Plans to transform an historic Aberdeenshire rail station into the centre of a village community have reached their next milestone.
A steering group has been set up to drive forward plans to regenerate Aboyne’s Old Station, which once formed part of the Royal Deeside Railway.
The line ran from Aberdeen to Ballater from 1853 until 1967 and often used to take members of the Royal Family to their summer lodgings on the Balmoral Estate.
Among the suggestions so far include turning the Station Brae site into a cafe, arts centre, community radio station or space for local charities and volunteers.
The steering group is made up of about seven people and will be tasked with making the project a reality and sourcing funding for a feasibility study.
The group has also submitted its first form to Aberdeenshire Council in its bid for a community asset transfer of the premises.
Among the members of the steering group are architect Duncan Robson, local councillor Geva Blackett and the directors of Mid Deeside Ltd.
Last month more than 100 people turned up to a public meeting to discuss ideas to transform the building.
Mr Robson – who brought the idea into the public domain – said the proposals had been met with great support by the local community.
He added: “The next stage for us is to go and speak to all the stakeholders and have another meeting with the community. It is excellent, there is lots going on.
“There is quite a few hurdles coming up and we know we have to work and overcome a number of issues, but it is a very promising start.”
SNP councillor Mrs Blackett said: “We are embarking on an exciting, if challenging journey. My intention when I started this was to initiate a community hub to pull the community together, provide life skills to residents throughout the area
and bring focus back to the centre of Aboyne.
“It will take time but I am really optimistic that we will achieve just that.”
Aberdeenshire Council has said it is willing to work with the Aboyne community to develop the idea further.
A spokeswoman said: “I can confirm that the council has recently received a community asset transfer application from Mid Deeside Ltd.”
