The first fundraising event held by a group who want to build a skate park for kids in their town has been hailed as “fantastic”.
The Broch Skate Club began last year with the ambitious target of raising £20,000 to access funding grants and build a £250,000 new skate park for Fraserburgh.
The north-east town currently has a dilapidated and uninspiring park emblazoned with graffiti so skaters, BMX riders and parents came together with plans for the site.
Organisers ramped their efforts into first gear and held their first major event this weekend raising more than £2,500 in the process.
Many people flocked to Fraserburgh Leisure Centre on Saturday for the family fun day with inflatables, face-painting, stalls and a mini half-pipe for skaters.
The event was followed by a quiz and band night in Balaclava bar.
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Chairwoman and treasurer Anneka Niro, a mum of two with a husband who used to be involved in BMX, is passionate about creating a facility for the younger generation, so they have the chance to take up the sport.
She also believes it would offer a second chance to those who gave up years ago due to the lack of quality facilities.
Last night, Mrs Niro said she was delighted about the amount they had raised.
She added: “We raised £2,500 and we’re blown away by the amount of support we had.
“The team were there early to set up and we had people queuing to get in from 11am when it started which was brilliant.
“There was a big turnout and all of the stall holders were very pleased – it was absolutely fantastic.
“Our bottle stall sold out by 1.30pm and there were 140 bottles there to start with.
“Performances from the Broch Drama Group and different music was also popular.”
The club are hoping to open the new facility within the next three years, knowing that with £20,000 in their kitty they will be eligible for a range of funds to carry out the necessary work.
Mrs Niro said: “We’ve got around £4,000 in savings and then this £2,500.
“If we can get to £20,000 ourselves, it will unlock opportunities to get funding for the rest. The rebuild total was estimated at £250,000 which is extreme but it has to be remapped from scratch.
“This weekend really showed us the amount of support for what we’re doing.
“I’m sure we’ll reach that £20,000 mark after a few more events.”
