Fears over useage for interactive Ellon treasure trail
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Aberdeenshire Council will launch an innovative virtual treasure trail in Ellon next month despite fears people may not use it.
The local authority hopes the “fun and interactive” project will encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the area while walking or cycling.
Paper map-based treasure trails are already available, but people were unable to access them during lockdown.
This is how the idea for the new virtual scheme came about.
The Viking-themed trail will be based on Val the Forgotten, better known as the God of sustainable energy.
It is expected to loop around Ellon and have QR codes for participants to scan using their mobile phones.
The code would open a website that will promote local initiatives such as the recently launched e-bike hire scheme.
While on the trail, participants will be asked to answer a series of questions in order to collect rings.
Those who complete the trail will be awarded with a prize that can be collected from Ellon Library.
It is hoped the new virtual scheme will compliment the “really successful” paper trails.
An update on the project was given to members of the infrastructure services committee earlier today.
Council officers are hoping to get a desktop demo of the trail in the next few days before testing it out in the town.
Local councillors may even be invited to try out the trail before its official launch.
But there was some concern the trail wouldn’t be a hit.
Councillor Marion Ewenson said: “In days where we’re looking at how we spend money and trying to maintain what we’ve already got, do you think people are actually going to do that?
“I’m not sure it’s even relevant,” added the Inverurie and District member.
But the project was backed by Ellon councillor Isobel Davidson, who argued the trail would give people “inspiration” to explore.
“It’s great to do something a bit different,” she said.
“Pokemon Go and geocaching are still really popular – I was out for a walk recently and found a few geocaches that had been disturbed.
“People really love doing these things and they enjoy a little bit of mystery when they are out for a walk.”
Ms Davidson added: “It just gives an inspiration to wonder a little further and to different places.”
If the virtual trail is successful, Aberdeenshire Council will consider rolling it out in other towns.
Meanwhile, members were also given an update on Ellon’s e-bike hire scheme.
Through the project, 20 electric bikes were made available for use along routes including the popular Buchan and Formartine Way.
Councillors were told “no significant issues” had been found since its soft launch in January.
The local authority will now look to promote the scheme more as the warmer summer weather approaches.
An active travel awareness event will be held at Ellon Academy on Saturday for residents to learn more about the project.
The e-bike hire scheme was developed and launched using funding by Leader North.
But alternative funding has been found to allow similar schemes to be launched in more areas across the region.
