New path to be named in honour of former Ellon Academy rector and councillor
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Former Ellon Academy rector and councillor Alan Cameron will have his legacy honoured with a path in the town named after him.
The highly respected community figure died in June aged 80.
But Aberdeenshire Council unveiled its plan to pay a “fitting” tribute to the late town stalwart.
The local authority proposed to name the cycle and foot path linking the former Ellon Academy site and the Deer Park as Cameron Way.
The path also leads visitors to Ellon Castle Gardens, a project Mr Cameron was heavily involved with.
His family was approached by the council beforehand and they were happy for the naming project to go-ahead.
Formartine area committee members considered the proposal this week.
Strategic transport officer Robert McGregor said the proposal was a “fitting tribute” to Mr Cameron as it was linked to two of his “greatest contributions” to the town.
He explained: “Being former rector of the academy and the driving force of the Ellon Castle Gardens which brought the public into Ellon’s secret garden.”
Mr Cameron was also well known as a community activist and was involved in many organisations in the town.
Councillor Louise McAllister thought the proposal was a “wonderful idea”.
“I went along to Alan’s funeral ceremony and I was astounded by what he had achieved during his lifetime, he really was an inspirational character,” she said.
“He holds a real special place in the hearts of so many people through Ellon Burns Club, being a councillor, Ellon Castle Gardens, and of course being at the academy for 35 years.”
Ms McAllister went on to note that Mr Cameron was chairman of the Ellon Public Art Group who created the £20,000 sculpture found on Market Street.
Fellow Ellon councillor Isobel Davidson also backed the idea.
“We have discussed having a commemoration in some way or another for Alan and I think this is perfectly appropriate,” she stated.
But she asked for the new name to be extended up to the path that will link up to the new houses that are being built on the former academy site.
The councillor added: “I wouldn’t like it to have a different name half way up.”
Members of the committee unanimously approved the naming of Cameron Way.
A name plate will now be installed there as part of the wider path works process in Ellon.
