Torry residents to host meeting on a ‘community-led’ people’s assembly

By Cameron Roy

January 20 2023, 7:36 pm

The meeting will be held at Old Torry Community Centre on Abbey Place. Image: Chris Sumner/ DC Thomson.

Torry residents have set out their stall to hold a community-led people’s assembly.

And with a first planning meeting already in the diary it is hoped that residents and local councillors will get behind the plan.

A meeting arranged for Saturday January 28 at 11am will be the first of several meetings and events that will lead to the eventual launch of a people’s assembly.

It will be held at the Old Torry Community Centre, the centre’s engagement officer Natalie Hood is one of the organisers.

The meeting has been organised by Natalie Hood, who previously worked at the historic Royal Crown Takeaway in Torry. Image: Darrell Benns.

In August, she organised a meeting with Torry business owners after a series of closures due to spiraling energy costs raised concerns of a “domino effect”.

What is a people’s assembly?

A people’s assembly is designed to bring people together and enable everyone’s voice to be heard.

The goal of the assembly is to address local issues that are important to people in the area.

This will include supporting projects and strengthening the community’s voice to hold power to account.

Torry business owners previously met in the Grampian Bar with the Press and Journal to discuss to the cost of living crisis. Image: Darrell Benns.

According to the event page on social media, the event will be focusing on discussing challenges the Torry community has faced.

The organisers have encouraged people to “come as yourself” not as “the job you do” to ensure everyone is on the same footing.

Possible discussion points include what should happen to St Fitticks Park, amidst a contentious debate about its future as a green space or a new Energy Transition Zone.

Friends of St Fittick’s Park outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, January 12. Image: Rachel Amery/DC Thomson.

Torry People’s Assembly believes “politics-as-usual” is currently failing people.

They hope that eventually, they will be able to build a more community-based political decision-making system.

Ms Hood said: “I’d like to break down the barriers to make a positive impact in Torry.

“I think it’s important to implement an open form of communication in the area where there will be an ongoing opportunity to be able to engage with the community.”