Stonehaven and District Community Council (SDCC) held their regular business meeting, on Tuesday 12 August 2025. The agenda for the meeting can be found here.
After the usual formalities the meeting started with input from Lesley Robertson from Aberdeenshire Council, who was seeking ideas on how to engage with the broadest range of local residents. There was some concern raised about consultations, without the budget available to meet any expressed needs, and “consultation fatigue”.
The meeting then returned to the start of the agenda, and Rachel Frame was nominated and approved as the new secretary of SDCC.
Facility Hire Questions
In matters arising, there was discussion around Education and Children’s Services facility hire arrangements. Particular concern was expressed about the requirement for each group renting a facility needing £5m of public liability insurance, as per the rental form. Local councillor Sarah Dickinson explained that this insurance is not always required, but this is not always made clear when a potential renter makes enquiries. Ian Hunter suggested that an umbrella development group could help support neighbourhood facilities. Contact will be made with the appropriate council officer to clarify the costs and associated insurance requirements.
The second item in matters arising was a discussion around tourism facilities, including toilets and parking which is discussed in more detail here.
Falling School Rolls
Finally in matters arising was a discussion about school rolls within Stonehaven. The forecast roll for Dunnottar Primary School in August 2025 is 125. Concern was raised that, as there is capacity for 125 extra children between Arduthie and Mill O’Forest schools, Dunnottar could be closed. Local councillor Sarah Dickinson explained that Aberdeenshire Council would consider mothballing a school if the roll fell below 8 pupils so she sees no immediate risk.
Grit Bin Removal Programme
Community councillors expressed their disappointment that many grit bins are likely to be removed, and their feeling that by saving money on grit, there will be an increased cost to the NHS via increased slips and falls. If there are particular instances where the public feel a bin should be retained they can contact Aberdeenshire Council’s roads department, with the justification for retention.
Discretionary Parking Levy at Seafront
SDCC members were unanimous that there is increased congestion, and ongoing parking issues within Stonehaven, but were scathing of the implementation of the discretionary parking levy recently introduced on Stonehaven promenade. They felt that the signage was unclear, and confusing to visitors. They agreed there is a need for a wide ranging review of parking within the town, and the idea of a park and ride facility was mooted.
KCH – removal of X-ray facility
Concern was expressed that the loss of the x-ray facility at Kincardine Community Hospital would gradually lead to the erosion of other visiting specialities. The need for patients to travel into Aberdeen would inevitably mean a rise in patient transport costs. Members said no explanation for this decision had been received from NHS Grampian.
Plastic Free Stonehaven
SDCC agreed a motion to support the Plastic Free Stonehaven group
Street Furniture and Advertising Boards
A member of the public has contacted SDCC to express concern at the increasing number of advertising sandwich boards, benches, plant pots etc which are appearing around the town centre. It was agreed to refer this concern to the Town Centre Improvement Group.
Planning
The application for a retail store, EV charging hub and café at New Mains of Ury (the Tesco application) is on the agenda for the Infrastructure Services Committee on Thursday 21st August. SDCC spoke in favour of the proposal at the K&M Area committee meeting on 1st July.
Sub Committee Reports
During the Storm Floris power banks were used in the Woodcot area, and were appreciated.
Community defibrillators are available, and emergency services have directed members of the public to them.
The Patient Participation Group has two events arranged, on Advanced Nurse Practitioners and on Mental Health.
Audited accounts
The audited accounts, which were not finalised at the AGM, were circulated and approved.
Finally in AOCB, there was a request for SDCC presence at the Fire Station Open Day on 23rd August, but no-one was available to attend.
Next meeting will be on Tuesday 9th September.