Stonehaven’s only remaining full‑size snooker table has not only been refurbished — it has now become the official home venue forThe Stoney Snooker Team, marking a new chapter for the sport in the town.
The table, a familiar sight in Stonehaven Golf Club for decades, was recently recovered and restored through a joint effort between snooker team members and the golf club. The result is a top‑quality playing surface that breathes new life into one of Stonehaven’s oldest sporting traditions.
With the refurbishment complete, the partnership has moved into a new phase. The Stoney Snooker Team have confirmed that all home fixtures for the upcoming season — running from mid‑September 2026 through April 2027 — will now be played at Stonehaven Golf Club, officially making the clubhouse their home base.
“It’s been great working with the golf club,” said Bruce McSloy, speaking for The Stoney Snooker Team. “The table is in fantastic condition, and making the club our home gives us a proper identity and a place where snooker can grow again in Stonehaven.”
Golf Club General Manager Brenda Gowans welcomed the move.
“We’re delighted the team have chosen Stonehaven Golf Club as their home venue,” she said. “The snooker table is part of the club’s history, and having regular fixtures here brings new energy and new faces into the building. It’s exactly the kind of community partnership we want to encourage.”
The season will see Stonehaven host a steady stream of visiting teams throughout autumn, winter, and early spring, with the clubhouse becoming a regular gathering point for players, supporters, and locals.
Both groups are already discussing further improvements, including upgraded lighting, enhancements to the playing environment, and more charity events to bring members and the wider community together.
“The table is just the start,” added Bruce. “We’re building something long‑term — better facilities, more events, and a real home for snooker in Stonehaven.”
The partnership shows what can be achieved when local clubs work together: preserving facilities, supporting each other, and creating new opportunities for the town. With a permanent home secured and a full season ahead, The Stoney Snooker Team look set for a bright future.
Supporters can follow match results, updates, and club news in The Bellman throughout the season.
A kindergarten setting finds Scott Cameron in his comfort zone as he lands a chip into a kiddies’ paddling pool during Saturday’s Captain’s Prize high jinks. For the record, the event proper found him well down the leaderboard.
It was the Captain’s Prize at Stonehaven Golf Club last weekend, the annual opportunity for the captain to strut around like he owns the place and the members to prove beneficiaries of a free pint & burger. It’s always a relaxed occasion, blessed this year by blistering sunshine, the tee-sheet chocka and participants loving every minute. And to top it off, £540 was raised for Friends Of Anchor, this year’s nominated charity Friends of ANCHOR – Aberdeenshire, Orkney and Shetland cancer charity
A few extra touches are offered to members on Captain’s Day beyond the free burger (which might sound appetising but when you’ve teed off at 7am and scooted around in less than three hours, a burger & onions isn’t necessarily your breakfast of choice). But let’s not be churlish, it’s a pleasurable feed as you sit outside in the sunshine to watch the later starters attempt to locate the centre of the first fairway.
A white line is painted right up the middle of the opening hole and the player sending their ball nearest to it wins a prize. It was Neil Irvine who won this particular sub event, a man seemingly hellbent on hoovering up every single trophy or prize SGC has to offer before he reaches three quarters of a century on earth. There was a prize too for nearest to the pin on the 13th , this one won by Brian Andrew with a splendid effort resting a mere couple of feet from the cup. Whether he converted the birdie is another matter, had he putted like I had he’d be pleased to have walked off with a par.
Results are below but in truth this wasn’t a counting event given we played off the yellow tees so don’t be mislead by the supposedly impressive scoring. Your great granny could have nurdled it around in a low score last weekend given the front tees and perfect weather. For my part, I eased off somewhat given golf from the ‘bounce’ tees on a Saturday morning is somewhat beneath me. I tend to raise my game only when we’re off the whites so I wouldn’t read too much into my midtable finish, nothing more than a red herring in terms of reflecting my true capabilities.
In January, Aberdeenshire Council carried out what it described as an “engagement exercise” on the future of Stonehaven Library. Since then, the community has heard nothing — no findings, no update, no explanation, and no evidence that our views have been meaningfully considered.
Seven months of silence.
Stonehaven has not been silent. The community has watched closely, and the Save Stonehaven Library Coalition is now stepping forward again — not with speculation, but with evidence.
The people of Stonehaven and its surrounding communities have something to tell the Council, and this time they are speaking with clarity, unity, and data — and the Council has to listen.
STONEHAVEN RALLIED — AND WE THANK YOU
When the library was put at risk, Stonehaven did what it always does when the chips are down — it rallied.
The petition to retain Stonehaven Library in its current location secured:
2,237 signatures
20.34% of Stonehaven’s population
93.8% AB39 postcodes
645 physical signatures
1,592 digital signatures
This is one of the strongest community mobilisation responses Aberdeenshire has ever seen, and the response was quite simply extraordinary.
Stonehaven spoke quickly, clearly, and with total unity: the library must not be relocated to Viewmount.
In line with Aberdeenshire Council’s Petitions Guidance, the petition will be formally submitted to the Director of Business Services for consideration at the next meeting of the Communities Committee.
The Coalition will report back once the petition has been considered.
THE LIBRARY IS DETERIORATING — AND THE COMMUNITY CAN SEE IT
Over the past year, the library building has deteriorated further. As the feature image shows, the exterior paintwork and render have continued to worsen. Water ingress, damaged plasterwork, and ongoing maintenance issues have all worsened — not through neglect by staff, but because investment decisions have not been made. The Council’s own audit highlights weak evidence trails, incomplete planning, and inconsistent oversight. The result is a building that is visibly declining at the very moment the community is being asked to accept its relocation.
Stonehaven sees the deterioration. Stonehaven sees the lack of investment. And Stonehaven sees the contradiction.
THE COUNCIL’S OWN INTERNAL AUDIT SHOWS THE DECISION IS UNSOUND
While Stonehaven waited, Aberdeenshire Council’s Internal Audit examined the implementation of the Place Strategy — the framework that is supposed to guide major local decisions, including facilities, services, and community assets.
Internal Audit Report 2622 (2025/26) concludes:
“The level of risk is assessed as MAJOR, with the control framework providing LIMITED assurance.”
The audit goes further, stating that “significant gaps, weaknesses or non‑compliance were identified”, and that the issue is “strategic,” requiring mitigating actions at the Senior Leadership level.
Key findings:
Place Plans are largely not in place
governance and oversight are inconsistent
evidence trails are weak
reporting is infrequent
Best Value cannot be demonstrated
The Internal Audit states:
“In the absence of Place plans… this risks the Council failing to address local needs and ultimately Best Value.”
These findings matter. The Place Strategy is the foundation for major decisions. The audit shows that foundation is not in place.
A major decision made without:
a functioning Place Strategy
a completed Place Plan
a clear evidence trail
proper consultation
Best Value analysis
…cannot be considered sound.
This is not opinion. This is the Council’s own audit.
STONEHAVEN UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES — BUT COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL
Stonehaven understands the pressures Aberdeenshire Council is facing. Budgets are tight. Demands are high. Communities across the region need support. These are difficult times for local government, and we recognise that.
But even in challenging circumstances, communication is essential — especially on decisions affecting one of the town’s most important community assets.
The silence since January has been damning, and the consequence is that residents feel shut out of decisions that directly affect their town. Stonehaven is not asking for special treatment. Stonehaven is asking to be spoken to.
A community that has mobilised at this scale deserves engagement, clarity, and honesty.
STONEHAVEN HAS SPOKEN — AND IS READY TO ENGAGE
The petition shows absolute community support for keeping the library where it is. The Council’s own Internal Audit shows the decision‑making framework is not ready. The silence shows consultation to date has not been meaningful.
Stonehaven remains willing to work constructively with Aberdeenshire Council. We see the challenges. We see the opportunities. We are ready to talk.
But progress requires the Council to drop the guard, open the conversation, and engage with the community on a decision that matters deeply to this town — and this is not the only decision where communication has been lacking. It raises serious questions about whether this silence reflects a wider cultural issue within the organisation.
Stonehaven has stepped forward. Stonehaven has provided evidence. Stonehaven has shown unity.
OAKLEY, Stonehaven’s new multi-million-pound specialist purpose built provision for children and young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN), will officially open tomorrow, Saturday 22 August 2026.
Designed from the ground up around lived experience, family insight and sensory-informed practice, Oakley will support children and young people aged 2 to 18. Its services will include early years provision, school-age support and respite, teen programmes and life-skills development, after-school and weekend groups, parent and carer sessions, community and school visits, and training for families, schools and partner organisations.
Families will not need a formal diagnosis to access Oakley. The provision will welcome children and young people with a wide range of needs, including autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, sensory or developmental differences, anxiety or trauma-related needs, and physical disabilities.
“Oakley is built on a simple belief: children should not have to change who they are to belong. When an environment reduces unnecessary stress and supports the nervous system from the moment a child arrives, safety, connection and meaningful participation become possible.”
Oakley’s founder Amanda Greig said: “This centre exists because families like ours have spent too long trying to make children fit environments that were never designed for them. Oakley turns that around. We have created a place where the environment adapts to the child – a place that protects dignity, supports regulation and says, from the first moment: you belong here.
“Opening the doors on Saturday is an emotional milestone. Oakley has taken years of learning, listening, fundraising, late nights and personal sacrifice. It is here because people believed in the vision, and because children and families in Aberdeenshire deserve support that truly understands them.”
A whole-setting approach
Unlike facilities that concentrate sensory support in one dedicated room, Oakley has embedded sensory-aware design throughout the building. Lighting, acoustics, colour, movement, layout, transitions and retreat spaces have all been considered to make the environment calmer, clearer and more predictable.
The approach is based on the understanding that behaviour is often communication and that apparent defiance or disengagement may be a nervous system responding to distress or overload. Oakley focuses on reducing environmental barriers rather than trying to change children through behaviour-modification or reward-and-consequence programmes.
The centre has been developed with the support of Altair Construction Ltd and Antares Property Development Ltd, whose involvement enabled Oakley to move from an ambitious idea to a purpose-built provision. Architects and design teams also helped translate the organisation’s sensory-informed vision into a practical, accessible space.
Ms Greig added: “Altair and Antares did far more than help us find a building. They gave us the opportunity to create something we believe has not existed in Scotland before. Their time, patience, trust and practical support have been fundamental. Quite simply, Oakley would not be here without them.”
Built from lived experience
Oakley grew from one family’s experience of navigating systems and settings that could not meet their child’s needs. That experience developed into a wider commitment: to build the kind of environment many families have needed but struggled to find.
Its guiding principle is concise: the environment itself is an intervention. By lowering sensory load, creating predictable routines and offering calm places to pause or regulate, Oakley aims to help children feel safe enough to explore, connect, play and learn.
Saturday’s opening marks the beginning of the centre’s work with children, young people, parents, carers, schools and community partners across Aberdeenshire and beyond.
A poetry festival with a difference returns to the wee coastal town of Stonehaven in September – promising to showcase talented poets from the renowned to the unknown.
The Wee Gaitherin has fast gained a reputation as an outlier on the Scottish cultural calendar. For a start, it takes place far distant from the central belt with an emphasis on the depth and range of talent across the regions of Scotland.
Next, it is free for audiences to attend so that ability to pay is never a factor in who comes through the doors.
And then there are the poets themselves – more than 60 writers of all styles and skills, from the quiet to the loud, and from sonneteers to outright performers,. That includes poets of international repute, such as the 2025 World Slam Champion, award-winners and ‘well-kent faces’ to those who are little known or just starting out. And they all get to read on an equal footing – in English, Scots and Gaelic.
This year’s festival will take place from Thursday-Saturday September 3-5 in the main function hall at Number 44 Hotel, Allardice Street – see poster at bottom
The opening night highlight is a Scots Showcase, celebrating contemporary Scots language poets from across Scotland, supported by Hands Up for Trad funding. In addition, there will book stalls and publishers’ displays, workshops on Friday and Saturday mornings at the festival venue, a one-hour reading by a group of writers on the theme of ‘Resistance, Peace and Justice’.
“It’s a ‘big broth’ of an event,” festival founder Neil Young said.
Stonehaven-based poet and publisher Neil launched the event in 2021 and the first festival took place on the weekend lockdown ended.
“It was lightly curated,” said Neil. “Too many festivals revolve around the ‘usual suspects’ of Scottish poetry – those deemed to be the great or the good – or they lean into vogueishness. So you can see why so many people shy away from what they see as a bit of a bourgeois merry-go-round.
”We decided to do the opposite. It didn’t matter who you were – you could be a Pulitzer Prize winner but if you wanted to take part you’d get no more prominence than someone who’d emerged from a school poetry group, or who’d never or rarely read in public before. The idea was to reinforce equality alongside quality and offer a platform for burgeoning and often overlooked talent. The result was that the festival became a draw for poets who shared that outlook.”
Five years on, the Wee Gaitherin hasn’t wavered from its founding ethos. And central to that is that remains free to attend for audience.
Free to attend thanks to sponsors and generosity
Poet and trustee Lesley Benzie said: “We’re free at the point of delivery, like the NHS, because a vibrant culture that exists from the grassroots up is essential to our overall good health, and we were adamant that no-one should be excluded or deterred from attending on the basis of not having a few quid in their purse or wallet, or finding the ticket price a burden. Especially in these straitened times.
”Quite a few of us involved in the festival come from upbringings where books were a bit of a luxury, to be honest, and the free library was our window on the world. And back then – not so long ago – poetry often felt as if it had been colonised by the well-off, who set the standards to which we should also aspire. We’re pleased to be kicking against that.”
As part of that approach, the Wee Gaitherin is involved in extensive outreach work to promote aspiring talent in the community. The festival’s year-round activities have included Wee Words Open Mic nights, collaborating with poetry/open mic events locally and across Scotland, workshops in Mackie Academy and Stonehaven community, and exhibitions.
In 2024, the Wee Gaitherin also inaugurated a young poets’ bursary in memory of the poet Sheila Templeton, funding the attendance of a poet, or poets, who might not otherwise be able to afford to take part in the festival. This year the winner of the Sheila Templeton Award is Spencer Mason from Glasgow, who has impressed all as a rising talent in Scottish poetry.
Whilst determined to keep it free to attend, the organisers have had to confront the dilemma of how to source income to cover the costs of participating poets’.
Lesley said: “We are bowled over that the popularity of the festival and its ethos – that poetry should be accessible to everyone – which has meant that poets on the line-up who could afford to pay out of their own pockets to come to Stonehaven to perform, have ‘Paid it Forward’ to allow us to fund those poets, who would otherwise not be able to take part.
”We’re immensely grateful to them and to all our funders, Hugh Fraser Foundation, William Syson Foundation, Granite Heart, Hands Up for Trad and local business sponsors, Whittaker Engineering, who have generously supported us to cover essential costs of staging the festival, linked activities and subsidising the poets’ expenses.”
For information see: weegaitherin.com; email weegaitherin@gmail.com We’re also on Facebook, and X/Twitter @weegaitherin
Cerulean Winds, the developers behind the Aspen Floating Offshore Windfarm, are hosting a second consultation event on their onshore transmission proposals at the Station Hotel on Monday August 24, from 12 noon – 7 pm.
If the development goes ahead, the Aspen project will comprise up to 72 turbines floating 84 – 100 km off Peterhead and producing 1GW of electricity.
As an INTOG (Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas) license development, Aspen would first provide electricity to offshore oil and gas structures. Remaining power will travel to a landfall site near Newtonhill then on to a proposed substation located between the A90 and A92. The final link in the transmission chain is from that substation to the proposed Hurlie substation, where a connection to the national grid would be achieved.
At the first consultation, two possible locations on the land straddled by the two main roads were presented. From information shared at the latest meeting of Stonehaven and District Community Council, SDCC, The Bellman understands a site to the south of Kempstone Hill is now being taken forward for consultation.
The condition of Stonehaven’s streets is becoming a matter of concern for many people and for many reasons. Earlier this week The Bellman published an article highlighting a community councillor’s concerns about street weeds. Last week, we aired our community council’s determination to find a way to have action taken on potholes. One resident gives his thoughts on the matter.
Dear Bellman
Does Stonehaven still have a Roads Department?
The potholes are now becoming a danger to life. Cyclists could have a very serious accident as could old people and young children. Cars swerving to miss potholes will also cause potentially more serious accidents.
Car suspensions, wheels and tyres are also subject to costly damage.
Perhaps the Roads Department should confer with their Legal Department re the likely compensation costs if they’re sued by someone who is seriously injured.
The specialist claims firms would have a field day.
If there a funding issue created by underfunding from the Scottish Government then this should be addressed as a matter of urgency.
We are all paying increased levels of Council Tax for reduced services.
KDP was delighted to receive funding from the National Lottery Strengthening Organisations Fund, which has enabled us to explore new ways of working and supporting our membership.
As part of this, we’re excited to introduce the KDP Podcast series – sharing helpful advice and information on topics such as funding and project support, featuring conversations with relevant experts, and showcasing local groups and initiatives.
Our first podcast is now available to view, with Mairi sharing KDP’s Top Tips for Completing Funding Applications.
We’d love to hear from you about what you’d like us to discuss in future episodes, so please do get in touch with your suggestions.
The Traditional Arts and Culture Fund is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland and delivered by TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), the national network for traditional arts in Scotland. TRACS works to promote, develop, and sustain traditional music, song, storytelling, dance and crafts across the country, supporting artists, communities, and organisations at all levels.
Applications to the Fund are welcome from both organisations and individuals. The fund is designed to support traditional artists and organisations to create, perform, tour, and showcase work, as well as to develop professional skills and learning opportunities.
The fund offers small grants of up to £1,200, but does not support the purchase of equipment, nor can it be used to match other Creative Scotland funding.
This September is Preparedness Month, so get ready to take part in the 30 Days 30 Ways campaign, led by the Emergency Planning Society.
30 Days 30 Ways UK is a month-long resilience challenge suitable for all to get involved, with simple daily prompts and challenges to boost you and your community’s resilience.
The Community Learning Exchange (CLE) Fund offers small sums of funding to enable visits which build mutual support across the community sector through peer to peer learning – the best way to test and develop new ideas is to learn from people already on the journey themselves!
A CLE supports peer learning – virtually or in person – by covering the costs of a visit to another group or organisation to share learning and develop practice you would like to make happen in your community.
Funding is to support community groups across Scotland. To be eligible, applicants need to be endorsed by the relevant SCA Member Network.
Visit the Scottish Community Alliance website to find out more.
SCVO’s Meet the Funder sessions take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 10am. They’re a great chance to hear directly from funders, learn more about their programmes and ask any questions you may have.
The Universal Music UK Sound Foundation provides grants towards the purchase of musical instruments and/or equipment for individuals who are in full-time education and schools who require the equipment to improve their music department.
They also fund courses and training opportunities for music teachers who work within schools.
The maximum award is £800, and the next closing date is 7th October.
Read the guidance and download the application here.
Movement for Good awards are available to charities that are changing people’s lives for the better. The public can nominate a charity they would like to see receive the money and competition winners will then be drawn at random.
Between Jan 1st – Dec 2026 anyone can nominate their favourite charity or charities for an award of £1,000 – it’s one nomination per charity, per person. The more nominations a charity gets, the better their chances of being drawn, so it’s a great idea to share with your network.
There are two £1,000 draws remaining in 2026, so the earlier you nominate, the more chances your charity has of being drawn. Once nominated, you will remain in the draw for 2026. The next draw opens on 7th – 11th September, followed by 1st-16th December.
There will also be special draws of £5,000 for Animals & Wildlife, running from 5th – 18th October. If your charity is in the £1,000 draw, they’ll need to be entered into the special draw too if eligible.
Aberdeenshire Council is hosting a Community Resilience Workshop focussing on ‘Getting Organised’.
It is being held at the Garioch Heritage Centre, Inverurie AB51 4FY, on Wednesday 9th September. Registration is at 9am, the workshop will begin at 9.30am and finish at 1pm.
The workshop will be a chance to start writing/developing community resilience plans or to develop existing plans with support and scenarios.
Meet other groups and listen to presentations to support community resilience from:
Scottish Fire and Rescue – Community Asset Register
AVA -Volunteer recruitment and retention
Emergency planning – emergency structures, major incidents and requests for military aid
The CARES Community Buildings Fund provides grants to help community organisations reduce their building’s energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. It supports the installation of renewable technologies such as heat pumps, battery storage and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, as well as some energy efficiency measures.
If you think this funding could support your organisation, you can:
Move More September is a UK awareness month that encourages people of all ages and abilities to add more physical activity to their daily lives. The campaign uses the start of the autumn term as a fresh-start moment, prompting families, schools, and workplaces to build movement back into their routines after the summer holidays. It runs from Tuesday 1 September to Wednesday 30 September 2026.
The campaign is built around the principle that any movement counts, with options for every fitness level:
Take the daily step pledge – Set a step target with friends or colleagues; even 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day can have meaningful health benefits.
Walk or cycle to work or school – Use Move More September as the prompt to swap one or two car journeys a week for active travel.
Try a new activity – From walking netball and cycling without age limits to chair-based yoga and parkrun, the campaign encourages variety.
Join a local activity group – Find Walking for Health groups, parkrun events, and county sport partnership initiatives in your area.
Build movement into the working day – Walking meetings, standing desks, and lunchtime classes are all small adjustments that add up.
Run a school challenge – Daily Mile, active playtimes, and PE Premium funded activities are ideal Move More September projects.
Take the National Fitness Day pledge – On 16 September 2026, ukactive’s National Fitness Day offers thousands of free classes and free gym sessions.
The Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund is increasing the number of new, permanent, fully accessible Changing Places Toilets across Scotland, particularly in areas and types of locations where provision is currently limited.
You can apply for:
Development costs for design, surveys and planning permission and building warrant fees
Installation of a modular Changing Places Toilet
Adaptation of an existing building to include a new Changing Places Toilet
More information on the Fund can be found here, and the closing date for Stage 1 applications is 5th October.
Utility Aid is hosting an Energy Market Update: What Charities Need to Know. The session will provide a practical overview of the latest energy market developments and what they could mean for your group.
They’ll cover:
The latest developments across the energy market
What’s driving current market conditions and volatility
What these changes could mean for charities and community organisations
What to consider if your energy contract is approaching renewal
Key factors to think about before making your next energy decision
Your questions, with an opportunity to speak directly to the Utility Aid team
This is a free online session and there will be an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar. Reserve a spot here.
In response to the current cost of living crisis, the Volant Charitable Trust is prioritising the focus of its awards on charities and organisations who are particularly addressing poverty and deprivation, helping to support vulnerable groups who are most affected.
Your project must meet at least one of the specific themes:
Poverty and deprivation (with an emphasis on women, children and young people):
Support for vulnerable families facing extreme poverty
Food provision and promotion of healthy eating in areas of extreme deprivation
Mental health projects for vulnerable groups living in poverty
Women:
Support for isolated and lone mothers
Community integration support for black and minority ethnic women and children and asylum seekers
Support services for women prisoners and their families
Support for victims of sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence, and those working in the sex industry
Provision of antenatal and postnatal care for young mothers or those affected by postnatal depression.
Children and Young people:
Counselling for vulnerable children
Support services and outreach projects for those who are disadvantaged or deemed to be ‘at risk’ through neglect, emotional and physical abuse, alcohol, or drug misuse.
You can apply for up to £5,000 for one year maximum, which can include core and project costs.
THE A957 road south from Stonehaven will be closed next week for five days starting on Monday August 24.
The closure is necessary to facilitate tree felling works by Forest Tree Services. Please see the map below for diversion information. Emergency and pedestrian access will be maintained as will vehicular access to affected properties whenever possible.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
