Driving for the Disabled group given cash boost to buy new horse

Three Aberdeenshire groups are to receive a share of council cash to help with new projects and purchases – including a horse.

Members of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee considered and approved the applications at a hybrid meeting on Tuesday.

Bervie Skatepark, Maryculter Driving for the Disabled and the Stonehaven and District Lions Club all applied for funds from the Area Committee Budget.

Bervie Skatepark requested £8000 to help with its plans to create a skatepark facility in Inverbervie.

The group have been working on their plans for the last eight years and the money will enable them to complete a detailed feasibility report.

While drafts have been created, the new detailed report will provide potential funders with all of the information they need before awarding any money for the project.

Meanwhile, Maryculter Driving for the Disabled asked for £2000 to help buy a new horse.

The group has been providing carriage driving to people with disabilities since 1986.

The awarded sum will also go towards transportation for the horse, delivery of the animal and vetting.

Supporting the application, councillor Colin Pike said: “This is a real social hub enterprise that brings people together. The amount of people in the community who go in to voluntarily support, do all the chores in the background, makes this a very valuable community enterprise.

“We’re talking about the purchase of an animal which may be strange for the committee, but this is one occasion when actually that money to purchase that horse would be very much appreciated.”

Finally, Stonehaven and District Lions Club will receive £5076 to buy a new trailer.

The club’s existing trailer has been in use for the last 13 years and is now in need of replacement.

The trailer will be used throughout the year to carry equipment to and from community events that the club attends.

The club reached out to Aberdeenshire Council for funding support after the Covid pandemic limited their opportunities to raise money.

By local democracy reporter Kirstie Topp