It’s been described as a “home away from home” for youngsters.
And now, the doors of a new £1.1million children’s home in a north-east community have been unlocked to those who need support.
Scalloway Park in Fraserburgh is replacing a former children’s home – situated just yards away – and Aberdeenshire Council’s director of education, Maria Walker, joined provost, Hamish Vernal, to officially open the facility which can accommodate six children.
Team manager Natasha McDuma, who worked at the neighbouring site for eight years, said she was “ecstatic” about the new building.
She added: “It helps that it’s new, it helps with our work. We’re in close proximity, so it’s like we can have a family environment. It’s a home away from home.
“Some kids are just here for a week on respite, others spend all their teenage years here.”
The children who use Scalloway Park have “invested” in the facility by providing the artwork which hangs on the wall and have also chosen the furnishings.
Current resident Sasha Rowley, 16, said: “It’s definitely a lot better than the old building – this is a fresh start. I like to cook in the kitchen and the staff here are really supportive.”
Meanwhile, 18-year-old Shane Hepburn, who lived in the former Scalloway Park building, added: “It’s like a book – you finish a story, then open a new page.”
Scalloway Park has a kitchen and “multipurpose” rooms, which are open to young people aged between 12 and 18.
Provost Vernal added: “It’s a wonderful facility. What a privilege and pleasure to open this and the new family centre.
“Everyone is working together. It’s at the very cutting edge of what we’re doing for young people.”
Council co-leader, Alison Evison, chairwoman of the education committee, declared: “This is really important. The size of the rooms here is great, the kids can make it their own.
“The kitchen is the heart of a family home and that’s what this is. Our looked-after children in Aberdeenshire are really important and we must do everything we can for them.”
Council chiefs have also officially opened a new £1.5million family centre in Fraserburgh which supports children and families in the local community.
