South Deeside View - Autumn 2009 by NKRCC

THE SOUTH DEESIDE VIEW September 2009 CONTENTS 1

Macmillan Coffee Morning

Youth activities

Cubs and Scouts

Primary Schools

Lairhillock School

Clubs and Societies

Leisure activities Blairs Museum

Community Halls North East Open Studios

Driving for the Disabled Home deliveries

Maryculter-Cookney Church

St Ternan’s Church St Mary’s Chapel

Grampian Police

In memory

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels

Local councillors

Community Council

NKRCC, Planning

Autumn has arrived - schools have re-started, there is a huge crop of brambles by roadsides and the time has come to put sandals to the back of the cupboard. In July Aberdeenshire Council held its annual buffet lunch for volunteers. Each councillor can bring along two people so our area was represented. This was an opportunity for the Provost to officially thank the thousands of folk in Aberdeenshire who are involved in community groups, uniformed organisations or who care for others in some way. Reading through this newsletter you could make a guess at the number involved locally, from the wide range of activities we have available. Only two may have enjoyed the Council’s strawberries and cream, but the thanks went to you all. All phone numbers are Aberdeen listed (01224) unless otherwise indicated. The back page, with its Events Diary and list of useful contacts is arranged for handy reference. Other contact information is at the end of each section. Thanks to all our contributors, to the advertisers who fund about half of our printing costs, and to the many who were involved in the annual Plant Sale and Coffee Morning in May. We are always on the lookout for new contributors and ideas So if you have a story to tell, we would love to hear from you. Our roving reporters are always available! You will find our contact details on the back page.

300 Club

Macmillan Coffee Morning

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Friday September 25 Storybook Glen 10.15 - noon

Handy contacts Events calendar

There will be a wide range of stalls, crafts, bring and buy, raffle, teas, coffees and home baking. Raffle prizes and any contributions to the sale should be handed in to Sheila Stewart, Tel: 734222 beforehand, with any last minute items gladly received at the door. Admission by donation

YOUTH ACTIVITIES For our end of term trip it was off to Stonehaven to build sandcastles on the beach and to launch some messages in a bottle, and of course no trip would be complete without our favourite treat of chips even though our favourite chip shop had burned down the weekend before!!! We meet on Thursdays at Maryculter Scout Hut from 6.30pm - 8pm but have a waiting list due to the lack of adult leaders. Perhaps you would like to come along and help out. We are a friendly bunch and love meeting new people. If you are interested please contact: Lynn Murphy: Tel: 01330 825936

Maryculter Babies and Toddlers We meet in Maryculter Church Hall, on Thursday mornings during school term time from 9.30 - 11.30am. Anyone looking after children between birth and 2.5 years is very welcome to drop in during the session for a cuppa and chat, whilst the tots play with jigsaws, trikes, pretend kitchens and lots more! We’re always on the look out for new members so please tell friends, neighbours and those new to the area. £2 per session. Mandy Tulloch Tel: 01569 730577 Tanya Simpson Tel: 01569 730352

Maryculter Playgroup

Maryculter Guides

Maryculter Playgroup takes children from 2.5 to 5 years and is open term-time mornings from 9.30-noon. We are partner providers with Aberdeenshire Council of preschool education and offer council-funded places from age 3. Our friendly, experienced playleaders offer a wide range of play activities, crafts, music and learning and make regular use of our secure outdoor play space. For more information Tel: 07765 525317 (mornings) E-mail Kate Martin: katedorcas1@aol.com or drop in between 10.30-12 during one of our Open Weeks: 9th-13th November or 8th-12th February. We would love to welcome your little one to our group.

Since Easter the girls have be working on their Community Action Badge. They have also been to Stonehaven where they had a barbecue and some new Guides made their Promise. At the end of term sausage sizzle they bade a fond farewell to Dianne Brown who stepped down after running the unit for over 20 years, and she was presented with gifts. Some of the older girls joined Guides from another county on their trip to Switzerland over the summer. Morag Lister took over running the unit in August. Any girl interested in joining should contact her on Tel:07849 315203, E-mail: moraglister@yahoo.co.uk

1st Maryculter Rainbows Girls aged between 5 and 7 meet in the Scout and Guide Hut on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. We restarted on August 27 with three new members, so have a full pack. We are looking forward to the Centenary launch fun day at Crathes Castle on September 5. Ginny, one of the leaders has moved to Cheltenham but there has been a good response from the mums to help out to keep the pack running. This term the Rainbows will be working on their Adventure 100 badge with lots of activities, and hopefully some outings if the weather is kind! Alison:Tel: 899703

1st Maryculter Rangers Although down to just four members recently, we enjoyed various springtime activities including a cook out. With two of us leaving for further education, we decided to disband until a few more girls in our age group decide to join If you are approaching 14 years, are under 26, and would like to find out what Rangers can do for you on alternate Monday evenings, do contact Lynn, our district commissioner - see below.

Maryculter Brownies

District Commissioner’s Report

The Brownies have been busy and during the lighter months we got out and about as much as we could. We went to Crathes Castle one evening to do our Walkabout Challenge Badge where the midges seemed to be enjoying having a wee bite of us. The theme for the Annual Sleepover this year was ‘The Wrong Trousers’ in support of the Wallace and Gromit’s Children’s Foundation, where we all wore weird and wonderful trousers instead of our usual uniform. Our leaders each wore a very fetching pair of cow print trousers. For our Centenary ‘Changing the World Challenge’ we decided to raise money for BookAid International because lots of us like reading. We produced a cookbook, made bookmarks for sale and had a second hand books sales table which raised £365 and got a badge too.

After over 20 years Dianne Brown, Guide Guider, has decided that the time is right for her to step down and pursue other interests, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her hard work and dedication to the Guides. I know that you will be missed by us all. Thanks also to her mother Ann Massie for starting the unit up over 30 years ago and her work with it since. If you are female aged between 18 and 65 and feel that you could help out at one of the units, it doesn’t have to be every week, then please do not hesitate to get in touch for an informal chat. Lynn Murphy, District Commissioner, Lower Deeside Tel: 01330 825936, or lynnmurphy100@hotmail.co.uk

YOUTH ACTIVITIES Maryculter Beavers

Looking forward we will be working towards the Cyclist and Scientist badges along with Astronomy if the term yields any suitable clear nights when the moon is visible. We will be holding another camping weekend at Templars Park in September and we also plan a sleepover in the Scout Hut to coincide with the Remembrance Sunday service at the church.

We started the new term with 22 boys aged six to eight - all full of enthusiasm and looking forward to the Beaver programme of crafts, games and having fun! We meet in the Scout and Guide Hut on Tuesdays from 5.30-7pm.

The pack is currently close to capacity and we will give priority to boys wanting to move up from Maryculter Beavers, but if anyone wants more information they should contact one of the following: David Kirk Tel.: 869006, Bill Caffyn Tel: 734080, Dave Burslem Tel: 732819, Chris Grinyer Tel: 732324, John Henderson Tel: 07810 327999, Andrew Warnock Tel: 739602.

Last term culminated in a District Fun Day at Templars where Beavers from all over Deeside had great fun exploring and joining in with other Colonies. Any boy wishing to join should contact: Kathleen Paterson , Beaver Leader Tel: 868676 to be put on the waiting list. And of course, new Leaders are always welcome....

1st Maryculter Scouts Scouts meet at the Scout and Guide Hut, Maryculter each Friday from 19.15 to 21.15pm. This term we have 18 Scouts, 5 Leaders and 2 young leaders. We will be continuing with the Zodiac award which involves camping out at least once each month - even through the Winter. Some hikes and other activities (too secret to mention here) are also planned.

1st Maryculter Cub Scouts The Maryculter Cubs pack has continued to consolidate and grow since the last newsletter, reaching a peak of 20 members in the summer as we pursued our policy of ensuring places for ex-Maryculter-Beavers, although unfortunately we have not been able to accommodate all those interested in joining from further afield. We have continued to offer a mixed programme of indoor activities punctuated with outdoor pursuits whenever the weather has been favourable. The Cubs have covered all the elements of their Home Safety badge during the indoor sessions along with a variety of games and learning tasks.

In July we went to Orkney for our Summer Camp and had some great weather for the first three days before it turned windy - and I mean windy! Tents and everything that moved had to be pegged down - but we survived. We crossed to Rousay and hiked around the island and camped for the night. The Scouts had their cycles with them and managed to see many of the historic sites. A very memorable camp. Good news! We have just heard that the Scout Group (Beavers, Cubs & Scouts) has been awarded a grant of over ÂŁ3000 from the Awards for All Scotland Scheme (part of the National Lottery Fund) for a new trailer. This will mean that we can get out and about easily - the leaders can move bikes, tents and other outdoor equipment safely for further afield Scout activities. It is a replacement trailer to our current one that has done over 13 years faithful service under Les's maintenance.

In the Spring we attended a beach clean at Torry as part of our community service duties and we held another very successful overnight trip to Muir Cottage near Braemar in addition to two sleepovers in the Scout Hut. As the weather got warmer we organised two sailing trips to Loch of Skene, which proved to be very popular, and we also took part in the recent Deeside District Cubs Fun Day at Templarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Park with several other local packs. We combined this with another night under canvas which was the first overnight event for the two most recent joiners from Beavers.

New members are always welcome. Contact Scout Leader Les Paterson, Tel:868676 for details or visit our page on the Deeside District website where you will also see some of our Orkney photos at: http//www.deesidescouts.org.uk

We will be saying goodbye to five Cubs shortly as they move up to Scouts and we were very pleased that with a lot of effort towards the end of the summer term they all managed to satisfy the requirements for the six main Challenge badges. At the last meeting of term they were presented with their Silver Awards to recognise this achievement.

PRIMARY

SCHOOLS

Banchory-Devenick

Lairhillock

Our school has eight Primary 1 children starting this term, including one set of twin girls. A leavers’ ceilidh was held at the Bettridge Centre on the 2nd July to send off the Primary 7 children leaving for secondary education, and families who were relocating.

A Curriculum for Excellence We welcomed a grand total of 20 children into Primary 1 this session along with 12 new pupils, bringing our school roll to 100. 15 children have enrolled in nursery. Two new teachers joined the team – Mrs Gillian Blair and Mrs Susan Christie. We hope they will all be very happy at Lairhillock.

Four children from Banchory-Devenick went down to CBBC to audition for a new game show called ‘Keep your enemies close.’ CBBC invited pairs of best friends to apply. Children were initially interviewed at school. Through the summer holidays, two sets of friends were invited down to London to audition. We are waiting to hear if they have been successful.

A very successful summer camp organised by Stuart Robbie of Multi Sports was held in the holidays. The children took part in a range of sports activities and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. After school multi sports sessions led by Stuart Robbie and hockey lessons organised by our Active School Coordinator are now in full swing, and another activity week is already being planned for the October holidays. Tennis lessons are also being delivered to all classes including nursery this term as part of our health curriculum. Children had great fun participating in the Aberdeenshire Life Education Centre’s programme which focused on physical, social and emotional health. Parents were invited to come along to find out more about the programme. School Garden Our school garden was looked after during the summer break by a group of extremely dedicated parents and children and on Monday August 17, Robert Smith, MP came along to meet with parents, children and staff to find out about the project. Children are participating in weekly gardening sessions along with science and technology lessons linked to the garden. Cooking classes have also been organised to make full use of the garden produce. Homecoming The children are taking part in the Stonehaven Schools Scottish Festival to mark the year of the Homecoming. The festival begins on September 28 and various events are planned including a theatre visit on ‘The Life and Times of Robert Burns’, Highland Games and an exhibition of children’s art work in Stonehaven Town Hall. Parent Council Social events continue to feature in the life of the school with the Parent Council organising a Cheese and Wine / AGM on September 16 and a Family Ceilidh on September 25. An Open Evening for Parents is being held on Wednesday, October 7. This is an opportunity for parents to meet with staff and find out more about what the children have been learning.

SALT Reading Festival Miss Humphrey and staff from Fishermoss, Portlethen and Newtonhill Schools and other agencies have done an excellent job in organising the event, which is proving to be bigger and better than last year’s. The festival will be launched on Friday August 28 at Portlethen Academy from 7.30pm. Author, Gill Arbuthnott, will be at the launch along with choirs from Portlethen and Newtonhill School. There will also be a presentation from Banchory-Devenick School of the 'Veggie Olympics' work developed with Mrs Arbuthnott, class teacher, and Sheena Blackhall, author, relating to poems from the book. Children from all schools will also describe their best bits of last year’s SALT Festival. Children will benefit from various events over the next couple of months and there are also some which the public can attend. Further information is on their website: www.saltfestival.co.uk Garden The new shrub border at the back of the tarmac playground has transformed over the summer into a colourful mass of plants. The majority of the shrubs planted in the spring have established well, helped by the frequent rain and warm temperatures, and the gaps between these shrubs have been filled with annuals. The pupils grew nasturtiums and sunflowers in pots for planting into the border and the Council provided some bedding plants, which the pupils planted up at the end of term. The overall effect has been to produce a mass of flowers, which are buzzing with insect life. In the autumn term the pupils will be harvesting crops of potatoes, chives, carrots and courgettes for use by the school's Baking Club, allowing the pupils to have participated in the growing and preparation of their own food. Joyce Hill, Head Teacher Tel: 875237 E-mail: joyce.hill@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Marian Youngson, Head Teacher Tel: 01569 732520 E-mail: marian.youngson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 4

Lairhillock School Football

Lairhillock School Community Garden

Hours of disciplined practice on the training field paid off with the Lairhillock football teams managing a very impressive string of wins and close-things in the second half of last season. The B-team of P4-5s were very strong right from the start and eventually won the MidDeeside Small Schools B-League undefeated. Most impressive though was the progress of the Ateam, which given the loss of our goalie to Egypt, the total lack of P7s, and only 3 P6s in the team, was always going to be a "development squad". They did not win many games at the start of the season but grew together so well that they were deserved runners-up in the Conoco Cup in May, and then winners of the Finzean Gala in June. Thanks to Bob and the parents for taking the training sessions, to the parents for delivering the children to the games, but most of all to the players who’s attitude throughout the year, whether winning or losing, has been brilliant, and who’s play has at times been far more exciting than anything you will ever see on Match of the Day. Stephen Davies

It’s been a busy time in the Lairhillock School garden, with parents Nicola, Kate, Anne and Emma working with the children every week. A wildlife bed, a border to attract bees and butterflies, a fruit and herb bed, raised vegetable beds, a willow dome and arch, a stone bench, bark paths, a greenhouse and composting bins have all been added to the site. We have been very grateful for grants from the Union Square developers which bought the greenhouse, Scottish Natural Heritage which funded rabbit fencing, the willow arch, path materials and garden tools, the Parent Council for the willow dome, the Community Council for funds to purchase plants and Morrison’s CSV Action Earth for bug hunting kits and herbs. We would also like to thank the Forestry Commission for the raised vegetable beds, Stewart Youngson for drainage and other landscaping work, Lembas the organic farm for vegetable plug plants, and local joiner John Ross for erecting the greenhouse (with help from Jon Oakey). John Ross also made a fantastic bird table for the wildlife area. Many other family and friends have donated plants from their own gardens and time to help weed, water and tend the garden. Thank you to everyone who has helped and made donations. The first garden crops were grown this summer in the raised vegetable beds including potatoes, leeks, carrots and lettuce, which the pupils have used to make soup. The garden, like any other, needs tending and the parents regularly meet on Monday mornings (9.30am – 11.30am) when anyone from the school or wider community is welcome to come along and lend a hand – no prior experience necessary! In addition, there will be another open session on Saturday September 19, from 1pm to 5pm, and all are welcome to come along and see what has been achieved this year. During these sessions we are planning to build a bug tower, bulb planting and work mainly in the wildlife area. We hope to see many people visiting the garden over the autumn as we continue to develop the site and look forward to the vegetable harvests to come! Nicola & Kate

The victorious A Team

Kupso Martial Arts Classes for primary-age children are held from 4.305.30pm on Wednesdays in Lairhillock School. £4 per session but one trial lesson free. Emma Lester-Smith, Tel: 0776 125 7965 www.kupso.com

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES Ferguson; E. Forbes, Maryculter; A. Hart; H. Kemp, Netherley; H. Morrison, Lumphanan; J. Morrison, Blairs; A. Reid; G. Reid, Blackburn; B. Stewart, Drumoak; M. Stewart, Drumoak; R. Thomson, Maryculter; S. Williams, Blairs; I Werngren, Maryculter and A. Wilson, Maryculter.

Maryculter WRI Meetings are at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of each month in the Corbie Hall, Maryculter between August and June We look forward to monthly competitions, a variety of speakers and a Bring and Buy sale. New members will be very welcome. See our programme on the back page. Secretary, Christine Middleton Tel: 861513

Cookney Bowling Club The club restarts after the summer break on September 17, and meets in Cookney Hall twice a week at 7.30pm to enjoy games of carpet bowls. Monday is competition evening while Thursday is a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hat nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. We have three carpets, a thriving membership, and new members are always welcome.

Netherley WRI Our team represented Kincardineshire in the recent National Outdoor Bowls championship at Elgin - no medals but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.. We meet at 7.30pm in the Lairhillock School on the third Monday of each month (apart from November and February when we will be in Cookney Hall) New members will be made most welcome. See our programme on the back page. Secretary, Margaret Carmichael Tel: 01569 764330

President: Arthur Durward Tel: 319701

Dog Clubs The future of Ardoe Hall has still not been determined, but until then two clubs continue to meet there at 7.30pm.

Friendship Club

Tuesday During the summer we enjoyed several bus outings and the weather always smiled on us. To end the summer session we have a lunch on Thursday October 1 at 12.45pm in the Old Mill Inn. On Thursday October 23 we are having a fundraising basket whist evening in Corbie Hall at 7.30pm. Do come and join us, even if you do not have numbers for a table, since we will pair you with some others if you phone in advance. Our winter sessions in Maryculter-Cookney Church Hall from 2-4pm, begin on Thursday November 5, and thereafter on the first Thursday of the month. Anyone is welcome to join us for afternoons of entertainment, a cup of tea and a blether. Contacts: Anne, Tel: 732071 and Peggy, Tel: 734888

Thursday

The Bon Accord Kennel Club Tel: Susan Stewart, 01330 860569 Training for Showing Group Tel: Betty Munro, 632856

There is also a Dog Training School in Cookney Hall on Wednesday evenings Tel: Yvonne Reid, 865249

Glendale Football Club Last season ended in a flourish with the team reaching the final of the Dickie Trophy. However, on an evening when things were stacked against us both on and off the pitch, the end result did not run for us. A fortnight later we secured a memorable League winning result on the second last home game of the season at Corbie Park. This is the first time the team has won the League for 37 years, a cause for extended celebrations. We have now started the new season in Division 1 East, and games are coming thick and fast. Many players are still on holiday, so we are still finding our feet with team selections. A lot of work was carried out on pitch improvements during the close season, which is much appreciated by ourselves and visiting teams. Training sessions are on Tuesday evenings at Kincorth Astroturf Pitch, with home games at Corbie Park on Saturdays. Jim Grant Tel: 867512

Maryculter Senior Citizens Association This long established charity provides a Christmas Lunch for eligible folk living within the parish of Maryculter. Please contact one of the committee below if you know of any single or widowed ladies aged 60 or over, and married couples where the man is at least 65, who may not be known to us. They can then join our highly enjoyable annual event. Fiona Tel: 733324, Geordie Tel: 734469 Richard Tel: 867580 Caroline Tel: 734093 Debbie Tel: 730018 The fundraising 100+ Club began this year so thanks to all who supported it. Winners of cash prizes to date are: R. Connon, Blairs; W. Donald, Netherley; D.Ewing; J. 6

LEISURE ACTIVITIES Yoga Group instruction is available at Blairs from 8pm for beginners; intermediate sessions at 1.15pm , both on Tuesdays. A few vacancies may be available, but please phone to discuss your requirements with the instructor. Ilse Elders: Tel: 868301

Drop in to Blairs Museum for The Big Draw on Saturday October 10. The Big Draw is a month-long season of participatory activities for people of all ages and abilities. Over 1000 events will take place throughout October using drawing, painting and other creative media to engage participants with museum and gallery collections, historic sites – and each other – in new and enjoyable ways. Big Draw events encourage everyone to expand the boundaries of drawing by experimenting with pencils, paint, charcoal, sand, clay, digital imagery, choreographed movement, vapour trails and much more.

Aberdeen Aeromodellers Club The club owns a 6.5 acre grass flying field at Hare Moss, Banchory-Devenick and is permitted to fly from 9am to 7pm on weekdays, and 10am to 7pm at weekends. The midweek fliers get together on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Visitors are always welcome, but please contact a member on arrival and ask for an explanation of site safety procedures. Contact: E-mail: information@aamfc.co.uk Website best accessed by Googling: Aberdeen Aeromodellers Club

Blairs Museum, South Deeside Road, Blairs, Aberdeen, AB12 5YQ Manager/Curator: Ian Forbes: Tel: 863767 E-mail: manager@blairsmuseum.com Website: www.blairsmuseum.com Opening times, April to October are 2-5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday Public Holidays. Visitors are welcome outwith these times, but must phone ahead to arrange access. Admission charges: Adults £2.50, concessions £2, family ticket £6, children under 16 £1 with the under 8’s free.

Drum Castle This is our nearest National Trust castle. We had a good season for visitors, despite opening dates being reduced by ten weeks this year. The grounds and woodland walks are open all year from 9.30am until sunset. The castle and garden are open between 11.30am and 5pm until the end of September, (closed on Tuesday and Friday) with guided tours of the castle. Tel: 01330 811204 www.nts.org.uk

Mud Pies - Nature fun for the under 5s Remember making daisy chains and flying sycamore helicopters? Playing conkers and blowing dandelion clocks? Kicking up autumn leaves and making mud pies?

Storybook Glen With over 100 nursery rhyme and fairytale characters in 28 acres of rolling parkland, self-service restaurant, garden centre and gift shop, this is an interesting and attractive venue for a family outing. Come and meet Santa Claus when he visits each Saturday and Sunday in December between 1-3pm. Opening times are from 10am to 6pm daily with season tickets available. Tel: 732941 www.storybookglenaberdeen.co.uk

Wild Child, a new education company to the North East, has been created to capture the magic of the outdoors and to let you and your child have fun exploring nature. Its weekly classes, Mud Pies, have been especially created for younger children, 2 to 5 year olds* and their adults, to explore and play outdoors and to discover the natural world. October to December 2009 classes Mondays Countesswells Wood, Aberdeen Course 1 26 October to 16 November Course 2 23 November to 14 December Tuesdays Scolty Woodland Park, Banchory Course 1 27 October to 17 November Course 2 24 November to 15 December

Reading Circle We are a small reading circle of both genders who meet every six to eight weeks in each other’s homes, usually on Tuesdays at 2pm. We choose two books, from classics to recent publications, from a list provided by Aberdeenshire Council’s Library service, then compare opinions of each over afternoon tea. If you would like to join us please contact:Muriel, Tel: 01569 730302 or Sheila Tel: 01569 731608

£24 per 4 week course. Sessions available 10 – 11.15am, 11.45am – 1pm and 2 to 3.15pm. Further sessions running in other City and Shire woods from January 2010. Contact Mandy Tulloch after 23 September on M: 07929 465680, www.wildchildadventures.co.uk to book. 7

Corbie Park and Community Hall, Maryculter

The Doric Festival This annual festival is from October 2 to 18, with performances in several venues across the North East. The one in our area is: Another Meal an’Ale Evening in Cookney Hall on Saturday October 3 at 7.30pm Comperes / singers: Geordie Murison & John Valentine Singers: Hector Riddell and Eoin Taylor Fiddle: George and Stuart Davidson Singers & musicians: Dick and Maggie Trickey Stories / recitations: Joyce Murison Tickets £7, concessions £5 from: Joyce Murison, Tel: 01569 731236

The new changing facilities have been praised by teams using the field and we are delighted with how well teams are respecting them and looking after them. This season Deevale Ladies FC is using the field as their home pitch on alternate Sundays. A number of local girls play for this team and we are pleased to have them play at Corbie Park. Brig O'Dee and Glendale also use the field as their home pitch. You are always welcome to come down and enjoy the games. Levelling work and an application of lime has improved the field surface and thanks to Jim and Gunner the pitch always looks in top order. The hall continues to support the Maryculter Playgroup and various other local groups. However there is scope for more use to be made of it at evenings and weekends and the committee would be delighted to hear from any other group or club that might like to use it on a regular basis this winter. We have access to table-tennis tables, pool tables and table football if any group wished to organise a games night Carol Masson, booking secretary Tel: 733583

‘Livin the Fishin’ exhibition will be on at Portlethen Library throughout the festival. Organised by the Aberdeen Branch of the Traditional Music and Song Association. www.thedoricfestival.com

North East Open Studios The event runs from September 12-21. Over a hundred artists and crafters will exhibit in galleries as well as their own studios and homes. Those in our area are: Catherine Imhof-Cardinal of Wedderhill Farm and Studio, Blairs, who produces figurative and semi abstract colourist oils on paper. Open Sept. 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 2-6pm and Sept. 17 and 18 from 2-8pm Directions: Off the A90, six miles south of Aberdeen, take the Durris/Lairhillock turn-off on right, proceed for two miles westwards and take the first public road on the right. Keep going and look for the yellow flags.

Friends of Cookney Hall The work on the hall is now nearing completion. In May it was necessary to close it to allow the bulk of the work to proceed. This involved extensive work on resizing and refitting the kitchen, likewise the ladies' loos, relocating the gents to the opposite end of the hall and adding disabled toilets. On Thursday 20th August, a well attended Grand Re-opening was held. The general consensus appeared to be that the upgrade was well received. Cookney Bowling Club and the Dog Training School can get back to their regular evenings. The next step is promoting the hall as a venue for local events, celebrations and community use We are now looking for ways to maintain the hall at its current standard and to make further improvements. If you have a bit of spare time and would like to get involved, please contact any of the committee. Also, watch this space in future editions of the South Deeside View or the hall notice board for details of forthcoming events. Those planned so far are: October 3 Meal an’Ale Evening – see opposite November 7 Ceilidh Dance with Ian Thomson’s band January 16 Burns Supper

Martha-Elizabeth Ferguson, West Cottage, Mill of Ardoe, Blairs is showing her paintings, drawings, illustrations and designs. Open Sept. 12, 14, 15,16,17, 18, 19 and 21 from 12-4pm Directions: From Aberdeen go west on the South Deeside Road (B9077), past the entrance to Ardoe House Hotel and take the next small private road to the left, through the pillars. West Cottage is the first building on the right.

BOOKING OF HALLS AND GROUNDS Maryculter Community (Corbie) Hall and Field C.Masson,Tel: 733583 carol.masson@btinternet.com M-C Church Hall and Glebe Field Church office Tel: 735983 thechurchoffice@tiscali.co.uk Scout and Guide Hut Les Paterson, Tel: 868676 lesardoe@aol.com Cookney Hall Willie Angus Tel:01569 730123 wgangus@ukgateway.net Blairs College Hall John Evans-Freke Tel: 867626 Lairhillock School Marian Youngson, Tel: 01569 732520

Bob McKinney, Tel: 01569 730706, E-mail: bob8930@aol.com Willie Angus, Tel: 01569 730123

Maryculter Driving for the Disabled HOME DELIVERIES Milk and local papers orange juice, eggs, potatoes and more….. Alan Masson Tel: 07770 332969 hillies@fsmail.net Fruit and Vegetables The organic farm shop at Lorienen, Bridge of Muchalls is open on Wednesdays from 12.30 to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9.30 to 5pm Paul van Midden Tel /Fax: 01569 731746 / 739137 Maryculter Driving for the Disabled Group is an independent charity. Our aim is to give the opportunity of driving a pony/horse-pulled carriage to any disabled person who might benefit in general health and happiness.

Neil Gammie, Fernieflatt Farm, Kinneff delivers vegetables, eggs (and fruit in season) on Tuesdays and Fridays. Orders must be in the day before delivery. Tel: 01569 750374 or 07790 558880 E-mail: fernieflat@amserve.com

Our 2009 driving season started on Wednesday May 6 at Maryculter Home Farm courtesy of Jane & Ewan MacInnes with George Masson’s horse ‘Corbie’ and Anne’s pony ‘Xantha’. As usual we were well supported by our team of volunteers who consist of RDA Whips (Able Bodied drivers/trainers), helpers, carers and our tea ladies who dispense their fine home baking and hot and cold drinks.

Fish George Fairweather delivers west of the B979 road on Thursday mornings and east of the road on Friday mornings.

These Wednesday sessions have continued weekly throughout the summer mainly from Home Farm and with two sessions from the Maryculter Woods. We had to cancel three sessions due to inclement weather, which was unfortunate but necessary for safety reasons.

Maryculter House Hotel Forthcoming Events

Our Stonehaven Plainstones fundraising event on Saturday August 29, was a great success, so thanks to everyone who helped on the day including donations of home baking, plants and tombola prizes. We have been invited to the Garioch Carriage Driving for the Disabled Group at Strathorn Farm, Old Rayne for their annual Gymkhana and barbecue on September 2 - always a fun day!

. Murder Mystery Evening, Saturday November 14 ‘Circus of Horrors‘ 4 course dinner and entertainment - £33.95pp Special offer - meal, entertainment and stay over with Breakfast - £64.95pp (based on 2 people sharing)

Our final day of the 2009 driving season is on September 23 and incorporates a Barbecue, Cone Driving competition and Treasure Hunt - an enjoyable day for all with rosettes presented to the winners.

Gourmet Evening—Sunday November 29 Eight course gourmet menu for £32.50pp Special offer—If your food and beverage bill comes to more than £85, stay the night free in our luxury 4 star deluxe bedrooms including breakfast (based on two people sharing).

Congratulations to Kate and Carol for completing their RDA Whip assessment. They have both taken up the reins this season.

Festive and New Year events Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Family and Friends ceilidh, Hogmanay Ball, Burns Nights

If you would like to volunteer or have further information about the Group’s activities please contact: George Masson (Chairman) Tel: 733583 Caroline McTaggart (Secretary) Tel: 734093 www.maryculterrda.org.uk

To book places or for further information Tel: 732124 e-mail: conferences@maryculterhousehotel.com www.maryculterhousehotel.com 9

Banchory-Devenick & Maryculter-Cookney Parish Church Minister Rev. Heather Peacock Tel: 730150 E-mail: hmpeacock@btinternet.com

The Guild We meet on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm from September to November and February to May. New members are always welcome to come along and hear interesting speakers, enjoy fellowship and a cup of tea. A Coffee Morning with Christmas Sales Table will be held on Saturday December 5 from 10am-noon in Maryculter Church Hall. A Soup and Sweet fundraising lunch will be in the Church Hall after the service on March 7. Further details from Sheila Bissett, Tel: 01569 731708

Church Office: Tel: 735983 E-mail:- thechurchoffice@tiscali.co.uk Morning Services and Sunday School at 10.30am 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month at MaryculterCookney Church and 2nd and 4th Sundays at BanchoryDevenick Church. Bible Study and Prayer Group Wednesday from 7.30-9.30pm in the Happy Lounge Contact Rev. Heather Peacock

Alpha Course An opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought provoking weekly sessions, meal included.

Youth Café Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm in the Church Hall Food, fun and friendship for primary 7 to senior 6 pupils Contact: Dianne Brown, Tel: 734687

Beginning Tuesday 15th September 79pm Maryculter Church Hall. To make enquiries or to register please contact Joan Thorne Tel: 783834

Fair Trade Shop Open Mon-Fri 9am-12noon for all your favourite goodies coffee, tea, chocolate, biscuits, sugar, dried fruit and much more. House Groups meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7.30pm-9.30pm for bible study, prayer and fellowship. New members welcome. Contact Joan Thorne Tel:783834 for the B-D Group or Joyce Mackintosh Tel: 733495 for the M-C Group

Harvest Homecoming

Family Celebration with Food/Music/Fun Friday 9th October 7pm-11pm Cookney Hall Adults £7.50 School children £2, tickets available from church office Tel: 735983

Keep up to date with church news on our website www.bdmc-parish.org.uk and by reading Church Corner in the Deeside Piper and Mearns Leader.

Harvest Thanksgiving Service Come, just as you are

Sunday 11th October, 10:30am Maryculter Church All Welcome

Out of Captivity The story of Exodus tells us how God brought his people ‘out of captivity’ from Egypt. A powerful prophecy of how Jesus would rescue all people through history from the power of evil. The Israelites were oppressed, physically abused and murdered. Exposed to such days of darkness they were bound to ask the question, “Why?” There is much suffering in our world. People today, even in our community, are exposed to days of darkness through illness, bereavement, violence, divorce, debt, family breakdown, addiction, depression. We also ask the question, “Why?” The Exodus story gives us a framework and a context with which to make sense of these days of darkness. As we read how God deals with his people we find assurance that God is with us, He has a plan and He will provide for us through these days. We learn that through faith and patience we will have immeasurably more than we could ever ask or hope for, as we inherit the promises of God. What a wonderful story! This theme is running now until the advent season. 10

MARYCULTER CARRIAGE DRIVING CENTRE

ST TERNAN’S SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH MUCHALLS

Learn the art and tradition of carriage driving Arrive in a horse-drawn carriage for your wedding Enjoy a farm tour and riverside drive Visit our unique carriage collection Bring disabled friends for a drive Let us take you for a drive to mark a special occasion

St. Ternan’s continues to operate with a Ministry Team under the direction of Rev. Michael Sabell as Priest in Charge. The Ministry Team are as follows; Rev. Michael Sabell 01569 730625 Prof. John Usher 01569 731608 George Masson 01224 733583

We can do all this and much more with our experienced horses and ponies. We also have a self-contained flat overlooking the River Dee - ideal for business visits or short breaks.

The church is open every day from 10am until 3pm. You are welcome to join us in worship at the 10.30am Family Eucharist on Sundays. Weekly services are held on major Saint Days and are advertised on the church notice boards and in the magazine.

Jane and Ewan MacInnes, Home Farm, Maryculter Tel: 01224 732710 and 07889 340362 Email: homefarmmcdc@lineone.net www.marycultercarriages.co.uk

A much needed new heating system has been installed in the Church. We have chosen a biomass (wood pellet) system and to date this has greatly enhanced our comfort. We have been told that this is the warmest the church has been for 180 years! The system was installed by Grampian Heat and Power of Portlethen and funds were secured from the Energy Trust, Landfill Grant, Scottish Episcopal Church Province Grant and self-funding. Plans have also been passed for an extension consisting of a Community Meeting Room to accommodate 30 people, kitchen and toilets, including disabled toilets. To date we have been awarded a grant for half the cost of this project and continue to seek further funding.

Congratulations to the Devenick Dairy on a ‘ Highland Show hat-trick’ of awards Gold Award, Garlic Dee’s Cream Cheese; A popular cream cheese, which is freshly made with whole milk. It has a moist and very fresh flavour with an irresistible unique taste and can be used in lots of cooking recipes. Bronze Award, Badentoy Blue; A lovely blue-marbled, soft, creamy, moist cheese that doesn’t have the strong bitterness of many other blue cheeses. Bronze Award, Smoked Deesider; A traditional cheddar infused with a lovely cold Oak Smoke to produce a unique, individually flavoured cheese.

Once again our Annual Garden Fete in June was a huge success, and we also had a presence at the Skateraw Fair and the Muchalls Gala. We will be holding our usual Harvest supper in October, the date yet to be confirmed. Please contact any of the above Ministry team for help or information on marriages, baptisms, funerals, pastoral visiting etc. Keep up to date with church news by reading Church Corner in the Mearns Leader.

St Mary’s Chapel, Blairs Mass is held every Sunday morning at 9am to which all are invited. Father George Hutcheon Deacon Peter Macdonald

Tel: 876704 Tel: 780351

GRAMPIAN POLICE crime which was detected. I am pleased to report that this is a marked reduction from the previous six months' statistics. There have also been two reports of vandalism in the area over the past few months, and persons have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal in relation to wilful fire-raising and drugs offences. Grampian Police is aware of the impact that such antisocial crimes have on the community, and by undertaking focused patrols to deter and detect such offending, we intend to provide public re-assurance.

Road Casualty Reduction is a high priority for Grampian Police, and we remain committed to promoting road safety and detecting crimes and offences. Over the summer months, the Roads Policing Department has run a force-wide initiative specifically targeting vehicles carrying children where drivers are speeding or where occupants of the vehicles are not wearing seatbelts. Dangerous driving, careless driving, having no driving documents and using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel count amongst other offences detected in the North Kincardine area in recent months.

With the darker days of winter approaching, householders are reminded to familiarise themselves with basic home security advice to protect their homes and belongings. Advice regarding the simple measures which can be adopted can be found on the Grampian Police website, www.grampianpolice.uk, under the following tabs: Advice Centre, Crime Reduction and Home Security.

It is with regret that I must report that there have recently been ten road accidents in the area, three of them involving serious injury, and five of them involving young drivers. Drivers aged 16-25 years have been identified by Grampian Police as having a higher frequency of driving in an anti-social and irresponsible manner. During a long-running initiative, such individuals were targeted through education and enforcement of legislation, our aim being to reduce the number of young drivers and passengers killed and seriously injured in the Grampian area.

The staff at Portlethen Police Office would like to thank you for your continuing assistance and help in keeping our communities safe. We are committed to working hard to ensure that the quality of life of the residents in this beat area is not reduced by anti-social behaviour and crime.

All motorists are reminded and encouraged to drive in accordance with the prevailing road and traffic conditions and to regularly check their vehicle lights, tyres and coolant / screen-wash levels.

Kirsty Lawie, Constable G0396, Portlethen Police

There has recently been one theft by housebreaking to a domestic property in the North Kincardine area, a

NORTH BURNSIDE KENNELS AND CATTERY

where part of your family becomes part of oursâ&#x20AC;? Tel 01224 733474 Netherley Road, Burnside, Maryculter 12

If a living space is not provided for the teachers they are unable to attract them to this very poor area. Though a single room 12 feet square with 2 single beds, a single freestanding wardrobe and a very small gas ‘camping’ cooking stove would not be considered luxurious by us westerners, the teachers were very proud of it, as it was probably better than they lived in at home.

In memory of Alison Mattingley Many of you will remember Alison Mattingley as the school bus driver for Maryculter West Primary School. Alison passed away in 2005 as a result of a cycling accident, a sport she enjoyed with enthusiasm like everything else she did. Several in the community gave a donation to be put to good use by World Vision in Cambodia, where we were already sponsoring a child. It took many months to decide the best use of the money. The family wanted to do something that would help some of the children in Cambodia as Alison and I had cycled there on one of our trips and fell in love with children who, even though living in poverty could always give us a smile and shout ‘hello’ as we passed. Many options linked to education were considered and we finally agreed on helping to build a Primary School in the same district that our sponsored child comes from, though she does not go to this school. The existing school was a single wooden hut with earth floor with very few amenities. Great, we thought, it won’t be long. First of all there was the rainy season, then we fell foul of Cambodian Bureaucracy. Finally it was completed and opened on October 2, 2007. Now that it was open we, Roger and his new wife Rose, wanted to go and see it, but before that was allowed World Vision insisted that we underwent an in-depth interview and information session on kidnapping, hostage taking, child molestation and many other aspects to ensure that we understood all the possible risks for us as well as the family of the sponsored child.

The ablution block was out the back and shared by all – children and teachers alike. The classrooms were large enough for about 40 children and each child had a simple desk to sit at. There was only a dusty concrete floor - the dust gets everywhere out here. There was little in the way of educational material so we were very happy to give them a world map for each classroom wall and a large box of paper, to be used in the best way for the children. There were still two classes going on. Some children only come for a half day because they have to help out at home as this is primarily a farming community. We were given an insight to some of the work that was going on. Many children are not sent to school at all at harvest time so are years behind. There was even a 16 year old in the equivalent of Primary 2 but any education is better than nothing.

A full year later on October 8, 2008 we were in Battambamg being collected by a World Vision vehicle – a 4 x 4. We were concerned that they were not using sponsorship money wisely, until we saw the road we were to travel on for the next 1½ hours to go only 35 miles. Well, the tarmac stopped one mile out of town and there were holes deep enough to swallow the vehicle in the dusty rutted road. First we saw our sponsored child and had lunch with her family before setting off for another hour of being bounced around as we ventured further into the Western Cambodian countryside.

It was very good for us to see that the money had been well spent and we were happy to see that Alison’s legacy would help the children of Cambodia for many years to come. We spent about an hour at the school before being driven back to Battambang, via some other worthwhile projects that World Vision are involved in, like fresh water wells and better roads. All in all it was a very satisfying trip.

Finally we arrived at Takrouk Primary School, in the Rattanak Mondol District, Battambamg Province. It consists of five classrooms and a teacher’s living block for 4 teachers – 2 male and 2 female.

Roger, Briony, Rachel and Careth Mattingley

SAVING SCOTLAND’S RED SQUIRRELS The red squirrel was once a common sight across all of mainland Britain, occupying a long-established and natural position within the UK’s wildlife and landscape as our only native squirrel species. A charismatic and endearing creature, red squirrels inspire an enthusiasm and appreciation for our native wildlife. Today, red squirrels are sadly absent from many areas of Britain including most of England and Scotland’s central belt, due to the spread of the grey squirrel, a species introduced to Britain in the 19th century. The presence of greys triggers the rapid decline of reds, as greys out-compete reds for food and habitat as well as carrying squirrel pox virus – lethal to reds but which doesn’t harm greys. Red squirrels have fur, which ranges from blonde or pale orange, through deep-reddish brown to almost black ear tufts (which are easier to spot in winter) and bushy tails, which may bleach lighter in spring and summer. Some red squirrels can have greyish flanks in summer but their ear tufts and tail (uniformly all one colour) mean that they can be distinguished from grey squirrels, which are stockier and heavier, with mouselike ears and a halo of white around their tails.

It is thought only 121,000 reds remain in Scotland, accounting for 75% of Britain’s red squirrel population. Our country is the only haven left for the red squirrels, with areas in the north still remaining grey-free. But greys are on the move! Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS), a nationally co-ordinated 3-year project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, aims to stop the decline of red squirrels in Scotland and help them to expand across the country in the future.

In the autumn, they can be seen gathering and storing caches of nuts and cones ready for the winter. Chewed and stripped pine cones and broken nut shells are clues to show where a squirrel has been feeding. Squirrels do not hibernate but continue to forage for food throughout the winter although they may not emerge from the shelter of their drey in very cold or wet weather.

Hollie Walker, the group’s first North East Scotland project officer, has been tasked with driving the scheme forwards in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray, by outlining a strategy for controlling the region’s grey squirrels. She will work with landowners, foresters, game-keepers and council rangers in target zones, with the aim of establishing a network of landholdings all working together to achieve red squirrel conservation through grey squirrel control and habitat improvements.

The red squirrel needs as much help as possible if it is to survive in Scotland for the future. Members of the public are invited to assist in the SSRS project by visiting www.grampiansquirrelgroup.co.uk to report sightings of either grey or red squirrels. More information is also available from the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website www.swt.org.uk

In 2000, the Grampian Squirrel Group carried out a survey over the entire Grampian area to try and record all known red and grey squirrel sightings in the area. The results show apparently strong populations of red squirrels in the large areas of mainly coniferous forests in the North East. However they also show how the grey squirrels are spreading out of Aberdeen, following the mature broadleaved corridors on the banks of the Dee and the Don in their search for new territory.

Red Kites The RSPB project to re-introduce red kites to the North East reached a milestone in August when its last batch of young birds were released quite near us to fend for themselves. A hundred birds have now been released over the last three years and all of this year’s have been fitted with radio transmitters to enable tracking.

Protected by law, red squirrels were traditionally found in all types of woodland habitat. However, in the North East, prime squirrel habitat is to be found in the pinewoods of Deeside and Donside. A squirrel’s home is called a drey, built close to the main trunk, or in the fork of a tree and used both for rearing young and nocturnal shelter. The drey consists of a hollow ball of twigs and leaves, which is then lined with soft hair and moss.

Have you seen any yet? They are big, around the same size as buzzards, and can be identified by their forked tail and chestnut bodies. RSPB have asked the public to report sightings to help monitor them. E-mail: aberdeenredkites@rspb.org.uk

REPRESENTATION Councillor Ian Mollison

Councillor Carl Nelson

Yet again Trump proposals for the Menie Estate dominate the headlines about Aberdeenshire Council. This time it is because the American reportedly wants the council’s compulsory purchase powers used to buy him four properties. A lot can happen before it is debated by councillors on October 1, so I will wait until then before making a decision. At the moment though, I remain to be convinced. In the meantime I have been lobbied by many people – most courteously but some downright rudely – urging me and my colleagues to reject Trump’s appeal. Everyone in this area has been polite, as I would expect. The other major issue in planning has been the approval of the North East’s new structure plan by the Scottish Government. This is the blueprint for the next 25 years. It sees major development along the A90 and A96 corridors. The next step is the local development plan about which there has been much discussion (Banchory and Leggart, Elsick, Portlethen etc), with more to come. Locally a nearby planning application has been approved, which might interest residents. Culter Cars may now redevelop Woodside Farm on the North Deeside road towards Drumoak as their current site is no longer fit for purpose. Two final snippets. Scottish Enterprise reported to councillors that we are short of hotel accommodation in the North East. There are 3569 beds in Aberdeen and 1056 in the Shire. Some 914 rooms are under construction the city. It seems the lack of a five star hotel and a 350+ room hotel affects our ability to attract conferences. And a good news story. The newly-reopened Laurencekirk station is expected to be used for 65,000 trips a year (1257 a week); the forecast was 36,000. Meanwhile use of Inverurie station is up 26% to 5244 a week following timetable changes. Who said Crossrail wasn’t a priority?

Banks collapsing. Credit crunch. National debt. Rising unemployment. Swine-flu. I could go on. We don’t have to look far for bad news! Let me give you some good news – about Aberdeenshire Council. It recently announced plans to generate £45 million for its capital plan each year as part of a landmark project that could see up to £1 billion invested locally over the next 15 years. The plan includes significant spending plans for schools and leisure facilities across Aberdeenshire. Schools projects worth £125 million were approved in principle, including in North Kincardine new primary schools at Drumoak and Portlethen. The plan will also see improved library facilities at Newtonhill and Stonehaven. North Kincardine has been waiting a long time for its Household Waste and Recycling Centre, which will be situated somewhere in the Portlethen area. It is also included in the capital plan. Other welcome projects within individual Council services, include a replacement care home at Inverurie and a replacement children’s home. The proposals have been achieved by combining the Council’s Asset Management Plan and existing Capital Plan into a 15year Capital Plan for the whole of Aberdeenshire. More good news is that there has been a 5% increase in the number of older people receiving care at home whilst the number of older people residing within a care home setting is decreasing. We have increased the volume of respite nights provided and we aim to continue to increase the provision of respite with a target of 20% more respite provided by 2012. Looking to the future, we are working to make sure services meet the changing needs of older people across the area. We offer a broad range of services that allow residents with care needs to stay at home for as long as possible, allowing them to stay independent and involved in their communities. Yes, there are a lot of good news stories in Aberdeenshire.

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Liberal Democrats' Autumn Ceilidh 26 September, Durris Hall, Kirkton of Durris. Tickets £12 including stovies. Book tickets by sending payment to WAK Liberal Democrats, 6 Dee Street, Banchory AB31 5ST.

New Structure Plan A word from the Chairman In the last two ‘Views’ we gave some details about the new Structure Plan (SP) for the City and Shire. On August 17, 2009 the Executive approved it exactly as submitted, covering the period to 2031. The concerns of many – including your Community Council – centred around the fact that the draft of the SP was written in 2007 and was based then on a very optimistic economic forecast for the region.

On Monday 15 June 2009, at the last AGM of the North Kincardine Rural Community Council, I was elected to the post of Chairman of the Council: a position that I am both honoured and flattered to find myself in. The first task I have is trying to maintain the very high standards set by my predecessor, Mike Birch. He took to the role like a duck to water and over the course of his chairmanship, steered the Community Council through some very choppy waters, with a calm manner and comprehensive grasp of the matters at hand. A very difficult act to follow.

In 2007, of course, we were all congratulating ourselves on the enormous increase in the value of our houses. We were also thinking how clever we were when checking the ever-increasing rise in the price of our chosen shares and thinking that perhaps this government wasn’t such a bad lot after all.

During the course of my tenure, along with the rest of the Community Council, I shall strive to do my best for the residents of our area in representing our shared interests to statutory bodies such as Aberdeenshire Council and Grampian Police, as well as to independent organisations such as the numerous potential developers considering lodging planning applications in our area.

The final version of the SP was then sent to Edinburgh for approval in 2009 and what did we find? In the intervening two years, the SP had changed not one whit in its material details: still 72,000 houses demanded; still a population increase of 40,000 sought; still anticipating an upsurge in farming, fishing and oil; still expecting Eastern European immigration to continue at 2007 rates.

The North Kincardine area faces considerable challenges in the coming years such as the proposed AWPR, the impact of the now approved Structure Plan and its accompanying Local Development Plan as well as the planning applications which might stem from these and the very real possibility of further movement on the proposed windfarm site at Meikle Carewe.

It seems that Northern Wreck and Bradford and Bustley had not registered on the radar of the local planners who submitted the unchanged Plan and it appeared that, for the Executive’s planners who approved it, HBOS didn’t mean ‘Halifax Blew Our Savings’. So, whatever reservations we may have had, or still have, that’s it. The tablets have been handed down from the Mount and, more importantly, they now govern the contents of…..

Any one of these matters would have a significant impact on the area, but together they have the potential to change North Kincardine almost beyond recognition. With this in mind, it's my belief that we have to ensure that our voice is heard and that we must have a say in how these changes occur. One way of doing so is through the North Kincardine Rural Community Council. Please feel free to come along to meetings which are held in Corbie Hall, Maryculter on the third Monday of each month (except July) at 7.30pm, where you can express your thoughts on local matters.

The new Local Development Plan (LDP) Now, a new LDP would normally follow the process: 1. informal consultation 2. publish document with main issues identified 3. draft plan 4. public consultation 5. finalised plan 6. public consultation 7. public inquiry 8. approval by Executive. But the Executive is desperate to cut short that long-drawn-out process. As a result, stages 3 and 4 have been eliminated and we have all recently been invited to comment on Stage 2, the Main Issues Report (MIR), before Stage 5 is published at the end of the year.

You can find reports of meetings, future agendas, contact details for community councillors and a mass of related matters on our website www.nkrcc.org.uk Minutes and agendas can be found on notice boards at Cookney and Corbie halls, outside the former Maryculter West and East primary schools and Banchory-Devenick School.

Many local people, groups and clubs have given their views on the MIR and we are assured that all will be taken into account. Certainly they will be considered by the Public Inquiry. For those who have not read or commented on the MIR, let’s recap on the main points.

Bob McKinney, Chairman Tel: 01569 730706

Planning application process to change

The MIR highlighted the policy areas that needed changing from the present Local Plan (ALP). It then detailed the settlement strategy for various parts of the strategic ‘corridors’ and also said where the Shire Council would prefer to see the bulk of the new housing. On the policy front changes are proposed for: enabling development; developer contributions (to new roads and facilities); waste management; planning in the landscape; rural housing development and housing design. Some smaller adjustments are also proposed on conversion of derelict buildings and one or two other matters. The Settlement Strategy places 5,600 houses in the Portlethen – Stonehaven area, with the majority concentrated in Banchory-Devenick (3,000) plus 1,550 right next to the Stewart Milne 840 at Hillside (Leathan Fields). These are the Council’s preferred sites in our area. (The 4,000 – 6,000 house development at Elsick, stretching west from the A90, is currently considered to be merely a possible alternative to the BanchoryDevenick proposal). There will naturally be development elsewhere, under the heading of Local Growth and here we have a real mish-mash. In the area of the Lairhillock there are six different development bids – variously for 5 and 10 houses, 15 opposite the school, 12 plus nursery, 60 houses at Crossley and 300 houses around the school. In Netherley/Cookney there are a further five bids for a total of 30 houses and at Maryculter and Stobhall six more bids for 73 houses altogether. To many in the area this rash of development suggestions threatens to destroy the very character of this rural area, whilst the landowners concerned doubtless argue that it will bring new life to the North East. Your Community Council’s comments on all the above can be read on its website at www.nkrcc.org.uk For those of a conscientious disposition and time to spare, the MIR itself can be viewed on the Shire website at : www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/planning/localplan.new/ index.asp or in proper paper copies at the Council offices, Viewmount, Stonehaven or in the library)

From August 2009 changes have been made to the planning system to simplify it (!). These will affect anyone who puts in a planning application, from a simple house extension to large housing developments. Here is a brief introduction to the scheme. In future there will be 3 categories of application: National developments (e.g. Forth Bridge), Major developments (more than 50 houses) and Local ones – the rest, roughly 90% of all applications. National and Major projects will have to conduct a pre-application consultation with the community, hence BanchoryLeggart and Elsick have held public exhibitions and spoken to Community Councils. Of more interest to many will be the new rules concerning the local category. The intention is that more decisions on local applications will be made by planning officers, not the full Area Committee. There will, of course be exceptions. Examples of those exceptions will be: • where there are five or more valid objections from separate households • where the application is from the Council or one of its elected members • where the application is contrary to the Plan • where there is an outstanding objection from a statutory consultee (SNH for example) For such exceptions the decision would still be made by the full Area Committee, as now. If an applicant is unhappy with the officer’s decision, then he will, in future, appeal to a Local Review Board (LRB) rather than to Edinburgh. That LRB will comprise six elected councillors (one from each council area) plus a legal eagle and a planner to assist them. The LRB’s job will be to review the process, all the documents associated with the decision and the decision itself. It will sit in public but will not carry an automatic right to speak, either for the applicant or an objector. Once the LRB issues its decision there is no provision for further appeal to the Executive, only to the Court of Session (second mortgage needed!).

When the finalised Plan is published later this year there will be another opportunity for all of us to make further comments before it reaches the Public Inquiry stage. So if you missed the first chance to give your views on the MIR, all is not lost. Do a bit of background reading (see above), as this article is necessarily only a very brief outline of the issues involved in the new Plan, and then you can provide your comments in the Autumn. Please take advantage of that opportunity – that’s what public consultation and local democracy are all about. If you wish to know more, your Community Councillors can assist.

The main change here is that, at present, if an officer is recommending refusal, applications are debated by the Area Committee. In future, many such potential refusals could be decided by planning officers in consultation with the relevant ward councillors. If, however, two of those councillors ask that it be referred to Area Committee, then it will be. One more significant probable change is that whilst the 17

The 300 Club

theoretical time for receipt of objections from a member of the public will be extended from 14 days to 21 days, it seems that this might, in future, be enforced. That is an important change as, until now, the Council has always been very relaxed about this rule. In practice it has accepted objections to applications right up to the time that the case goes to committee – in some cases months after the 14 day deadline.

Between November and January community councillors will be knocking on doors again, inviting residents to take part in this annual lottery. Each £5 ticket is entered into a draw at Community Council meetings, and around 40% of the money taken in is returned as monthly prizes ranging from £5 to £100. the remaining money (over £1000 this year) becomes available for local good causes within our area.

One other small change: it is intended that, once an objection to an application (or a representation in support) is received by the Council, it will be made public immediately, (on the council website) rather than waiting for publication of the committee papers as it is now. Where applications do go to Area Committee (more than 5 objections; contrary to Plan; Major developments, etc.), the appeal procedure would remain as it is now – direct to the Executive.

Here are those who have won cash prizes since March: W. Angus, Netherley; E. Birch, Banchory-Devenick; L. Campbell, Maryculter; N. Campbell, Maryculter; F. Howard, Maryculter; J. King, Banchory-Devenick; M. Love, Blairs; M. Marr, Portlethen; P. Melling, Newtonhill; D. McAra, Maryculter, B. McKinney, Netherley; B. Morrison, Cults; J. Ness, BanchoryDevenick; I Morrison, Netherley; J. Morrison, Blairs; G. Robertson, Aberdeen; J. Ross, Maryculter; L. Ross, Maryculter; B. Scott, Maryculter; S. Warnock, Maryculter and S. Willox, Netherley.

Please remember that this is only an outline of the scheme and there are caveats and exceptions which may apply. The scheme of delegation will operate from Sept 1, 2009 and the first LRB will meet on Sept 24 to sort out its procedures. Thereafter, throughout the first year of operation, the Council will be monitoring progress and will review the scheme at the end of the first year of operation.

Since April we have given grants to Lairhillock School for garden plants as well as new goalposts for the school football club. Local groups and clubs seeking funds to improve their facilities, equipment etc. are welcome to apply to the secretary. We encourage them to attend the next meeting to outline how the money will be spent within our community.

A final word about… ‘contrary to the Plan’. Prior to this, the Development Plan (DP) has meant the Structure Plan (NEST) and the Local Plan (ALP). From August 17, NEST has been killed off and replaced by the new Structure Plan (SP) – the one demanding 72,000 houses etc. which we are all so thrilled about. So the DP now consists of that new SP plus the old ALP. At some point in the next year or two, ALP will be replaced by the New Local Development Plan (LDP). For those getting confused at this point I suggest that you pour another dram and re-read the above, especially the very first sentence about ‘simplifying it’ - I know I had to! The Community Council will soon publish a more comprehensive description of the new rules on its website – in plain English we hope. Robin Winmill, Vice-chairman

NKRCC Secretary:Robert Keeler, Howieshill, Netherley, Stonehaven AB39 3SN Tel: 01569 764436 E-mail: secretary@nkrcc.org.uk Website: www.nkrcc.org.uk

The Lairhillock Inn and Crynoch Restaurant Netherley Nr. Stonehaven, AB39 3QS Tel: (01569) 730001 Fax: (01569) 731175 Email: info@lairhillock.co.uk Web: www.lairhillock.co.uk THE LAIRHILLOCK INN IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR TEA/COFFEE, LUNCHES AND EVENING MEALS LOOK ON OUR WEBSITE FOR MENUS & OPENING TIMES

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REPRESENTATION

EVENTS CALENDAR September Wed. 9 Maryculter WRI: ‘A paramedic’s work’ Saturday 12-21 North East Open Studios (NEOS) Monday 21 Community Council Netherley WRI: ‘You are what you eat’ Friday 25 Macmillan Coffee Morning October Thursday 1 Friendship Club lunch Saturday 3 Meal an’Ale concert at Cookney Hall Friday 9 Cookney Hall: M-C/B-D Church Harvest Homecoming Saturday 10 Blairs Museum: ‘The Big Draw’ Wed. 14 Maryculter WRI ‘Patchwork creations’ Monday 19 Community Council Netherley WRI: Outing to Canny Crafts Friday 23 Friendship Club basket whist November Saturday 7 Cookney Hall: Ceilidh Dance Wed. 11 Maryculter WRI: Basket whist and raffle Monday 16 Community Council Netherley WRI: ‘Making pearl jewellery’ December Saturday 5 Church Guild coffee morning / sales table Wed. 9 Maryculter WRI: ‘Taste and try’ Monday 14 Community Council Monday 21 Netherley WRI: Stonehaven pantomime

MP Sir Robert Smith Tel: 01330 820330 Fax: 01330 820338 robert.smith.mp@parliament.uk MSP Mike Rumbles Tel: 01330 820268 Fax: 01330 820106 mike.rumbles.msp@scottishparliament.uk COUNCILLORS Alastair Bews Tel: 01224 784594 33 Bruntland Court, Portlethen E-mail: cllr.a.bews@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Paul Melling Tel: 01224 784534 51 Broomfield Road, Portlethen E-mail: cllr.p.melling@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Ian Mollison Tel: 01569 739087 11 Greystone Place, Newtonhill, Stonehaven AB39 3UL E-mail:cllr.i.mollison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Carl Nelson Tel: 01569 730733 21 Dunnyfell Road, Muchalls, Stonehaven AB39 3RP E-mail: cllr.c.nelson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Aberdeenshire Council Viewmount, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven. www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk AB39 2DQ

January Wed. 13 Maryculter WRI: ‘Local history’ Saturday16 Cookney Hall: Burns Supper Monday 18 Community Council Netherley WRI: Family history

POLICE Emergencies All non-emergencies Crimestoppers Drugs Information Line

Tel: 999 Tel: 0845 600 5700 Tel: 0800 555 111 Tel: 0800 371553

February Wed. 10 Maryculter WRI ‘CLAN’ Monday 15 Community Council Netherley WRI: ‘Drug awareness’ March Sunday 7 Church Guild soup and sweet lunch Wed. 10 Maryculter WRI: Birthday party Monday 15 Community Council Netherley WRI: Birthday party

SERVICES Bluebird buses No. 103 Aberdeen to Laurencekirk via BanchoryDevenick and Netherley No. 204 Aberdeen to Strachan via Maryculter and Blairs Tel: 212266 or 591381 E-mail:Public.transport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Dial a Trip Bus service with tail lift for concession card and taxi card holders. Tel: 01569 765765 Library The mobile van visits fortnightly on Thursdays: Kirkton of Maryculter at 9am By former Maryculter East Schoool at 9.20am Banchory-Devenick crossroads at 10.10 Library Service Tel: 01651 872707

Editors:

Hazel Witte Tel: 732738 Monearn, Maryculter AB12 5GT witte@btconnect.com Pam Robertson Tel: 863887 2 Little Banchory Mews, Banchory-Devenick AB12 5XS pambyers@btinternet.com

Window cleaning Martin Pilley Tel: 01261 815411

Please send copy for the Spring issue of YOUR NEWSLETTER by March 15 20