Open day to shine spotlight on work of Portgordon Community Trust

PORTGORDON Community Trust (PCT) are set to shine a spotlight on the work they have been doing for the village at a forthcoming open day.

The trust have been working away on a number of different projects all designed to improve life, wellbeing and opportunities in the village.

Trust chairman Derek Murray said: "The trust has made a fair amount of progress in the last year on a wide range of projects, and at the open day we hope to showcase some of the work that has been done in the village.

"All are welcome to pop into any of our facilities during the event and hear about the improvements being made in the community over the last year and hear about our ambitious plans for the future."

Due to take place on Saturday, September 30 from 1pm to 4pm, the event will be hosted over a number of venues.

Visitors to the event can take a wander round the community garden adjacent to the harbour, chat to the volunteer gardeners, learn more about their plans for the future and buy some of the produce.

Portgordon's new community hub, the Richmond Building, will be opening its doors. The site of the former Richmond Arms pub, the premises was purchased by the PCT in February of this year. Visitors will be able to find out more about what has been achieved as part of phase one of the redevelopment works and the support received from the trust's funding partners. Comments are invited on the next two phases of the works.

Just across the road is the village hall, which has been recently refurbished, including new windows, doors, toilets, disabled facilities heating and lighting. Hall committee members will be on hand to talk about plans for further improvements, forthcoming events, bookings and the like. There will also be a small sale of hall items which are surplus to requirements.

The volunteer-run Lampie Hoose Café, which is set to officially reopen on Monday, October 2 for three days a week (Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 3pm). During the open day complimentary drinks and cake will be offer, donations welcome.

Earlier this year the trust bought the Harbour Cottage which will serve as an Air BnB, or a short/long term let. A guided tour awaits visitors as well as a chat about future plans.

The open day will provide the opportunity to discover what progress has been made in achieving the long-term goal of taking the harbour into community ownership from its current owner, Crown Estate Scotland.

PCT's drive towards sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint will also be on the agenda while there will be the chance to sign up as a trust volunteer and help make a difference to Portgordon. Membership is currently free and volunteers can give as little or as much of their time as they wish.

Finally, visitors to the open day can enjoy a picnic or barbecue on the green next to the harbour where, weather permitting, there will be games available for the kids.

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