A green-fingered group in the north east has welcomed the official opening of its community garden.
Aberchirder and District Community Association and more than 50 residents celebrated with a special ceremony.
Their members share the space with the Aberchirder and District Men’s Shed on the former Doran housing site on North Street.
Crowds turned out for the opening, including Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Patricia Seligman.
She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by 90-year-old resident Isa Paterson.
Mrs Paterson was one of the residents at the site for 50 years before Aberdeenshire Council knocked down the housing in 2010.
Brenda King, chairwoman for the association, said: “We started plans for the garden back in 2015 when we asked the community what things they wanted to see.
“The two things they brought up were improvements to garden waste and a community garden.
“The association saw this as a great opportunity to bring the community together.
“We had been supporting the Men’s Shed to get a lease for a location and we said this would also be a good way to have the rest of the land cleared up.”
Mrs King said the group always kept the residents in mind “every step of the way”.
She added: “We asked them what they wanted to see in the garden and the designs and plans they had in mind.
“The opening was really nice, we wanted to hold it this time of year so we could have the colour of the flowers and wildlife around.
“We also had Isa with us on the day and it was really special to have her there to present the flowers to the Deputy Lord Lieutenant.”
The chairwoman said it was important for the residents to remember that the garden belongs to everyone.
She added: “We had a sign put in that says: ‘The garden is a friend to visit at any time’.
“This is the community garden, not the community association’s garden – and we really want to emphasise that.
“Eventually we’re hoping to work with the medical centre nearby to bring some patients by or have those who have dementia involved.”
Mrs King is encouraging those interested in getting involved with the project or contributing to the green space to get in touch.
People can do so by sending an e-mail to info@foggieloan.co.uk
