Farmland scattered with grazing sheep and their newborn lambs spills out around the handful of households in the heart of one of Aberdeenshire’s most rural hamlets.
Situated a stone’s throw from the Cairngorm National Park, Towie is serviced by just one road and is home to little more than 10 houses, a primary school, a church, a graveyard and a community hall.
It seems an unlikely location for an international mining operation – and yesterday the prospect of a modern-day gold rush met a mixed reaction from local residents.
Some thought the deal struck between Koza and GreenOre Gold could bring jobs and other benefits to the area, while others feared gold mines would permanently “scar” the stunning rural landscape they love so dearly.
Towie resident and full-time Mum, Jade Anderson, said: “If it brings jobs to the community then I am all for it – but only as long as it doesn’t affect the farming community because that is what the area is about.”
Another local woman said: “I suppose the concerns are the noise, the infrastructure and the scar it would leave, you always think of mines making a bit of a scar on the landscape.”
One local farmer said there were both positives and negatives to the gold mining initiative.
He said: “I would say if it is going to provide jobs – and it is genuine – then first impressions are that it would be a good thing. There is a need for jobs here, but there would have to be a consultation.”
Eileen Davies used to run neighbouring Glenkindie’s post office and shop with her husband until the pair retired in the 1990s.
“We lack population so it could be good for the area,” said the 79-year-old.
“With these kinds of things some people will like it, and some people won’t.
“We used to have the shop and post office for 30 years and one time there was somebody going to start a distillery and we were all in favour, more people and more customers, but it never happened.”
Another Towie man – who did not want to be named – said he would “take some convincing” before coming round to the prospect.
He added: “It’s a difficult one because people in the area may appreciate the jobs but on the other hand if it is going to cause noise, dust and heavy traffic on the roads with large lorries and such then I’m not sure it is such a good idea.”