A cherished meadow on the outskirts of Peterhead is being returned to community use.
The 43-acre site will be known as the Brave Community Woodland and is expected to reopen next month.
Formerly known as Buchan Meadows, the space was previously owned by Score Group Plc and was left unused after a previous project was abandoned.
But now, The Brave Outdoors Ltd has signed a lease with Score to take on the meadow and the organisation is planning to develop a series of woodland walks and create a dedicated dog exercise area.
Lewis Swales is one of the company’s directors and said yesterday he is confident the whole community can benefit from the project.
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He added: “Our plan is to develop the woodland so that it is open to the public and everyone can gain the benefits of being outdoors in a wild environment.”
Peterhead North and Rattray councilor Dianne Beagrie is among the officials who are pleased that locals will be able to enjoy the meadow in a matter of weeks.
She said: “It will be great for the community to have this area accessible again. We have lots of exciting ideas for the future of the space as we move ahead.”
Conrad Ritchie of Score Group is equally enthusiastic about the venture.
He said: “We are delighted that this area will be available for the public to use and enjoy again. We are conscious of our social responsibility and wish for this area of woodland to be accessible and enjoyed by all.”
Buchan Meadows Community Woodland was previously leased out to Peterhead Projects until it collapsed amid financial difficulties two years ago.
In addition to the lease for the woodland, the charity ran three shops, the Lido Caravan Park and also co-ordinated the annual festive appeal, which encouraged people to donate a gift for a child who might otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas Day.
Peterhead Projects was wound up in 2017.
