A north-east park is in line for a major revamp – with the boating pond and play area in line to be spruced up.
An online survey carried out last year asked people in Turriff what improvements they would like to see at The Haughs.
There were more than 700 responses and since then a number of projects have been chosen from that feedback.
They include including improvements to the boating pond, playpark, and showground area; the installation of lighting and signage; and the possible creation of a cafe.
Now the Haughs Redevelopment Partnership, which is made up of the town’s councilors, local authority officers and community representatives, have begun developing the plans and looking at potential funding options.
Turriff and district councillor Iain Taylor said having hundreds of townspeople playing their part means it is sure to be a successful upgrade.
“It is a tremendous response and it means the community is involved. Because of that the chances of success are so much higher.
“The job now is to allocate the work that you can do fairly quickly and start working towards getting some of the projects completed.
“The good thing about this is that there are so many different groups involved that will bring different skills to the table.
“If each group can achieve their own little bit then I think it will be surprising what can be achieved in the longer term.”
Councillor Alastair Forsyth has praised locals for their “determination” to play such a major part in the upgrade of the Haughs.
He said: “From a councillor’s point of view it is very gratifying to see this kind of progress.
“There is certainly a lot of determination from people in Turriff to improve it and make it a good visitor destination.”
Formartine area manager Elaine Brown said: “It is fantastic to see such a good response from the wider community in relation to the proposals set out in the masterplan.
“The overall aim is to enhance and redevelop the Haughs area to encourage more people to use the area, and to improve the existing facilities.
“We hope the community will continue to support the work of the redevelopment group and perhaps get involved in the projects as they are developed.”
Anybody interested in volunteering for the project can contact Donna Sutherland at donna.sutherland@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or on 01467 532807.
