New cash awarded to three projects in Rosehearty, Banff and Macduff and New Aberdour by the Banff and Buchan Area Committee
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BANFF and Buchan councillors have agreed new funds for three local projects.
Councillors on the Banff and Buchan area committee today (October 11) unanimously agreed to award over £40,000 to three projects.
The funding comes from the Coastal Communities Fund, which can now grant up to £25,000 per project after councillors also voted to amend it.
A project to repair and improve Rosehearty's Mounthooly Doocot is to receive £9051.21.
In the application for the grant, the Aberdeenshire Historic Monument Project (HAMP) said: "The doocot has enormous touristic potential, especially considering the existing infrastructure already in place.
"Repairing the building may draw more people to it and in turn lead to an economic boost for the settlements nearby, including Rosehearty.
"The project would therefore help with the development of tourism in this rural area."
The largest grant awarded today was £25,000, given to Aberdeenshire Council's economic development to investigate plans to cultivate seaweed commercially.
Describing benefits of the plans, an economic development team spokesperson said: "The seaweed value chain offers huge growth potential for UK coastal communities post-COVID-19 whilst addressing the climate emergency."
The new cash will kick off the first stage of the project, pre-mooring marine surveys to determine whether a location in Banff or Macduff would best suit seaweed production.
New Aberdour Community Council received the last grant awarded today, to go towards a replacement metal swingset at New Aberdour Play Park.
Receiving £7200 to install the new play equipment, a New Aberdour Community Council spokesperson said children and families could benefit hugely from better facilities.
The spokesperson said:" The benefits of the new piece of equipment is that it will enhance the existing play park, which brings young families together and promotes health and wellbeing.
"The play park is an attraction for young families that encourages them to settle in New Aberdour.
"This piece of equipment will attract older children to the park, encouraging them to socialise in a safe and fun atmosphere."
Inclusivity was also highlighted as essential to new works on the playpark.
The New Aberdour Community Council Spokesperson said: "During our consultation process and community council meeting, it was recognised that the legacy of this play park needs to be more inclusive.
"We understand that landscape services are keen to work with us, towards a more inclusive play park in New Aberdour."
