Kind-hearted locals, including workers from the Queen’s Deeside estate, have lent struggling families a helping hand for the festive season.
Christmas hampers complete with pheasant and venison from the local countryside have been dished out to a number of households in the region following donations from the Balmoral, Dunecht and Invercauld estates.
Volunteers yesterday said the Pheasants for Presents initiative, now in its third year, was more crucial than ever following the downturn in the oil and gas industry.
Homes from Blairs to Strathdon and Braemar benefited from the project this year, with the most vulnerable people identified through the Westhill Citizens Advice Bureau and Upper Deeside churches.
Councillor for Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside, Geva Blackett, is behind the festive packages.
She said: “Many people are feeling the pincers of austerity through absolutely no fault of their own and with so many job losses in the oil industry this year we are seeing even more folk facing a bleak winter.
“I just want to make sure that on what is meant to be a happy time for people, I can do a bit to help out.”
Vegetables and logs of firewood from the monarch’s own lands were included along with condiments, snacks and pet food.
Dunecht Estate donated the venison, with Invercauld providing pheasant and partridge.
Sheridan’s Butchers in Ballater prepared the meat, with the Banchory and Lang Stracht Tescos providing crackers, mince pies and pet food.
Alex Hogg, chairman of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association said: “It is good to see the Pheasants for Presents initiative run again. SGA members have been involved since the first year, helping to source the game which I am sure will be much appreciated.”
