Stonehaven and District Community Council (SDCC) held their regular business meeting on Tuesday 9th December 2025. As the agenda was quite full, this report is a summary of the key points.
As discussed at the November meeting, Ben Plouviez has been co-opted onto SDCC.
Facilities Hire Arrangements
A meeting was held between Aberdeenshire Council representatives and SDCC to discuss the local issues with facility hire arrangements. This meeting was very positive, and raised the possibility of partnership working, in a similar way to Friends of the Outdoor Pool. Trustee keyholders and building improvements were also mentioned as possibilities. It was agreed that users have two separate concerns, both problems with bookings, and the requirement for public liability insurance. It was agreed in the meeting that the booking process would be made clearer, and that small groups are covered for public liability. Information will be placed on the SDCC website explaining what opportunities could be available for facility users to become more involved. Kincardineshire Development Partnership (KDP) also attended the meeting and will investigate using some community planning budget to initiate some partnership work.
Kincardine Community Hospital Review
The official participation request has been submitted on behalf of SDCC, and Andy McArdle has had talks with Tim Stephen, the K&M Area Manager. Talks have been positive so far, and an formal response to the request should be received by the end of the year.
North East Convention of Community Councils
The community councils involved in this forum are attempting to agree a unified statement on their response to the number of energy applications received. However, the draft was received just prior to this SDCC meeting, with responses due before the next convention meeting on Saturday 13th December. It was agreed to respond that SDCC had not had sufficient time to study the statement. Attendees at the meeting would be trusted to represent the local views.
Leisure Centre Lights
The lighting at the leisure centre was raised at the K&M Area Committee meeting earlier in the day, and the Director of Environment and Infrastructure Services is investigating, but local councillors have not yet received a timeline for the lights working. It was highlighted that the lights are insufficient for the area, even when they are working.
Energy Infrastructure Survey
It was proposed to hold a meeting in January for members who are interested to get together and discuss how best to gather public views on future energy projects. The response to any consultation would then provide a starting point for any future applications. A number of members, with a variety of personal views, expressed an interest in getting involved.
Energy Projects Sub-Group
Concern was raised by members of SDCC at the decision of Aberdeenshire Council to not raise any objection to the proposed Kintore – Tealing 400kV Over Head Line Connection through the shire. Other community councils have expressed the opinion that “democracy wasn’t seen to be done”. All the local councillors were challenged on the decision making powers which were delegated to the Head of Planning and Economy, particularly during a period when there are such major planning applications. Councillor Dickinson gave a detailed account of the process, including the tight timelines, and explained her personal views. Councillor Turner, Councillor Black and Councillor Agnew agreed with her summary of the process which was followed, and gave their own views.
There will be a K&M Area Committee meeting at 9.30 on Tuesday 13th January for councillors to discuss and make comment on the application for the Hurlie 400kV substation in Fetteresso Forest. The application will then go to the Infrastructure Services Committee for determination at the end of January.
There will be a pre-application consultation on the Bowden offshore windfarm on 21st January in Stonehaven Community Centre.
Christmas Tree
Everyone involved in the team effort to choose, transport, assemble, decorate and celebrate the Christmas tree were congratulated. Many volunteer groups within the town participated in the event and were congratulated. Thanks and congratulations were then given to SDCC member Jim Stephen, who organised much of the work.
Nippy Dip 1st January @ 12.00
Registration is now open for this event, with around 30/40 applications already received. The minimum age is 12, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Most SDCC members volunteered to help on the day.
Correspondence
A licensing application has been received for a convenience store in the former Connons building on Allardice Street, who want to sell alcohol. SDCC had no comments to make
Shepherds Hall is vacant and no longer required. Apart from being used as a gym during the leisure centre refurbishment, it was last used in March 2020, and there are significant on-going running costs. SDCC would like to see it kept in community use, possibly as a Community Asset Transfer.
There is an application for a crossing at Bridge of Cowie, by the tennis courts. This would be a pedestrian crossing which would replace the existing island. SDCC agreed unanimously that this was needed.
AOCB
In AOCB it was highlighted that the Ury Players panto was excellent and they were congratulated.
Electric Vehicle chargers in Market Square are not working. Local councillors are chasing this up. It was noted that as from next year Aberdeenshire Council, along with neighbouring areas, are moving to EZO as their supplier, in an attempt to resolve some ongoing issues.
Live Life Aberdeenshire are looking for volunteers to help out in local libraries.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 13th January.
https://www.thebellman.co.uk/2025/11/24/aberdeenshire-council-says-no-objection-to-pylons/