Finals boost for Cullen volunteers
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A BOLD volunteer project to restore Cullen's Castle Hill from an overgrown hilltop to a popular attraction for tourists and local alike has been hailed as one of the top three of its kind in Scotland.
Since 2016 Cullen Volunteer Group (CVG) obtained a six-year lease from Seafield Estates and have been working closely with them and other partners to transform the historic site where wooden castle once stood. It is claimed Robert the Bruce's wide died there and the Duke of Cumberland’s army amassed in the surrounding fields before the Battle of Culloden.
Their efforts saw them make the final three of the MacRobert Trust Award for Working with Communities, part of the Scottish Land and Estate’s 2019 Helping It Happen Awards.
Attending the awards ceremony in Edinburgh last Wednesday was CVG chairman Stan Slater. Although not a winner on the night, he said that all at CVG were very proud.
"This was a great experience, especially meeting the other finalists and learning about their projects," he said.
"It shows communities really can do things when they put their minds to it and work with others.
"We were surprised and delighted to be nominated although when we saw the quality and experience of what we were up against, we never realistically thought we'd win. Still, to be classed as one of the top three in Scotland is an honour and we've learned a lot from the other finalists
CVG were up against the Marchmont House project in the Borders and Crossroads Community Hub in Ayrshire.
The latter were to run out the winners, getting the nod from the judges for their inspiring outreach work teaching valuable skills to local youngsters. Mr Slater added that he hoped the CVG would
