People recovering from addiction problems and mental health issues could soon be drafted in to help build an innovative community centre.
Huntly and District Development Trust has tabled plans for the cabin for its Greenmyres Farm site, just off the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road, near the top of the Glens of Foudland.
The “eco bothy” would be built from sustainable materials, consisting of pallets and other recycled items.
There is already a wind turbine on the farm, with permission for solar panels also granted.
Last night Jill Andrews, the trust’s project director, said it was the next step in transforming the site, which the group purchased in 2014.
She said: “We already have a community turbine up there and we have been thinking about other ways we can develop the site.
“It’s a very lovely location, there’s lots of options for walking, cycling and even Nordic skiing.
“There’s a farm building on the site but there’s no proper toilet facilities or meeting space.
“The idea for the bothy is to provide that.”
Local farm equipment repair firm Sellars Agriculture has already provided pallets to the group, which would otherwise have been burned.
The proposals would also include a composting toilet.
And the group is hoping that the project can have wider upside for the community as well as the environmental benefits.
Mrs Andrews added: “We have already begun talks with substance misuse and mental health charities who are looking to get involved.
“It would hopefully build peoples’ confidence and there’s also the social aspect too.
“It’s not going to be that big a facility but it can be there for schools to use, for example.
“If a school wants to take pupils up to do activities they can use it if the weather is bad.”
The trust has now submitted a formal planning application to Aberdeenshire Council.
If its application is successful, the group will then apply for funding for the bothy.
