Stonehaven and District Community Council (SDCC) held their regular business meeting on Tuesday 13th January 2026. The agenda for the meeting can be found on the SDCC website . As the agenda was quite full, this report is a summary of the key points.
Facilities Hire Arrangements
There was no significant update regarding the possible partnership working discussed at the December meeting, and currently SDCC do not have the capacity to get involved. It was agreed that an article would be published locally, asking if other groups would be interested in participating.
North East Convention of Community Councils
The most recent meeting of this group was in December, and they produced a final unified statement regarding their thoughts on the number of energy applications being received. It was circulated to all members for comments, and members voted on whether or not to accept it. Eight were in support and four against, with one who had not yet read the final version. Therefore SDCC agreed the statement, and this will be fed back to the convention.
On a related matter a sub group met last week to prepare a survey to collect local residents views on energy developments. It has been circulated to members for comment before the February meeting.
Planning applications
Members agreed no comment was required for the applications relating to two proposed bothies at Braehead or new refrigeration units at the Market Square coop. They are supporting the extension to Fetteresso Cemetery, as being important for the community. The application for the Bowdun substation, however, generated more discussion. Councillors expressed their views on the challenges of understanding national strategies, the volume of applications requiring comment, balancing personal views with representing the local community and the potential financial benefits which could arise from energy developments. It was ultimately decided to oppose the Bowdun substation on the same basis as the Hurlie substation, as it is a similar size and location, with an additional objection regarding the lack of genuine consultation.
Correspondence
SDCC received an email from a member of the public, concerned about the lack of grit bins and street clearing last week. This was supported by a member of the public online. Their concern was that community resilience means people helping themselves, but they require the resources to do so. Councillors in attendance doubted that the decision to remove, or not refill, particular grit bins would be reversed, but it was decided to write to Aberdeenshire Council asking for reinstatement of some bins. The snow warden scheme was also revisited, and it was agreed to publicise it again in the hope of generating more interest.
In Brief
Congratulation were given to Marion Montgomery and Paws on Plastic for achieving the Kings Award, and thanks were given to Jim Stephen for his work during the snow last week.
The Patient Participation Group at the medical centre are running a session on 16th February about the role of advanced nurse practitioners.
The Nippy Dip was cancelled due to the weather forecast, and a final total of funds received will be available shortly – on registration participants were asked if they would like to donate their entrance fee if the event was cancelled, and a number agreed.
The Sea Cadets expressed an interest in seeking a Community Asset Transfer of Shepherds Hall, and SDCC agreed to support this.
Information has been sent out regarding the Hannah Dyson Award, and also the Community Awards
The condition of the newly repaired potholes on Evan Street was highlighted, and Councillor Turner explained that he had already been in touch with the roads department and was waiting for a response.
Stonehaven Library
Members were shocked to hear from Councillor Black that Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) were holding a consultation on the relocation of Stonehaven Library to Viewmount. LLA’s policy is to move away from stand alone libraries, and they would like to hear from local residents. SDCC members expressed dismay at this news, with their concerns including the likely reduction in size, potential access problems, and the loss of a space used by community groups. It was agreed to invite a LLA representative to attend the next community council meeting. The consultations will take place in Stonehaven Library on Tuesday 27th January 11.30am-1pm OR 4pm-5.30pm and Saturday 31st January 11.30am-1pm, and everyone interested is encouraged to attend.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 10th February.