Cover Story

YEADON’S of BANCHORY

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A book is a gift you can open again and again – Garrison Keillor Come and enjoy the festivities in Banchory, shop local and support your independent bookseller Let our welcoming and friendly staff help you find the perfect Christmas gift If you are not comfortable shopping in person please phone, email or find us on bookshop.org

Books | Cards | Gift Wrap | Ordering Service | Gift Wrapping | Dogs Welcome 20 Dee Street | Banchory | AB31 5ST | 01330 822221 | banchory@yeadons.co.uk

29 High Street . Banchory 11 Bridge Street . Ballater Tel: 013397 55218 info@hmsheridan.co.uk . www.hmsheridan.co.uk

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By Royal Appointment Now open in a new shop on Banchory High Street with a wide variety of deli products and a fresh meat counter * Free local deliveries * * Visit our online shop * See Facebook for updates and specials Thanks to all our customers, old and new, for their continued support

During lockdown our community came together as painted stones appeared in woodlands, by the river and public areas. The stones raised spirits, brought joy in difficult and uncertain times, and gave us the opportunity to show gratitude to all our key workers and those who serve our community.

Aware of the public's wish to save the stones, I set myself the challenge of creating a permanent memorial depicting the community's time in lockdown and beyond, along with Torphins resident Caroline Reid.

My vision of a sloped wall structure with a landscaped backdrop was different and somewhat ambitious, however we encouraged the public to collect the previously painted stones and to paint more. The idea was greeted with great enthusiasm, the response overwhelming with more than 3,500 stones painted by the residents of Banchory, Crathes, Drumoak and Torphins.

Having found the prefect location within Bellfield’s Rose Garden and with local builder Bruce McCombie generously offering to build the structure free gratis we approached local companies to supply the building materials.

The support from each and every company was unbelievably generous and Caroline shared her artistic talents by painting the Scolty Hill backdrop. With an abundance of stones the project area has been increased and will also include a children’s area. Building began in October, with a view to completion this year, weather permitting.

The project's aim is to remember how our lives changed during the global pandemic, share our many skills and give thanks for the beautiful area of Deeside which we are fortunate to call home.

Further information on the project's progress can be viewed on Facebook.

from Maureen Mutch 5