year Community Action Plan drawn • Renovation of the village with financial assistance up on our behalf by Banffshire heritage trail signs. from the Boyndie Windfarm Partnership Ltd. Ongoing • Actively keeping up our anti Community Fund with maintenance of our local area dog-fouling initiative. awards totalling £28,020. We is a priority and to this end • Completion of the continue to be receptive to I heartily thank my fellow permanent walkway and applications from bodies within Community Councillors for handrails down the ‘Braes’ our Community Council their sterling efforts throughout and shrub planting thereby. boundary for funding that sits the year. • Flower displays throughout comfortably within our laid the village in the summer down guidelines. Application Our Community Council months and further bulb forms are on our website from www.whitehills website - planting. where you can also keep up anddistrict.co.uk - continues • High quality maintenance with our activities. to receive regular ‘hits’ of our Public Toilets by our and provides details of the expert tem of volunteers Whitehills & District numerous activities undertaken resulting in a further ‘Gold Community Council throughout the year. Minutes Loo Award’ for 2015. Ross Balharry, Chairman of our monthly meetings are • Well-attended Remembrance 01261 861882 jrbalharry123@ “ . . . we have been able to assist a number btinternet.com of local projects throughout the year with www.whitehillsand financial assistance . . .” district.co.uk 22 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 Featured Groups Whitehills Harbour & Marina hitehills Harbour and Marina had a very successful year in 2015, despite Wthe weather not being as welcoming as it has been in previous seasons!

As well as looking after our permanent berth holders, we welcomed lots of visiting boats over the season, from all over the world. All were very impressed by our range of facilities, how well our harbour is run, and most importantly how friendly the harbour users We’d like to take this If you’d like to keep informed and villagers are. opportunity to thank all about what is happening at the entrants to our previous Whitehills Marina, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, “ . . . we have been able to assist a number and remember our website too. of local projects throughout the year with financial assistance . . .” www.whitehillsmarina.co.uk As a successful marina, Regattas, and also to thank www.facebook.com/ operated and run all the sponsors and local whitehillsmarina independently, Whitehills businesses, who all generously Harbour prides itself on being a support our Regatta with prizes Twitter: @WhillsMarina commercially viable operation, on the day. It is also important and the high levels of customer to thank the whole community satisfaction recorded by our in Whitehills who add to the visitors supports us going positive experiences our visitors forward. have of the Marina, and helps Whitehills Harbour & Marina to ensure their repeat business. www.whitehillsmarina.co.uk Looking into 2016, Whitehills Facebook: Regatta, held annually in Plans are also afoot for www.facebook.com/ August, celebrates its 10th upgrading certain areas of the whitehillsmarina anniversary, and the Harbour harbour to ensure that our Commissioners are already historic structure remains in Twitter: planning how to make this prime condition for the years @WhillsMarina event bigger and better. ahead.

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 23 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

24 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 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. The funds will be managed by the North 2. Connectivity Aberdeenshire Local Action Group, • Action 2.1 - Sustainable and/ which is a partnership of community, Funding from the European or active travel solutions; private and public organisations. Union and Scottish • Action 2.2 - Access to and Government has been delivery of eServices such as Community, public and private awarded to the North digital health. organisations are able to apply for Aberdeenshire area to funding from the North Aberdeenshire support Community- 3. Business Competiveness LEADER programme for projects Led Local Development. • Action 3.1 - Improving priority which support the delivery of the The funds will support sector competitiveness and Local Development Strategy. the delivery of the North collaboration, Aberdeenshire Local • Action 3.2 - Facilitating A dedicated Co-ordinator has been Development Strategy, diversification from agriculture appointed to support potential which was developed applicants for funding. If you would through community 4. Better Opportunities like to discuss a potential project engagement and • Action 4.1 - The provision idea, please contact the Co-ordinator consultation. The Strategy of training and employability on 01467 628 443 or via nalag@ identifies the following support which complements aberdeenshire.gov.uk priorities and actions: 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 2014-202 programme

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 25 Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action / event first aid Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action involve the third sector in the • Support interagency partnerships planning and design of integrated to work effectively with the third health and social care services. sector, respecting, valuing and The key objectives of the CHiP responding to their views. project are to: • Establish a dynamic local vehicle • Support the third sector in its for facilitating the direct exchange widest sense to become more of information and views between involved and influential in the the third sector and local integrated design and delivery of health and health and social care teams. social care services by developing The CHiP team look forward Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action has knowledge and awareness of to supporting and enhancing recently welcomed a team of six health and wellbeing policies and collaborative working in CHiP Officers and a Co-ordinator to decision making systems. Aberdeenshire and encourage you to work in Aberdeenshire for period of • Establish a network of community get in touch if would like further 18 months to enable third sector health champions to encourage information or have any ideas that and community involvement in and support wider engagement you’d like to discuss with the team. shaping the Health and Social Care and participation. Gaby Beattie, integration process. The Public Bodies • Assist community groups to establish Community Health in and ‘grow’ projects in response to (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014 Partnership Officer Fraserburgh places a statutory responsibility upon locally and nationally identified Health Boards, Local Authorities and health and social care needs. & Buchan Co-ordinator 07585 603424 Integration Authorities to actively [email protected]

Event First Aid Are you organising a Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy. public event? Our First Aider’s are all volunteers Will this event require and any profit we make is reinvested first aid provision? into the BPL Community Dial-A-Bus service. Costs vary depending on Here at BPL, we have a team of type of event, size of event, the highly skilled First Aiders with many number of First Aiders and any years’ experience of public events. additional equipment required. Our volunteers have provided First Aid at events ranging from local If you are unsure of what your Alan Thomson, Banffshire galas to the Great North Run and requirements are then please get in Partnership Rock Ness. In 2015 our First Aid touch and we can help you make on 01261 843598 cover ranged from two First Aiders the right choices. or e-mail bpl.transport@ at a Whisky Festival to over 20 To request a booking form or quote involved in covering the Scottish banffdab.org.uk please contact: 26 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 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 For more information contact: paid staff and volunteers have been organisations, we collect residents’ Banffshire Partnership - involved in community projects, and ideas and opinions using methods 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 on 01261 843598 or public meetings. Everyone’s view will E-mail bpl.contact More and more, potential funders be heard, and not just those with the tiscali.co.uk look for your organisation or loudest voices!

Issue 18 - 2016 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, Gardenstown, Hilton, King We run our operations with three have a car or the nearest bus stop is Edward, Macduff, New Byth, 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 18 - 2016 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 A few committed and enthusiastic keep the Dial-a-Bus service running For further info contact: volunteers support our paid staff to support all our communities, that drive the minibuses and act benefitting a large number of people. Banffshire Partnership - as Passenger Assistants. They all say Community Transport on We are able to reimburse our that they find the work fun, sociable volunteers with any out of pocket 01261 843598 and rewarding and not in the least expenses. Anyone interested should or e-mail bit boring or difficult. phone us on 01261 843598 for bpl.transport@ If you have any spare time and like more information. banffdab.org.uk to interact with others, we would be

Training In The Community For a number of years now we Over the previous two years we have working with a sister organisation have provided minibus Driver and been building steadily on our First to provide Certificate of Professional Passenger Assistant training, along Aid training portfolio. Competence (CPC) training. Our with emergency evacuation (Out in We are an approved training training courses are delivered at our Three) and MiDAS training. These provider and now offer the following state of the art training venue (The courses are delivered free to all our courses: Banffshire Suite) at The Old School volunteers and at a small charge Boyndie. BPL training is also happy for persons who are part of a • First Aid at Work (3 Days) to provide courses at client’s own community group or commercial • First Aid at Work Re-qualifier venues. organisation. (2 Days) • emergency First Aid at Work (1 Day) • manual Handling (Core Module) For further information or a • manual Handling (Assisting with list of our current prices and Mobility) course dates, please contact: • wheelchairs, Hoists and Stand Alan Thomson, Banffshire Aids Partnership - Training • disability awareness. on 01261 843598 The above list is not exhaustive; we or e-mail bpl.transport@ can, and do, build bespoke courses for organisations. We are currently banffdab.org.uk

Issue 18 - 2016 partnership update 29 Community Contacts Useful Community Contact Numbers Community Groups & Portsoy Links Caravan Park Fordyce, Sandend & District T: 01261 842695 Community Council Associations W: www.portsoylinks.co.uk T: 01261 843782 / 07917 800134 Alvah & Forglen Community Council E [email protected] Portsoy Organisation for Restoration King Edward & Gamrie Community Council W: www.alvahforglenccwordpress.com and Training (PORT) T: 01888 544836 T: 01261 842951 Banff & Macduff Community Council Portsoy & District Community Council E: [email protected] T: 07939 647574 T: 07982 721917 E: [email protected] Portsoy Past & Present Whitehills & District Community Council W: www.portsoypastandpresent.co.uk Banff Preservation & Heritage Society T: 01261 861882 F: www.facebook.com/PortsoyPast&Present T: 01261 812941 W: www.banffpreservationandheritage Portsoy Salmon Bothy Local Councillors society.org.uk T: 01261 842951 Banff & District E: [email protected] Councillor John Cox Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership W: www.salmonbothy.org.uk T: 07917 734774 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.banffshirecoast.com Portsoy Thrift Shop T: 07870 536776 Councillor Ian Gray Boyndie Trust Limited T: 07749 487617 T: 01261 843249 RAF Banff Project c/o Boyndie Visitor Centre E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 01261 843249 Councillor Michael Roy W: www.boyndietrust.co.uk E: [email protected] T: 07876 475497 Brighter Horizons Scottish Traditional Boat Festival E: [email protected] T: 01466 771395 T: 01261 842951 Troup E: brighterhorizons@ E: [email protected] Councillor Ross Cassie bachlawprojects.co.uk W: www.stbfportsoy.com T: 07795 612721 Fordyce Community Association E: [email protected] T: 01261 842350/842658 (Bookings) Local Rural Partnership Councillor Mark Findlater T: 01261 843098 (General) Banffshire Partnership T: 01261 843598 T: 07876 475129 Friends of Tarlair E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] W: www.banffshirepartners.co.uk Councillor Hamish Partridge GardenstownV illage Action Committee (GVAC) - Community Transport T: 07876 475126 T: 01261 851339 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] E: [email protected] - Developing Communities Fraserburgh & District F: www.facebook.com/GardenstownVillage E: [email protected] Councillor Charles Buchan Community - Training T: 07876 475319 The Dreel Hall, Gardenstown E: [email protected] E: [email protected] T: 01261 851411 Community Councils Councillor Ian Tait F: www.facebook.com/TheDreelHall T: 07768 536864 Alvah & Forglen Community Council E: [email protected] Gardenstown Harbour Trustees E: [email protected] T: 07736 157317 Councillor Brian Topping Banff & Macduff Community Council T: 07768 704507 Harvest Ministries T: 07939 647574 E: [email protected] T: 01261 815790 (General) E: [email protected] Portsoy 75 Club Councillor Michael Watt Cornhill & Ordiquill Community Council T: 07768 863076 T: 01261 843070 T: 01466 751326 E: [email protected] 30 partnership update Issue 18 - 2016 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]