Buchanhaven Community Action Plan 2012 ALP Map Community Action Plan 2 Introduction Community Action Plan Origins and Development The Former School Background Following the formation of the The name “Buchanhaven” dates village, concern was expressed back to 1739 and from 1760 in 1780 that there was a lack of titles to build houses there an educational establishment and were granted by the wealthy in 1787 the first mention of a landowner Ferguson of Pitfour, school was made in the records Buchanhaven Harbour. the proprietor of Buchanhaven. of Ferguson of Pitfour. A simple “but and ben” was built in the The village was one of many area now known as Ware Road. coastal fishing communities and One end of the school was for residents were encouraged to the pupils and the other for the set up a “white fishing station” teacher to reside in. At the time, at Buchanhaven. In 1850 work the school was built for £20 started on the construction sterling, one half paid for by the of a new pier, which replaced villagers and the other half by a smaller one that had been Ferguson of Pitfour. built to the west of the current historic pier. This was to be the The affairs of the school were first stage of building a proper managed by a school board harbour basin for large herring of seven villagers who were boats, however, this plan was appointed by ballot. The never completed. The existing school master’s fee was a pier as it stands today did allow penny per pupil per week, plus local fishermen to operate small- a contribution of peat for the line boats from the village and school fire. Past times. by the mid 1860’s there were approximately 27 boats based at The school survived until 1840 Buchanhaven. and little information is held about any school facility in the The fishing industry slowly area until 1850 when records declined as larger ports such show a new school built on an as Peterhead took away most area donated by Ferguson of of the work, however even to Pitfour, bounded by a road to this day a number of small boats the east that led to Peterhead are still based at the pier and [now known as Ugie Road], to can be seen regularly operating the south Mid Street and to the out of the harbour, remaining north High Street. The school true to the original spirit of was to house about 125 pupils Buchanhaven. and to be paid for by public subscription, half by the villagers and half by a donation from Ferguson of Pitfour. Fishermen at Buchanhaven. 3 Introduction Community Action Plan A constitution and rules of - 1881 School Board of the Buchanhaven School were Peterhead approved the sum adopted at a public meeting of of £225 for repairs. householders of Buchanhaven - 1884 School Board of in the school building on Peterhead approved the sum 22 February 1868 which is of £224 for improvements recorded in the Book of the and repairs. Pupils at Buchanhaven. Lords Council and Session. The - All sums were repaid in full by Feu of the Charter was signed the villagers of Buchanhaven. by all the villagers in which Lt Col George Arthur Ferguson The first recorded teachers of Pitfour granted “A piece of noted in 1885 were: ground consisting of thirty and - Jessie Keith a half poles or thereby imperial - Lilias Scroggie (former pupil) standard measure for a public - Margaret Christie school”. The register of mortgages also records loans taken out to assist with the build and later extension of the school and are detailed below: - 1872 School Board of Peterhead approved the sum of £325 to Buchanhaven Public School for building Class of 1927. offices and enclosing walls. Buchanhaven School building today. 4 Community Activity Community Action Plan Community Activity In addition the Buchanhaven Harbour Committee re- There was a strong bond to launched their Harbour Open the school by the villagers of Day in August 2012, which was Buchanhaven, and this bond greatly appreciated by hundreds still exists today. An active of visitors and it would be Heritage Society was set up to the intention to stage this safeguard not only the school, event annually to benefit local Art Exhibition. but the history of the village residents and business, but most and preserve the way of life importantly to promote the that makes Buchanhaven the village as an area of outstanding community it is today. The beauty both manmade and former school is now very natural. much seen as a community hub, attracting not only local Since the setting up of the residents, but now visitors from “Buchanhaven Heritage Society” many areas which in turn has in February 2012 there have a positive effect on the local been a number of community economy. engagement activities including - a Craft Fayre, Heritage Events The impact on social inclusion including live demonstrations of cannot be underestimated and old fishing skills, Art Exhibition since starting activity in the and sale, Buchanhaven through Centre, there has been a clear the Wars historic event. Other impact on community cohesion planned events include – Arts, and an interest in preserving the Crafts and Performing Event, conservation area. Tatties and Herring night Scottish Week Exhibition. with music provided by local musicians, Christmas Craft Fayre and Carol Service. Scottish Week Activities 2012. 5 Community Activity Community Action Plan The group are currently (as given by various members of exploring the feasibility of taking the community of different ages) on the Community Centre “amazing seafront” through an asset transfer from “friendly, village feeling” Aberdeenshire Council. The “the feowk are afa fine” first part of this work involves “scenic seaview, friendly people” consulting with the local “the harbour/beach! Picturesque Consultation Event. community and , depending on view of beach and River Ugie” the results of this, developing a business case for the building What could be better to ensure that it is viable and “stamp out drinking of alcohol and sustainable in to the future. leaving bottles” “community activities that bring As a first step, the group carried people together” out an extensive community “clean street drains more often - consultation using Planning stop flooding” for Real® in May 2012. Local “coffee shop/centre, meeting residents were invited to a point for the folks in the heart of number of drop in sessions Buchanhaven” at the Community Centre to “more bins for rubbish and dog give their views. In addition, a foul” questionnaire, specifically about the Community Centre itself was drawn up to find out what the community would like to see happening in the building. The Consultation drop in. outcomes of this have been used to create this Action Plan to help the community to focus and develop their future goals. Drying nets. 6 Buchan Community Plan Community Action Plan Buchanhaven: Buchan It also includes actions based Community Plan 2013-2016 on consultation with the local communities and local The Buchan Local Community community groups. The plan Plan brings together the key can be accessed on www.our actions and projects of a number aberdeenshire.gov.uk/buchan of public agencies under five themes - Community Wellbeing, The latest version includes Harbour Day. Developing Our Partnership, actions which are of particular Sustainable Environment, Jobs relevance to Buchanhaven. and the Economy and Lifelong Learning. Heading/Lead Service Action/Project Community Wellbeing A3 Community Safety - To work with local Partners to deliver on Community Safety priorities for Buchan, for example including - road safety, alcohol, domestic violence, drugs, youth disorder/underage drinking, serious and violent crime, vandalism/graffiti, fire safety, neighbour disputes. A5 Improving Health and Tackling Inequalities in Buchan - To work in partnership with services and the community to address health improvement priorities with a focus on those more vulnerable or who have higher risk of preventable ill health. A6 Older People - To work with Community Planning Partners to identify actions and priorities for older people in Buchan in light of the new Scottish Government National Outcome 15 - “our older people are able to maintain their independence as they get older and are able to access appropriate support when they need it.” Jobs and the Economy B2 Support for Employability Activities and Work - To continue to develop and support employability projects to help people in Buchan overcome barriers in order to enter and Ducks on the beach. sustain employment. B3 Tourism and Events - To support projects and activities eg Theatre Modo, Family History, Aden Country Park, Scottish Week, Aden Bike Challenge etc which promote our Buchan area, and particularly help to meet local needs and address priorities within the Buchan Community Plan. B4 Social Economy/Social Enterprise - Community Planning Partners in Buchan will support an evaluation of social enterprise activity and will work with these organisations to strengthen their future sustainability. Lifelong Learning C3 Community Facilities - To identify with Communities what their needs are through available evidence, local consultation and Community Action Plans and match this with funding and resources available. Sustainable Environment D3 Community Assets - To work with local communities to identify and promote Community Asset Transfer opportunities, which meet both the communities’ and partners’ needs including Caravan Parks, Community Buildings or Services. D4 Environmental Improvements - To encourage maintenance, improvement and biodiversity of the local environment of the Buchan settlements. D6 Waste - To work with Partners to increase awareness of recycling and encourage community engagement in ReUse, Recycle and ReSale whilst promoting the Zero Waste Agenda for the Buchan area through – Recycling Points, Reuse and Recycle, Litter, Green Dog Walkers Initiative Fishing. Developing Our Partnership E1 Increasing Community Involvement - Partners will lead on, engage with and support Community Engagement exercises.