If you go down to Chapleton today, you’re in for a few surprises.
Famous fictional characters like The Gruffalo, Batman and Paddington Bear are calling the north-east town home this month, alongside characters like Disney’s Moana and even perennial favourite Mary Poppins.
More than 50 creative models have been dotted about the streets as part of the second annual Chapleton Scarecrow Festival.
Marty McFly and his DeLorean have even rolled into town as part of the celebrations, and famous faces such as Charlie Chaplin have been spotted helping to raise money for good causes.
The theme for this year’s event is movies and cinema – with money being raised for Newtonhill out of School Club, the Chapelton Defibrillator Project and organisers Cairnhill Community Allotments.
There are a variety of prizes on offer for the best scarecrows, and sponsor Legasea is providing gift vouchers as prizes to help to support local small businesses.
Last year’s Scarecrow Festival was a huge success, raising more than £1,000 for the allotments and Alzheimer’s Scotland.
However there were concerns, initially, that this year’s event might not go ahead.
One of the organisers, Charlotte Litherland-Moir, said that the overwhelming enthusiasm in the community helped to ensure it took place.
The nurse, who has seen the effect of the pandemic firsthand, knew that safety would be paramount.
She said: “We went on the residents Facebook page and put a message up in July – explaining we were very aware of what was going on and that people might not be comfortable with the event this year.
“As lockdown restrictions eased, we asked how people would feel as the scarecrows would bring extra footfall to the town. We also put letters through everyone’s doors so we didn’t miss anyone.
“People were overwhelmingly supportive, I suppose because this is such an easy event to enjoy from a distance.
“We had an incredibly rainy start to the weekend but now things are well underway. There’s some really brilliant designs this year.”
People have taken inspiration from a variety of other films such as Home Alone, Pirates of the Caribbean and even Wayne’s World.
However, some have branched out from the 2020 theme.
One scarecrow, made by Kirsty Mackay, commemorates Chapelton’s “favourite key-worker” – a postie called Alison.
Another home has been adorned with Lannister-themed decorations inspired by HBO’s Game of Thrones.
Ms Litherland-Moir, who has created a Jurassic Park display in her own garden, added the event had “pulled the community together”.
She said: “It is great fun and hopefully can give people something to smile about.”
The event runs until August 31.
To see all the entries online and cast your vote, visit https://scarecrows.cairnhillallotments.uk/scarecrows.
