Stonehaven and District Community Council (SDCC) held their regular business meeting on Tuesday 9th September 2025. The agenda for the meeting can be found here.
The meeting started with the election of a new chairperson, as David Lawman stood down after three years in the role. David was thanked by the committee for his work during his time as chair. Rachel Frame was then proposed as chair, and elected unanimously. This then created a vacancy as SDCC secretary, and it was proposed that David be elected to the role, which again was agreed unanimously.
In matters arising from previous minutes it was agreed that a representative from SDCC would meet with Alan Ray from Aberdeenshire Council to discuss facilities hire, particularly the need for substantial public liability insurance.
Tourism Facilities
Tourism facilities were next to be discussed. A survey has been created to gauge feelings about public toilet provision, but not yet promoted widely. This will be taken forward to help develop a feasibility study into options. Statistics from the use of toilets at the leisure centre will be included if available.
Coach parking continues to be challenging, although coaches and the land train are using the stop alongside the Market Square without too many problems.
Allan Sutherland then gave a presentation on some options for motorhome parking. Some of the problems covered were the surge in numbers this summer, lack of hygiene facilities for wild camping and emergency access at Cowie. Solutions need to be central, low initial cost and maintenance, capable of expansion and available for next season. He proposed using part of Mineralwell Park, committing around 3% of its area, which could solve some of the problems. This created much discussion, including issues around access, impact on existing users, costs and flooding risks. There was debate around the way forward, with one suggestion of passing the idea onto the Town Centre Improvement Group, or alternatively setting up a specific group to take it forward. Councillor Turner suggested it should go via Tim Stephen, the area manager, who is already aware of the proposal, and will respond to it by October. It was agreed to await his response before taking further action.
X-Ray Facilities at KCH
The discussion then moved onto the removal of X-ray facilities at Kincardine Community Hospital. Following the last meeting a letter was sent to NHS Grampian detail the concerns that SDCC have that this action will lead to a gradual erosion of services. No response has yet been received, so this will be followed up if no reply is received within the expected response time.
Glenskinnan Renewable Energy Park Project was next to be followed up, and Brian Menzies explained that he had attended a meeting to learn more. Although the development is south of Banchory, Stonehaven would still potentially receive some benefits. Banchory Development Trust is leading on this and currently applying for funding for legal advice.
Mains of Ury Planning Application
The rejection of the planning application by Ashfield Developments on behalf of Tesco was very disappointing for SDCC, and there was discussion on what possible next steps could be taken. It is unclear what action Tesco may choose to take, but if they decide to appeal, or reapply, SDCC would like to have data to present in support of the application. One of the areas of concern were that Aberdeenshire Council’s retail expert identified Banchory as a tourist town, but stated Stonehaven wasn’t. This needs to be clarified, along with a current Town Centre Health Check. Local businesses should be surveyed to assess their feelings on two potential supermarkets, as this was not part of previous investigations. Jonathan Milne from Ury Estate has asked to come to a meeting and give an update on his development, and this was agreed, with the understanding that the committee are looking for tangible progress.
Three members of SDCC will attend the NE Convention of Community Councils Meeting on 11th October to discuss the SSEN Kintore – Tealing connection, and share information.
Fix My Street App
In reports from the Town Centre Improvement Group, the Fix My Street app was promoted. This app can be downloaded, and allows residents to report and see updates on issues in their area. Replacement of the banners in the town centre has been adopted as an action, and the repair of one of the finger signs will be attempted as a pilot, to find out if repair is feasible.
Correspondence received included an invitation from Westhill and Elrick Community Council to take part in a conversation about the low allocation of funds Aberdeenshire Council receives annually. Councillors reminded members that this allocation is determined by COSLA, but supported any attempts to increase the funding to Aberdeenshire.
Finally in AOCB it was agreed that the Christmas Tree will be lit on 29th November, and the Nippy Dip will be held on 1st January. Jim Stephen raised concerns about the burden on SDCC of surveys, feasibility studies, place planning etc, and the amount of work required.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 14th October.