Kincardine O’Neil Community Action Plan Introduction Community Action Plan Introduction Community Action Plan

Introduction Kincardine O’Neil Today The playing fields and play park lying The first bridge built across the Dee on the edge of the village draw local Kincardine O’Neil, or Kinker as it is was at Kincardine O’Neil and this Today Kincardine O’Neil is a village people and tourists alike and recently known locally, is a village with a local probably led to the first ‘hospice’ or with a rising school population and an added picnic tables greatly enhance this community of around 500 inhabitants, hotel in Deeside built in 1233. The increasing number of local businesses. area. There are many walks around situated on the A93 between hospitality of the village was tested in These include a post office, general Kincardine O’Neil including that to and in . It sits 1296 when King Edward I and store and licensed delicatessen, petrol the Falls of Dess (a local beauty spot) in the middle of ‘Royal Deeside’ and 30, 000 men at arms and 5,000 mail- station, jewellery/gem shop, gift shop, and the Deeside Way from Kincardine Village photo, 1905. is ideally situated to provide facilities clad knights rested the night and “left hairdressers, pottery and log cabin O’Neil to , on to Banchory and Village photo, 1997. for passing traffic; people living locally, neither maut nor ale”. Other royal supplier. Within a three mile radius of eventually . This section was Aberdeen commuters, and people visitors have included King James V the village businesses include a hotel, completed in early 2011 and is already travelling along the valley to enjoy in disguise who so appreciated the outdoor activity centre and restaurant popular with walkers and cyclists alike. activities such as hill-walking and hospitality offered to him that he to name but a few. Completion of the Deeside Way to the skiing, or visit one of the many local granted the tenant Cochran the land. west of Kincardine O’Neil is expected castles. Internationally many come to This part of the village became known The village has an active Community in the foreseeable future. the area to enjoy the scenery which as Cochran’s Croft and although at one Association with a sub-committee has attracted the royal family to the time a separate hamlet it is now part of involved in organising twinning links The village primary school plays area for over a century, to enjoy the the village. with a similarly sized village in the a central role in village life. It has salmon fishing on the Dee and upland north of France. Recent Community a current roll of 27 (2011) and field sports. Its close proximity to the In the 18th century the village boasted Association initiatives have included a permanent head teacher has River Dee continues to support its three yearly fairs with popular foot the re-opening and maintenance of recently been appointed allowing the Old view of village. Community Action Planning Event. popularity, with the river providing markets held in the street and the the local public toilets, and the annual opportunity for further integration leisure, business and recreational kirk yard. Kincardine O’Neil had a planting of flower tubs throughout the into the community. A new school opportunities. population of around 100 at this time; village which many visitors and people hall has been built in the last few the first school had been established passing through the village have made years providing an additional facility Historically, Kincardine O’Neil has and thousands of cattle were being positive comments about. Regular both during school hours and for taken advantage of its position at sold at the Barthol Fair each year. litter-picking has also enhanced the occasional community events. In the the crossroads of the north-south The well and the ‘auld kirk’ can still look of the village. past there have been concerns about droving route from the Moray Coast be seen today and other buildings of a falling roll at the school but numbers to the Mearns, and the east-west significance can be viewed by strolling The village has two churches, the Mid are currently expected to increase. road from Aberdeen to Braemar. This through the village and taking a short Deeside Parish Church (Church of Although there are no childcare made the village an important centre drive around the parish. These include Scotland) and Christ Church (Scottish facilities within the village a mother and at one time. Many of the buildings the Morrice School (it was an all- Episcopal Church), who in addition toddler group meets once a week in have been preserved, with the village female school), the Gordon Arms to regular services hold social and the school. The old Neil bridge. given conservation status in 1978 to Hotel, Kincardine House, the Tollhouse fundraising events and have facilities Primary School children’s model of the village. help ensure that some of the historic (bottom of Pitmurchie Road), the Old available for use by the community. As with many smaller communities character is retained. Smiddy and many others along the The Village Hall hosts a variety of social there was a desire for improvement Main Street. Also worth a look in the functions, concerts, band nights and in the village but at times a lack of Kincardine O’Neil In The Past surrounding area is Thomas Telford’s weekly dog training classes. The village direction or commitment. With this bridge at Potarch (a couple of miles also has a very active and long-standing in mind the Community Association Kincardine O’Neil is the oldest village east of the village) and the Dinnie Bowling Club and Scottish Women’s began in 2010 to explore the process in Deeside and has a number of Stones outside the Potarch Hotel. In Rural Institute (SWRI), both attended of community action planning and how interesting old buildings including the 1860 Donald Dinnie, local strongman, by many from within and outwith the the community could engage to identify ruined church of St Mary’s. The original carried these stones, weighing 785lb village. There is potential for other needs and aspirations in their area. church was established late in the 5th across the width of the road and back. clubs to be formed; tennis and curling century by St Erchard. He is now the facilities are available in the village but patron saint of Kincardine O’Neil and both are in need of some maintenance a well exists in his honour. St Erchard’s and improvement. Old view from the field. Feast Day was celebrated in the distant Tree planting on Deeside Way - March 2011. past on the 24th of August and this event was revived more recently in 1997. 2 3 The Community Planning Process Community Action Plan Top 10 Priorities Community Action Plan

The Community Action Planning On the day, 102 adults and 23 children The ten themes, in order of priority, Theme 2: Environment Process attended the event, representing the are summarised in Table 2 but are here Considerable interest was shown in village and wider community, a much described in more detail: environmental issues. Approximately half of the comments focussed on amenities The purpose of the Community larger percentage of the community Theme 1: Community Activities such as picnic tables, dog bins and recycling Action Planning process was to give than it had been anticipated would There was a strong desire expressed for facilities. These are issues that can be members of the wider Kincardine attend. Those who were present had more social and sporting activities to be addressed in the short term. There were O’Neil community the opportunity the opportunity to set down their held within the village. Examples included also requests for more allotment land and a to have a say and raise their concerns, desires, aspirations and suggestions for a local history group, exercise and dance composting scheme, facilities that may take classes, and film nights. Comments relating The village from Craigton. but perhaps more importantly, improvements in and around the village. a little longer to achieve. Bowling club. to sporting facilities included many requests to identify what was valued, what to improve the existing tennis courts, as It was evident that the flower tubs in needed to be protected and what Over 230 comments were contributed, well as suggestions for basketball hoops, a the village are greatly appreciated, with could be done to improve life in the covering a wide range of topics. The badminton club and cycling club. one comment that “flowers are amazing . community. Emphasis was placed on next step for the Steering Group was . . thanks”. The flower tubs are currently taking a positive approach, encouraging to collate these comments, sort them A number of residents suggested a village located along the main road through the event such as a summer fair or street party. community members to participate into a number of main themes and then village. Several residents have asked for A small group of volunteers got together tubs in Canmore Place, something that can both in the planning process but also in prioritise them on the basis of number at the consultation feedback event and be achieved with a few extra volunteers to future actions. of comments. Priority was given to from this a summer fair was planned and look after them. suggestions that were considered successfully held in June 2011. As a first step in the process to realistic and achievable (some were There were many comments asking for develop a community action plan, a not), and those that were supported A need for better communication about wildlife areas to be created, and a desire events was also identified. It was concluded Steering Group was set up comprising by a number of comments. Possible for tree planting, particularly where Playing field and new picnic tables. that a new community notice board new developments occur. Thanks to the Collage produced by children at the school. four members of the Community actions were then identified, these could be of value. Further development involvement of community members in Association committee, with support being categorised into short term of the Kincardine O’Neil web site (www. the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ scheme of from the Marr Area Partnership. A actions or ‘quick wins’, medium term kincardineoneil.co.uk) would allow existing Beautiful Scotland, we have been able to public consultation event was planned (6-12 month) and long term groups to advertise events, but could also benefit from a scheme funded by the RHS for November 2010, held in the (> 1 year) actions (see summary be used to start new groups and encourage and the Woodland Trust, who provided participation in activities. Kincardine O’Neil Village Hall. tables). Feedback was provided at a us with packs of ‘wild food’ shrub whips. These were planted by volunteers along second community event in February Quick Wins the bank between the A93 and the Deeside The centre piece for the event was a 2011, when participants had a chance • Set up special interest groups (e.g. Way on the eastern approach to the village fabulous model of the village built by to consider the ‘quick win’ actions and drama, local history, dance and exercise in early 2011. the children of the primary school. start work on making things happen. classes). Participants were encouraged to Whilst the Community Association • Village event in summer 2011 (Fair or Quick Wins Street party?). submit comments on a range of topics committee would take on some of • Review of dog bin facilities. • Improve communications (e.g. updates • Provide flower tubs for Canmore Place including education and learning, the actions, the wider community to web site, advertise community – will need volunteers to help with Kincardine O’Neil Primary School. sustainable environment, health were encouraged to participate in the groups, create page on web site to upkeep. Christ Church in the snow. and well-being, working together, process, getting involved and taking on encourage participation in actions). • Picnic area at the playing fields. jobs and the local economy. An their own initiatives. exhibition of local history photographs Medium Term Actions Medium Term Actions • Explore possibility of film nights generated further debate, whilst local • Set up environment work group to (amateur club or commercial films in consider issues such as maintenance of organisations had the opportunity to the village hall). the Wally Walk, the future of the curling advertise their activities, including an • New, larger Notice Board. rink and the creation of wildlife areas. initiative to regenerate the Village Hall committee. Long Term Actions Long Term Actions • Improve tennis courts (achievable with • Re-site recycling facilities within the external funding). village. • Other sports facilities? • Creation of village composting scheme. • Plant more trees.

Re-opening of the public toilets in 2007. Planting of flower tubs.

4 5 Top 10 Priorities Community Action Plan Top 10 Priorities Community Action Plan

Theme 3: Road Safety Theme 5: Hall Facilities Theme 7: Planning Issues Kincardine O’Neil website once the Many were concerned about road safety Numerous comments focussed on the Whilst housing and planning issues were path is completed and officially opened. in the village, most relating to the speed of Village Hall, with some calling for more not a focus of the community consultation, traffic travelling through the village and the activities in the hall whilst others showed local residents demonstrated the desire Theme 9: Commerce need to speed calming measures. There concern about the maintenance of the to have a say in the development of the Varied comments were made loosely were numerous calls for a ‘zebra crossing’ hall and the need for improvements to be area; one commenting: “give people the final related to commerce, local business and at the village primary school. Some success made to the facility. A call for volunteers to say in planning applications”. There were services, including requests for small has already been achieved, with the council help with the hall resulted in 22 offers to some comments calling on planners to business units, more local job opportunities, installing flashing speed signs at each end lend a hand. A new Village Hall committee avoid allowing development of flat arable promotion of tourism in the village, more Historical information board. of the village, and also at the bends by was formed in early 2011 to address the land. Several supported the view that shops, a farmer’s market and the sale Eastern approach to the village. Dess, following pressure from both the management of the hall, whilst a small consideration should be given to siting new of local produce. Not all of these were Community Association and the primary working group are to assess future strategy. housing on south facing slopes behind the issues the Community Association could school’s Pupil Council. Effort will be Other volunteers will be called upon as village, on land with limited agricultural use necessarily influence. However, issues needed to monitor the situation and ensure projects develop. and no potential flooding problems. These relating to tourism tied in with comments that progress continues to be made. views were considered to be of value to the about walks to places of beauty in the area Quick Wins planning authorities, but not an issue that such as the Falls of Dess, and a desire to Quick Wins • A list of people interested in helping could be acted upon by the Community protect the historical centre of the village. • Speed reduction on traffic through the with the Hall was produced at the Association. village. action event. Quick Wins • Formation of new committee. Quick Wins • Develop website to promote tourism Medium Term Actions • None. (need for new ideas about what to • Liaise with Council as new issues Medium Term Actions promote and how to achieve this). present themselves. • Maintenance activities? Medium Term Actions • Monitor planning applications. Medium Term Actions Mid-Deeside Church. Long Term Actions Long Term Actions • Explore the possibilities of a farmer’s St Erchard’s Well and trough in front of Old School House. • Safe crossing of the main road. • Improvements to facility (achievable Long Term Actions market or the sale of local produce. with external funding). - The community action plan will not cover Theme 4: Young and Old planning and development - this process is Long Term Actions The provision of facilities and services Theme 6: Village Pub led by Aberdeenshire Council. • Push for fast broadband. for children, young people and the elderly Several respondents expressed a desire - It should be noted that the Community was considered important by many for the village pub, the Gordon Arms, to Association did respond to the Local Plan Theme 10: Car Park respondents. Safe play areas and more play be re-opened, with some suggesting the on behalf of the community, based on a Flooding in the car park behind the Village facilities for children were requested, with option of a community pub. This idea had consultation and short questionnaire. Hall was identified as a specific issue by a one suggestion for an adventure area in recently been explored by the Community number of people. This poor drainage and the woods. It was recognised that there Association and rejected for a number of Theme 8: Deeside Way extensive flooding, which at times more were few facilities for teenagers. Whilst reasons. The fact that the business was not The Deeside Way attracted a number of than halves the available parking places, had the provision of further sports facilities a going concern was seen to be a major comments, most asking for completion previously been reported to Aberdeenshire could address some of the problem, further barrier. A community pub was therefore of the route through and to the west of Council by the Community Association, and support would be needed to set up a youth seen as an outcome that was considered the village. Local walkers and cyclists are efforts are continuing to find a solution to club or similar. unachievable under current circumstances, already making good use of the sections the problem. Flower tubs putting on a good display although the desire to have a viable pub was that have been completed to the east Falls of Dess. in the Main Street. When considering the elderly, one self evident. of the village, but it is recognised that a Quick Wins acclaimed pensioner was very happy with finished route could attract more visitors • Sort out drainage and flooding her lot, stating that she had everything Quick Wins to the village. At this stage the Community problems (ongoing action by the she needed in the village. Whilst this • None. Association are only able to monitor Community Association). is gratifying it does not stop us from progress with Aberdeenshire Council. In attempting to improve life further. One Medium Term Actions the long-term, there will be a need to Medium Term Actions respondent suggested the need for winter • None. promote the path to maximise the tourist • Sort out drainage and flooding support for the elderly. potential for the area. problems! Long Term Actions Quick Wins • None. Quick Wins Long Term Actions • None. • None. • Continue to sort out drainage and flooding problems! Medium Term Actions Medium Term Actions • Play area in the centre of the village. • Community Association to push for • Facilities for teenagers / Youth Club. completion of the path between Twinning ceremony. Kincardine O’Neil and Aboyne. Band night at the Village Hall. Long Term Actions • More support for the elderly. Long Term Actions • Promote the Deeside Way on the 6 7 Outcomes Community Action Plan Outcomes Community Action Plan

Outcomes • Many in our community and particularly • The sustainable Christmas tree, planted through development of the website and One of the most important outcomes the Kincardine O’Neil school children outside the primary school in 2009 consideration of a larger community notice from the community consultation was have had a growing concern about is growing well and provides a place board. The problem of dog waste is one confirmation of the fact that many residents road safety. Both the Community to gather for annual community carol affecting all communities and work is still cared about the village and how it develops Association and the school children singing. to be done to improve the location and in the future. The perceived quality of life in wrote many letters to Aberdeenshire number of bins. Other projects such as the the village was exemplified by one resident Council regarding the speed of traffic • Work is ongoing to design and carry regeneration of the tennis court will take a who said: “Peace - got it. Scenery and open using the North Deeside Road, resulting out a conversion of the recently little longer but are considered achievable spaces - got it. Lack of vandalism - got it. Lack in speed reduction signage being purchased red telephone box situated with the support of the community and New St Erchard’s Well. of any crime - got it. Good bus service - got it. installed at each end of the village in outside the Old Smiddy. A competition some concerted fund raising. Efforts will Primary School with Kincardine behind. People who care for me - got it. Well stocked late November 2010. was held to suggest uses for the box. be made to review progress and maintain shop and PO - got it. Now, tell me what else As a result we hope that our book- momentum. could an OAP want?” • Several residents had registered a share lending library and information desire to plant more trees in the point will be up and running shortly. The people of Kincardine O’Neil have Other residents shared views such as: “I village (replacements for those that • Some progress has even been made shown a definite desire to work together, don’t like the road signs - remove most of the will be lost due to age in future years). with the car park as the council think with a more focused approach based on the existing”; “flowers are amazing in the middle of The involvement of some residents that they may have found a possible priorities identified from the community the village, thanks”; “I love the woods and the in Beautiful Scotland’s ‘It’s Your solution for the drainage problem. planning exercise. This will be built upon nature”; “the historical centre of the village is Neighbourhood’ scheme provided an through this Community Action Plan, the important; protect it”. early opportunity, taking up an offer There are still a few things to complete regular Community Association Newsletter from the RHS and the Woodland Trust from the ‘quick win’ list. We need to and increased use of the Kincardine O’Neil As a result of the community action to plant native trees across the UK. work on improving communications website www.kincardineoneil.co.uk planning process many events and Almost 400 saplings were planted on a improvements have already taken place bank alongside the Deeside Way on its Local agriculture. or have begun to take shape. Many of the eastern approach to the village. A mix Summary of Comments Ford Road in the snow. ‘quick wins’ have already been actioned. of ‘wild food’ species were planted with the hope that they would be of benefit Theme Number of comments Most commented on • A village gala was held in June 2011, to wildlife and people alike, whilst Community activities 61 26 More events desired organised by a small group of residents improving the look of the footpath. Hall facilities 13 7 Maintenance who got together at the consultation Roads 28 12 Speed signs feedback event and who managed to • The desire for a picnic area was realised Parking 6 4 Fix the car park flooding problem engage the support of several local with the help of Marr Community Village Pub 12 10 Desire to re-open the pub businesses. Events included a car boot Planning Group and Aberdeenshire Planning 11 11 Planning policy sale, dog training display and face- Council. Two picnic tables were installed Environment 48 22 Facilities (e.g. dog bins, recycling, picnic tables) painting. at the play park during August 2011. Deeside Way 11 9 Completion of path Commerce 11 1 Variety of ideas to help small businesses • As a direct result of the community • Many have commented on the flower Young and Old 22 14 Play area action event the Village Hall Committee tubs as they pass through the village Other 9 has been re-established, backed up during summer months. Additional by a list of volunteers who registered tubs were provided by the Mid-Deeside Ruins of St Mary’s Church. interest in helping with hall maintenance Community Council to allow the River Dee Walk and events. Hall usage has increased as scheme to be extended to Canmore a result, with new groups now utilizing Place and add a few more tubs near the Village Hall for classes and clubs. the school. Weeding, planting and This includes a ‘Choi Kwang Do’ martial maintenance are provided by members arts club which is now running weekly in our community. sessions for youngsters and adults.

Portarch Bridge. Telephone box -owned by the community.

8 9 Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan Action Plan Summary Community Action Plan Improve tennis courts with external (achievable Improve funding). Long Term Other sports facilities? Re-site recycling facilities within the village.Re-site recycling of village composting scheme. Creation trees. Plant more of the main road. crossing Safe with external to facility (achievable Improvements funding). funding). planning and action plan will not cover The community Aberdeenshire is led by – this process development Council. to the Local Plan Association did respond The Community consultation on behalf of the community. website on the KO’N Way the Deeside Promote opened. once the path is completed and officially fast broadband. Push for to sortContinue out drainage and flooding problems! More support the elderly. for More

Film nights (amateur club or commercial films Film nights (amateur club or commercial in hall?). Term Medium larger Notice Board. New, issues such as maintenance of the Wally Walk, Walk, Wally issues such as maintenance of the of the curling rink and creation the future areas. of wildlife issues present Liaise with Council as new themselves? village. of the in the centre area Play Set up environment work group to consider group work Set up environment Maintenance activities? Monitor planning applications. Monitor planning applications. completion for Association to push Community Aboyne. and KO’N of the path between / local produce? market Farmer’s Sort out drainage and flooding problems!

groups Set up special interest (e.g. drama, local history, dance dance local history, drama, (e.g. and exerciseclasses). Short Term in summer 2011 Village event party?). (Fair or Street communications Improve advertise site, (updates to web page create groups, community site to encourage on web participation in actions?). of dog bin facilities. Review Flower tubs for Canmore – will Canmore tubs for Flower to help with need volunteers upkeep. fields. at the playing Picnic area on traffic Speed reduction achieved village (already through the from pressure following the Association and Community Pupil Council). school’s None. helping with the Hall has already A list of people interested in A list of people interested been compiled. to be unachievable. considered Association – it was the Community by been considered has recently - This proposal None. None. None. to promote website Develop ideas about (need new tourism. to and how what to promote this). achieve Sort out drainage and flooding action by (ongoing problems Association). the Community Facilities for teenagers / Youth teenagers / Facilities for Club.

- a desire for more social & more for - a desire sporting activities in the village Theme Service Rescue and Police Fire Agencies:- Mail Grampian Grampian Leisure Other Work Grampian Services:- Royal and Services NHS Social Council the above help to deliver Partners who may Administration Learning NESTRANS Environmental and Aberdeenshire Infrastructure and Education Partnership and Housing and Law Area Planning Transportation Investors Marr Private Property Developer Community Activity Community Environment - considerable interest in interest - considerable issues environmental Roads safety road improved - the need for and old Young in maintenance of - interest fit-for-purpose Village Hall Village fit-for-purpose Pub Village pub / set up a to re-open - desire pub community Planning to influence planning - a desire decisions Way Deeside - support completion of the for Deeside Way Commerce the village - the need to promote area and surrounding Parking parking in the village - improve The priorities will with time as shortchange term actions are event. Action Planning the Community following the actions identified immediately It should be noted that these were N.B. years. in future carried out and as the plan is reviewed - more facilities and services facilities - more for young people and the children, elderly Hall Facilities

10 11 Design by PURPLEcreativedesign - 01261 851051 March 2012 professionally printedformat. in anattractive, easytoread, provide community actionplans ordinators Forum. The aimisto Economic Development Co- Community by Aberdeenshire andShell,Partnership andrun Community Planning by Aberdeenshire sponsored The MakingitRealinitiative is Making ItReal. community underthebanner togetherwiththe Partnerships produced by LocalRural This bookletisoneofaseries Making ItReal T: 013398 87577 •E: [email protected] • W: www.marrareapartnership.org.uk Making ItReal Gellan Cottage •Coull Aboyne • AB34 5JU www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk P Marr Area from therelevant partners. – moral, technicalandfinancial– the community withsupport be driven by representatives of is hopedthatthisprocess will target datesfor completion. It resources willbeneededand who shouldbeinvolved, what issue thiswillinvolve agreeing identified. For eachpriorityor other issueswhichhave been as well asaddressing the implement thetoppriorities up detailedactionplansto indrawingPlanning Partners the community andCommunity This information cannow guide school pupilsfor makingthe partners who supported us whosupported partners KO’N community for their into theconsultation(not village model), andtoour throughout theprocess. forgetting the primary forgetting theprimary Thanks are duetothe enthusiasm andinput artnership Supported by Shell Supported Community Action Plan Community Action versions ofthecommunity plan. and take theirplaceinfuture completed,arise otherissueswill updated. As someprojects are to beregularly reviewed and consultation, andthatitwillhave views atthetimeof latest account ofthecommunity’s is seenby allconcernedasan thatthisbooketIt isimportant