Dear Bellman – “What kind of service are we getting from Aberdeenshire Council?” I know it is a disgraceful question to ask, but somebody has to. There is a site, “Stunning Stonehaven” and Stonehaven is stunning, but for reasons which the operators of that site would not wish to highlight. We have pot-holes which are […]
By Callum Fraser – I originally wrote this for the Stonehaven Heritage Society magazine in 2008 and have regularly updated it with randomly triggered recollections as they occur to me. I hope it may bring back some long forgotten memories for those who grew up in Stonehaven around the same time. My first experiences of […]
From the latest KDP bulletin – Flexible Wellbeing Fund Tackling Poverty & Inequalities Aberdeenshire are offering financial support and signposting to anyone currently living in Aberdeenshire. They will be providing funding directly to individuals and families, currently living in Aberdeenshire and facing financial difficulty. They can provide financial support with essential household expenses, consumables, and employment support. You don’t need to […]
From Fiona Beeley – In the midst of this pandemic that has had a significant impact on everyone, the natural rhythms of life continue and people want to mark these with either joy or sadness. Long before the current pandemic, I decided that I wanted to change direction from my career in teaching. After some […]
From Police Scotland – Community Council Report This report covers the Kincardine and Mearns Community Council area for the period 1 to 31 January 2021. The report aims to highlight emerging issues in your area and provide crime prevention advice and guidance. Our focus is to reduce crime and disorder, help create safer communities and […]
From Julia Morton of The Haven – The Haven Community Larder is holding a consultation to get community views on how to move from an emergency provision to a more long-term sustainable one. Initial responses have been insightful and moving. I think it would also be helpful to share the findings with the wider community […]
WHAT does the restoration of the Recreation Grounds pavilion have in common with our new boardwalk and the Market Square Community Garden? Answer: all of them are being paid for by grants – money that would have gone elsewhere if the people behind these Stonehaven projects had not successfully bid for it. And such is […]
Councillors today met and agreed Council Tax rates and housing rents across Aberdeenshire for the coming year. The Scottish Government recently offered to compensate Councils who choose to freeze their rates. Aberdeenshire members agreed to freeze the Council Tax rate this coming year. That would mean an average Band D household will remain a £1,300 […]
(First published last year but the snow is there now!! – The Bellman) By Andy Hall – As we prepare ourselves for the full onset of winter, hopefully there will be an opportunity to photograph iconic Dunnottar Castle at its most photogenic – after a fresh fall of snow. The ideal conditions are in late-afternoon […]