Torry's Vision Summer 2021 - In this issue
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Torry’s Vision Summer 2021
Image courtesy of Aberdeen City Libraries/
The Silver City Vault
www.shmu.org.uk/press
In this issue:
LOCAL HISTORY
BIG NOISE TORRY
BRIDGE CENTRE
Torry’s Vision
Summer Edition 2021
CONTENTS
3
4
Community Updates
Greyhope Bay
Editorial
Welcome to the Summer edition of Torry’s Vision
5 Big Noise Torry community magazine.
6&7 History Pages Read on to find out more about Greyhope Bay, the
development at the old Phoenix Centre and the Torry
8 TRRAG Resilience and Recovery Group.
If you would like to get involved and join the editorial
9 Aberdeen Equality
team or if you have ideas for the community
10&11 Community Updates publication, you can easily get in touch with us. The
staff at SHMU are able to support and train anyone
12&13 Elected Officials living in the area who is interested in developing their
ideas and skills in either writing, photography or proof
14 shmu
reading. So please don’t be shy, this is your magazine
15 St Fittick’s Park written, edited and designed by the good folk of Torry.
If you live in Torry and would like to come along to the
editorial meetings (which are online at the moment) or
submit an article then get in touch with Laura at SHMU
on 0752586312 or you can email her on laura.young@
shmu.org.uk.
You can also view this magazine alongside previous
editions on the SHMU website www.shmu.org.uk then
click the ‘PRESS’ option.
You can be reassured that our distribution company is
taking every measure to ensure they are delivering your
magazine safely and within government guidelines.
Torry’s Vision is a community publication and the views
expressed are not necessarily those of the editorial
team or of shmu.
Happy Reading.
Supported by
Community centre to be open this summer
Renovations at the Bridge Centre, 2021 KCF signed the lease and took are very excited to open the doors
Torry, has begun and the space will ownership of the building! Along with and hope it becomes a space that
look to open later this summer. this came the new name: The Bridge people are proud of.
Centre. The renovation works on the
At the beginning of the year For more information email help@
conversations between the King’s site have begun and it is great to see kingscommunityfoundation.org
Community Foundation (KCF) and it starting to take shape. A part of the
Aberdeen City Council regarding refurbishment will include the input
the old Phoenix building in Torry of a café and a kitchen. In addition
restarted. Our goal is to have the to providing the food for the café, the
centre open for the local community kitchen will also be used for cooking
and having had the opportunity to classes that will promote healthy
speak to residents, we have heard eating on a budget. We will also be
great stories about what the centre partnering with charities that provide
brought to community in the past. In educational, employability and family
renovating the building, we want to support. The Bridge Centre will be a
transform it into a vibrant space that space for the community run by the
will benefit local people and provide community. To ensure this we will be
a range of services and projects. We engaging with local people and key
are excited to announce that in April partners every step of the way. We
Stephen Flynn MP
The continued priority facing pandemic, my focus will be very much take place over the last year due to
Aberdeen and Scotland is to chart on ensuring that jobs are protected the pandemic and the NHS Recovery
a safe route out of the pandemic and and that new jobs are created. Plan will be focused on ensuring that
back to normality. There may be this backlog is overcome as quickly
It’s also vital that our young people
bumps in the road, but the vaccine as possible.
have opportunities available to them
roll-out continues to give us firm hope and that families receive the support If you have any concerns about this,
that we are on the right track. that they need. On that front - from or indeed any issue at all, please
In recent weeks some people have August all three and four-year-olds, do just contact me. My small team
been unable to attend appointments and many two-year-olds, will be are continuing to work hard from
for their vaccine. If you fall into eligible for more than 1,100 hours home to help as many people as
this category please don’t worry, of free childcare a year and free possible and we are always here
and simply contact the COVID-19 healthy breakfasts and lunches will to help.
Vaccination Helpline to arrange a new also be made available to all primary
one - on 0800 030 8013. Contact your MP
4 children in Scotland as a further
Many of you will have been working step towards expansion to all primary 01224 213114
throughout this pandemic in key roles school children.
stephen.flynn.
across the city. As ever, your efforts The challenge facing our NHS is mp@parliament.uk
cannot be praised enough and, as we also understandably huge. Many
seek to recover and rebuild from the treatments have not been able to
3
Greyhope Bay
The team at Greyhope Bay are permanent solution for this historic empowering members to join
excited to release new images of monument could be. the conversation, self-organise,
their interior which show off the participate and contribute to
Founder Fiona McIntyre said, “Our
great views from their dolphin programming and activities hosted
new green-powered community
viewing centre, café and education at Torry Battery. Direct benefits once
RSPB Dolphinwatch reflect
space will create a spectacular
space at Torry Battery. open on site include exclusive pin
vantage point for visitors to take-in
badges, 5 free coffees and discounts
views of the city, coast, harbour
on
is creatingthe spring of 2020Individuals and organisations are
The community-led organisation
on events.”
this unique space by and the many resident Bottlenose
repurposing shipping containers dolphins who regularly make
as part of 5-year plan to establish an appearance. invited to join Greyhope Bay as
Torry Battery as a destination. By members to support their work. All
We have recently launched our
building programmes of engagement information can be found on their
Founder Crew Membership
related to marine environment, new website:
which offers access to a bespoke
heritage and sustainable practice community space that sits behind www.greyhopebay.com
they are beginning a community- our new website where members
led conversation about what a can meet other founder crew,
4
Big Noise Torry
Music in every corner of the community - making a Big Noise however and whenever we can
The children, staff and volunteers The coming of spring has given us We like to keep everyone informed
at Big Noise Torry have been busy all a chance to hear, smell, see and and involved in the conversation
this term keeping the corridors, feel the ‘change’. We’ve loved being with our weekly Facebook Live show
RSPB Dolphinwatch reflect
classrooms and playgrounds of outside, discovering how the music and posts on our Facebook page -
Tullos and Walker Road schools we make can reflect the natural check out what’s been going on at
and Lochside Academy full of world. We really enjoyed making a
on the spring of 2020
Big Noise and let us know what you
music -- uplifting sounds made by video for RSPB Dolphinfest to show think as you see the creative young
string instruments, glockenspiels, this - there is nothing better than people of Torry in action!
keyboards, percussion, and various putting your imagination to work!
Have you heard or seen any music
digital devices! We have been Over the summer we’ll be inviting being made around Torry? Perhaps
adapting the music we play to nearly 170 young people to join you have an idea on how Big Noise
suit our interests and to keep us us at Torry St Fittick’s Church for can get more involved in community
all engaged in music, because - outdoor and indoor activities, with events and help bring music to even
we’re sure you’ll agree - music is free lunch and snack, lots of fun and more people of all ages in Torry?
a language for everyone to use loads of music making, as well as Perhaps you want to get involved,
and enjoy. the chance to play in our new samba help out or make some music
We’ve loved doing our community band! We’ll also be taking Big Noise yourself? Please do get in touch
orchestra ‘The Noise’, and our baby ‘on tour’ to visit each of the ‘Fit Like’ with us, we’d love to hear from you.
and parents’ class, ‘Little Noise’ via hubs. So, we are looking forward
to sharing the magic of music with Big Noise Torry
Zoom and now we are beginning
even more children and families as torryadministrator@
to get together face-to-face once
part of this ‘Summer of Fun’. After sistemascotland.org.uk
again. So Torry will be buzzing with
all, music is for sharing. 01224 974707
even more music.
Opening Of Aberdeen’s New Fish Market
Alan Johnstone
Aberdeen’s new fish market but one arm, and the empty sling at a first, second, and third asking.
opened in Commercial Road of cloth was thrust in his pouch. No and the women appeared to be
on 20th May 1889 and here are more questions were asked.” their wits’ end when, catching sight
some extracts from the Aberdeen of Baillie Mearns and Treasurer
“After most of the business
Evening Express report of that Walker walking along the wharf
had been transacted for the
date. The photo of the market, some distance away, they gave
day, fishwives - or a few of
c.1910, is credited to the Silver the Provost up as an unprofitable
them - began to indulge in what
City Vault. job, and made tracks for the new
is commonly known as “high
comers. A big burly wife, redolent
“At six o’clock this morning, the jinks”. Forming themselves into
of fish, seized the Treasurer, while
doors of the new Fish Market were a band they made a raid upon
another devoted her attention to
rolled aside, and the place thrown the various dealers in the place,
Baillie Mearns, the rest of
open for the transaction of public levying blackmail upon them to
the women forming a cordon from
business. The weather seemed “hansel” the auspicious occasion.
which it was impossible to escape.
to harmonise with the feelings of They were most persistent in their
Like birds in the fowler’s snare the
the fishermen; a mist hanging over attentions - their efforts would have
two surrendered to the inevitable,
the sea, and making the scene a proved invaluable at a bazaar - and
making but one request - that
cold and cheerless one. badgering and cajoling everyone
they would be let off as cheaply
unfortunate enough to fall into their
“Shortly before eight o’clock all the as possible.”
clutches, they invariably succeeded
fish were laid out in readiness for
in their object, the sums given
the salesmen. A new feature in varying from sixpence to half-a-
the discharging of fish has now crown. In the case of resistance
been introduced, namely, the to the demand, compliance was
employment of male porters. sought by the use of the
Women were wont hitherto to help forcible argument “Pay
in packing the barrels and making Your Debt And Be
the fish ready for the markets. In Respected.” Among those
this connection a rather humorous early victimised was Mr
incident occurred this morning. Cran, the City Chamberlain,
Every porter has to wear a badge on who, taken aback by the
the left arm to show that he has clamour got up around him,
been duly licensed. One of these and bethinking him that
porters was spotted this morning discretion in this case was
by one of the officials without his the better part of valour,
ornament. Going up to him the paid his shilling and bolted.
official inquired how it was he But a special reception
was working without a badge. was awaiting the members
“Oh,” replied the porter, “ I have of the Town Council. The
the badge, it’s on my sleeve” ; and Lord Provost was the
thereupon he pulled out his sleeve first to preyed upon. His
from his pocket and displayed the Lordship, however, would
missing ornament. The man has not “launch out”, even
6
TORRY MEMORIES & HERITAGE SOCIETY
TORRY LISTED MONUMENTS
Wellington Suspension Bridge Pat Robertson
Aberdeen was undergoing rapid Abernethy (of the same name), who The bridge underwent some
expansion in the early 19th century was the engineer who supervised restoration work in 1930 when steel
and landowners in Torry, the the work. replaced the cast iron bearers and
Menzies family of Pitfodels, wished wrought iron suspenders. The toll
In March 1830 the trustees chose
to capitalise on the opportunities house was derelict in 1964 and
to name the bridge after the Duke
arising from the establishment of the demolished soon after. Further
of Wellington, although it was also
turnpike road between Aberdeen restoration work was done on the
known as the Chain Bridge and
and Stonehaven in 1799. A series of bridge in 1984 after the new Queen
Craiglug Bridge. The foundation
legal disputes as to exact ownership Elizabeth 2nd Bridge was finished,
stone was put in place in 1829 and
of the lands ended in arbitration. as this enabled the suspension
the bridge was in pedestrian use
bridge to be closed to vehicles. Due
An act of parliament was eventually from November 1830. Six months
to safety concerns, in 2002 it was
obtained by the Heritor’s of Nigg later, in May 1831, it was opened to
also closed to pedestrians. After
and the Road Trustees in 1828 for use by vehicles.
Aberdeen City Council engineers
a bridge to replace the Craiglug
The approach roads, designed carried out further work to preserve
Ferry. The city architect in Aberdeen,
by John Smith with the bridge, and strengthen the bridge, it
John Smith, and his rival, Archibald
were three miles in length and resumed as pedestrian walkway and
Simpson, were asked to tender
incorporated a slow ramp from cycle lane in 2008.
design proposals for the bridge and
its approach roads in June 1829. College Street on the north side, a The “A” listed Wellington
The design for the architectural new road also ran from around Nigg Suspension Bridge is an important
sections was awarded to John to the Craiglug Ferry on the south example of an early suspension
Smith working in collaboration approach. An octagonal toll house, bridge and the sole survivor of four
with Captain Samuel Brown who also designed by John Smith, was of its kind that crossed the River
undertook the engineering designs sited on the northwest corner of the Dee at various points along its
of the suspension and span. The bridge. The north arch was added in length in the early 19th century. At
metalwork was manufactured at the 1886 and a stone engraved with the the time it was built the bridge was
nearby Ferryhill Foundry by James date is mounted at the apex of the only the second bridge to cross the
Abernethy, a cousin of James arch to signify this. River Dee at Aberdeen.
7
Torry Resilience and Recovery Action Group
Covid has been a challenging to identify the underlying needs of Learning (ACC), shmuTRAIN, DWP,
time for many communities and those accessing food services and WEA, Lochside Academy, Kings
hardship (whether via job losses or how support to meet those needs Community Foundation, CFINE, the
cutbacks) has had an impact and can be achieved. There also is work churches, Aberdeen City Council’s
will continue to do so. The Torry being done on how best services Financial Inclusion Team, CAB,
Resilience and Recovery Action can sign-post to each other. The Social Security Scotland, Scarf,
Group (TRRAG) was formed as a employability sub-group is aiming to Big Noise.
response to this situation. The group increase the overall awareness and
Social media has been of great use
has been working hard with partners delivery of training and employability
in getting the message out there in
to promote recovery through the and digital inclusion initiatives in the
times of social distancing. However,
pandemic and beyond in Torry. It area. From one to one and small
feedback on our survey so far is that
soon became clear that there would group work, at early stages to the
trust and face to face contact is the
be a benefit in subdividing the group offer of more advanced training
into three strands for the time being and employability programmes. favoured method of the community
– food poverty, income maximisation An option being explored: is a in accessing support. As life begins
and employability. Meetings have local shop front space for meeting to open up again it is good to be
now been held with these sub- and delivery of job-related mindful of this in our ever increasing
groups with approx. 25 partners courses – hopefully a vacant ACC/ digital/virtual world.
engaged. Inclusion of community business/office space. The income If you live in Torry and would like
reps has been harder, so this is maximisation strand is looking at to know more about the TRRAG
an area of focus as is mapping educating the public on sources just get in touch by emailing
out provision to avoid duplication of support and longer term to look tedufficy@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
of services. at a hub locally where people can We are also looking for community
access support. reps who would like to take part in
One finding of the food poverty
strand has been that food poverty So far partners included are - ABZ the meetings and contribute their
was a symptom of an individual’s Works (ACC), Aberdeen Foyer, thoughts of what they think would
needs and that work was required Pathways, Family and Adult work best for their community.
8
SCARF
Warmer Homes Scotland
scheme gets funding boost to
help green recovery
The Warmer Homes Scotland
scheme is open and helping
Scots who are struggling with
energy bills. The Scottish
Government has increased
funding for the scheme to help
support a ‘green recovery’
from the coronavirus pandemic
and help tackle fuel poverty
in Scotland.
Over 22,000 Scottish
households have already
benefitted since the scheme
launched in 2015. They’ve had
help to fund energy saving
home improvements like new
heating systems, wall and loft
insulation, draught-proofing
and even home renewables.
After support from Warmer
New Network for Aberdeen’s Homes Scotland, homes are
Equality Groups on average 20% more energy
efficient, with households
saving an average £300 per
Did you know that Aberdeen is disabled people, LGBT+ people, year on their energy bills.
Scotland’s most diverse city? women, men, minority religions,
17% of people who live here older people, young people, To find out more call Home
were born outside the UK – more and several who cross different Energy Scotland on 0808
than twice the Scottish average categories – and they welcome 808 2282. They’re open
of 7%. Aberdeen residents also more groups to get involved. Monday –Friday 8am
have many different languages –8pm and Saturday 9am
The Network meets once a –5pm or go online www.
(68), religions, disabilities,
month online, with an email list homeenergyscotland.org/
sexual orientations and gender
to share information between warmer-winter
identities. This adds to the
vibrant culture of the city, but meetings. So far, they’ve
many people from these groups reviewed the Council’s Equality
have trouble accessing services, Outcomes, created a contact list
and face problems like racism, of Aberdeen’s equality groups,
homophobia, and other forms written a guide for Council
of prejudice. departments to better work with
these groups, and spoken with
Earlier this year, several equality
Council staff about accessing
groups came together to share
services post-lockdown.
information and help the Council
understand their experiences. For more information, or if your
The Equalities Participation group wants to get involved,
Network currently includes please contact info@grec.
groups for ethnic minorities, co.uk
9
TORRY’S VISION
Multistorey Facebook pages show more residents interaction
With social media being more and residents’ groups for the enjoy, or even having a function for
popular than ever, residents in buildings and how they can help residents in their common rooms in
and around mainstream multi- residents within these buildings. the future. Now is the time to
storey buildings across Aberdeen show what you enjoy about living
Having these pages set up, we can
now have a group page for their in your building. This is something
hopefully highlight the positives and
building setup on Facebook. the Tenant Participation Team can
negatives for living in multi-storey
help with.
These pages are aimed at residents buildings. We do hope more positive
to get to know each other, inform posts can been seen in the future. Pages have been set up on
others of issues within their Residents are encouraged to do Facebook for:
buildings, advertising unwanted their own tenant-led inspections of
Morven Court Residents
items to anyone who may like to their building, having a walk around
Grampian Court Residents
acquire them, informing others of making a note of repairs. Emailing
repairs that have been reported or getting in touch with your local The Citywide Multistorey Group
to Aberdeen Council and getting housing officer about this can help meets on the last Wednesday of the
involved with the local community make a difference to the building in month. Meetings are held through
groups, community councils and the future and potentially get repairs Microsoft Teams. If you would like
tenant/residents’ groups within done quicker and get a response to find out more about this or how
Aberdeen Council. from Aberdeen Council regarding to setup a resident’s group for
the progress being made. your multi-storey building. Please
With social distancing still around
get in touch with Carol Hannaford
and most meetings being held We would love to see residents
(Tenant Participation Officer) at:
online. Councillors are also show some pride in their buildings,
channaford@aberdeencity.gov.uk
encouraged to join these pages whether that means setting up a
for more information.
as this gives them the chance to group of gardeners to setup a nice
engage with tenants, also tenant outdoor space for everyone to
Would You Like To Help Make Your Community A Better Place?
Have you ever asked yourself the meetings with relevant groups, liaise Thursday 9 September 2021
question “Why doesn’t someone do with City Councillors and officials.
Closing date for withdrawal of
something about that?” Well, you
Community Council candidates must Nominations - 4pm Wednesday 15
can start to bring about a change
be named on the current electoral September 2021
by joining your local Community
register for the Community Council
Council. The elections for Community Notice of Poll (or Uncontested
area in which they reside as a local
Councils in Aberdeen take place in Election) - Monday 20
government elector. The minimum
October 2021. September 2021
age to stand for election as a
They usually meet once a month to Community Councillor is 16 years Polling Day (if required) 8.00am -
discuss the issues of current concern of age. 8.00pm - Thursday 7 October 2021
in their area, particularly major Please contact the Community
Election Timetable
planning applications and steps to Council Liaison Officer (CCLO),
improve our local environment. Publication of Notice of Election - Karen Finch on 01224 522723
Wednesday 11 August or email communitycouncils@
They discuss and negotiate solutions
to local issues and concerns, attend Close of Nominations - 4pm aberdeencity.gov.uk for more
10Grampian
Credit
Union
We are a savings and loans
co-operative open to everyone
living or working in Aberdeen
city, Aberdeenshire and
Moray areas.
For over 28 years, we have
helped more than 10,000 people
in the Grampian area with saving
and accessing affordable loans
and credit - and now we can
help you!
Pathways in Torry If you have not already joined
us or benefited from our savings
or affordable loans, contact
By the time you read this suitable vacancies that were
us today and see how we can
hopefully our Employment available that week. After about 6
assist you with taking charge of
Keyworker, Stan, will be back weeks, they applied for a position
your financial future.
seeing people face to face at and the client was informed he
Old Torry Community Centre, had an interview. Stan coached If you need a loan for e.g.
depending on restrictions staying the client through the interview home or garden improvements,
as they are now. Check our process and likely questions he your next holiday or just for
Facebook page www.facebook. would be asked. Long story short, Christmas, we can help. With
com/PathwaysAberdeen1A the client performed well at the loans from as little as £200, you
for updates. interview and was offered full time can contact us through any of
employment with the company! the following ways:
For the last week or so our team
have been back in the office full The client informed Pathways: Website: www.
time and we have been helping “I’m so glad that I was referred grampiancreditunion.co.uk
people to find work. to Pathways. I would still be
Email: admin@
unemployed if it wasn’t for them.
One of Stan’s clients lost his grampiancreditunion.co.uk
Stan redone my CV and helped
job due to the Covid pandemic
me look for jobs that were Telephone: 01224 561506
and contacted Stan for help
suitable for me and helped with
to look for something else.
brushing up my interview skills.” Office: 250 Union Street,
Stan completed all Pathways
Aberdeen AB10 1TN
registration paperwork with him If you would like similar
and reviewed the client’s CV assistance from Stan call him
which was far too long at three on 01224 682 939 or email him
pages. Stan reworked the CV to at s.smith@pathways-online.org
the satisfaction of both of them
PATHWAYS – Free Help To
and then through weekly calls
Find Work!
they looked for and applied to
11ELECTED OFFICIALS
Councillor Comments
Christian Allard
Last summer saw us slowly coming get an action plan in place for Torry. littering and fly tipping, in the
out of lockdown with schools I reminded officers of the council meantime you can report those on
reopening last August. We knew it responsibility for clearing litter, dirt the council website. Let me thank
was not going to be easy and that and debris from council-owned public all individuals and groups who
it would be a slow process. One spaces, roads and pavements. There participate to litter picking, we have
year on, we are still dealing with a is a duty from Aberdeen City Council a lot of sessions organised on the
pandemic that doesn’t want to go to show leadership in the issue. A lot waterfront, not so many sessions
away. The virus new variants are of our time as councillors is taken in within our own community where we
challenging, we must stay vigilant. reporting large objects left to uplift live. Finally, let me thank our young
Like many who have family in and other debris in places where people who have had a very difficult
continental Europe, I haven’t seen safety is an issue, for example, start of the year studying both from
my parents for more than a year. broken glass found in the many lanes home and at school, it has been
This summer is not the time for us to and paths across Torry. Audrey and another challenging year so far for
go and see them, for our own safety I took the matter in our own hands them and their parents. I very much
and more importantly for theirs. when we cleared a huge amount of appreciate and admire them for the
glass and litter from Victoria Lane way they faced this pandemic. Your
Councillor Audrey Nicoll and I have
off Victoria Road. The Council is parents and teachers are very proud
been busy making Torry cleaner
searching to find out who owns of you.
and safer by addressing littering
the lane, We would welcome any
and fly tipping. We called on a
feedback from folk who might know. Stay Safe
meeting with the council waste
Christian
and recycling manager and the What would resolve the problem
council environment manager to would be for everyone to stop callard@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Yvonne Allan
As I am sitting here typing this by a band of volunteers some of new build of a primary school and
article the sun is shining as it has whom are from Torry. community facilities for the area.
been for the past few days, and it is I believe our existing community
On the council side we will soon
very welcome after all the rain we centres are planning their
see work going on at Baxter Court. I
have had. reopenings after this long shut down
believe there is to be roofing works
Which brings me nicely on to the we have all suffered.
going on there and perhaps may
Tullos Community Garden and the have started by the time this paper Now that we are beginning to get a
wonderful work going on in there. reaches your door. This is just part bit of our freedom back, I once again
Keep up the good work and long of the ongoing commitment the city thank all of you for how Torry is
may the sunshine for you and council has to keeping its housing getting itself through the pandemic,
perhaps a little rain at night to water stock up to standard and to making supporting each other and looking
all your wonderful plants. sure that Torry is well embedded into out for each other as Torry folks do.
I was very proud recently to receive these programmes.
Stay well,
my Greyhope Bay Badge. This The massive gap has appeared
is another excellent project doing Yvonne Allan
where the Academy used to be
extremely well up at the Torry and a sad end of an era. However, yallan@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Battery. Again, very well supported we will soon see the start of the 07802 332725
12ELECTED OFFICIALS
MSPS
Audrey Nicoll
It is an honour to have been site. Maureen is certainly not a small The first priority for the new Scottish
selected by the people of Aberdeen act to follow! Government will be to continue
South and North Kincardine to be Looking forward, I am excited with navigating Scotland through the
their new MSP in the new Scottish
the opportunities being an MSP will Covid pandemic. The progress we
Parliament session. Whether or
bring to reach out to people and have all made this year has been
not you voted for me, I will do my
stand up for those who need help. fantastic, and we will hopefully
absolute best to ensure your voice
Having been a councillor for Torry continue to see restrictions lifted and
is heard and help with any issue you
may be experiencing. and Ferryhill since November 2019, a return to a more normal way of life.
I have been aware of local issues In the meantime, please continue to
I must first pay tribute to my facing residents, including “hot topic” follow safety advice such as FACTS.
predecessor, Maureen Watt, who issues such as proposals for an
for ten years stood up for the At the time of writing, I am still in the
Energy Transition Zone in St Fitticks
constituency at every opportunity process of settling in to Holyrood
Park and a housing development
in Parliament. Maureen’s impact and getting my office set up. If you
application on land along the
on Torry can be seen through the need to reach me with an issue you
waterfront near Victoria Bridge. I will
work she did with Scottish Water
be remaining as a Councillor until may have in the meantime, please
and local stakeholders to reduce
the local elections next year and will email me at audrey.nicoll.msp@
smell complaints, and the keyworker
be donating my salary to support parliament.scot and I will try to get
housing development now in place
at the former Craiginches prison local good causes. in touch with you as soon as I can.
Maureen Watt
Whatever your political views think of better representatives to MSP was helping resolve a person’s
may be, I think we can all agree stand up for Torry and Aberdeen at issue and getting that weight off their
that it was wonderful to see such Parliament. shoulders, giving them that peace
high levels of voter turnout at the of mind.
As I said in a previous edition, I
Scottish Parliament election – this is
decided not to seek re-election. For
democracy at its best. Although I am no longer an MSP I
ten years as MSP for Aberdeen
will continue to keep an eye on local
I was especially delighted to see that South and North Kincardine, I
issues facing people in Torry. Torry
Torry, and the people of the wider had the privilege of working with
constituency, selected Audrey Nicoll organisations to help make a was effectively “home” for my office,
as their new MSP. I have known difference to local peoples’ lives. It and I will miss having people drop in
Audrey for some time and had many was also a pleasure to meet with for help or a chat.
a conversation with her on local so many constituents from various I am incredibly grateful for the faith
issues facing Torry since she was backgrounds – you never knew
people placed in me as their MSP
elected as a local councillor. With what issue they may be coming to
and wish everyone the very best of
Audrey at Holyrood, and Stephen you to seek help on – and one of
luck for the future.
Flynn at Westminster, I cannot the most satisfying parts of being an
13Volunteers’ Mike Melvin, Volunteer Coordinator at
ACVO: “Woodside Free Press always
Week brightens my day and more so than
ever just now.”
Fay, Torry’s Vision: “It’s so easy to get involved, meet different
The first week in June is an important people and try new things because you’re in the middle of it.
week for shmu as it is Volunteers’ One of the main benefits of shmu for the community is being
Week! Everyone volunteering for able to coordinate across areas that might have similar things
shmu does an amazing job but happening. People can learn from things happening in other
particularly over the last year we areas and someone from a different community might have a
have been blown away by the solution to that problem so folk can learn from each other as
commitment and creativity our they’re meeting folk from outside their area. “I’ve found out a
volunteers have shown throughout lot about my community from being involved and it’s good to be
the pandemic. able to help others do that too.”
THIS YEAR IN NUMBERS;
Suzanne Poppe Project Administrator
2510 shmuFM shows “Volunteers are the very heart of shmu.
recorded at home I think it’s incredible we have so many
wonderful people willing to give up their
300 articles written by time to produce content for their local
communities and share their stories. I am
shmuPRESS volunteers also amazed at how well they have adapted
to volunteering from home, although I really
Over 70,000 magazines miss seeing them in the building and I hope
printed and delivered it’s not too long till we can meet again”
32 volunteers taking part Megan Rollo Youth Support Worker “shmu volunteers to
in training courses me are hardworking, creative and supportive individuals
who continue to support and give voices to local
50, 488 volunteering communities. The camaraderie is ever present and it is
hours amazing to see projects and ideas come to life through
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SHMU their dedication and hard work. The Youth Media Team
VOLUNTEERS? are important to me, they are constantly teaching me
We have a range of things new things and continue to amaze me every week with
comng up for our volunteers their perseverance over the past year and commitment
including new courses, a mentoring to the team. They make me so full of pride as they are so
programme and the launch of shmu
welcoming and supportive of each other, creating a safe
community TV.
space to learn and build confidence in a fun and engaging
Want to know more about
way. They are constantly making me laugh and has been
volunteering at shmu? Email
great to work with them over the wee while. Keep doing
tracy.ewing@shmu.org.uk
what you are doing, you are all fantastic!”
14St Fittick’s Park
The Edible Garden at the old St As we look to the future of building the barn. During the war the whole
Fittick’s depot is really taking shape. the St Fittick’s Edible Garden into site was a prohibited area and the
Our Saturday morning planting well-loved and fruitful community family had permits to get in and out
events have proved really popular. garden we are often asked about past the sentry guards. Uncle Bert
At the first planting session, Bob its history. Did you know that it was discovered many incendiary bombs
from ‘One Seed Forward’ kindly previously a dairy farm and called in the fields!
donated tatties and showed a keen South Kirkhill Farm? Fiona Singer,
Sadly, Alister sadly passed away
audience how to plant them in our whose grandparents used to run
raised beds before everyone had the farm recently got in touch to talk earlier this year in February and we
a go themselves. Great fun and I more about the farm’s history. It is are glad to share a bit of history with
am pleased to report the tatties are 100 years since Albert and Georgina you. A tree will be planted for Alister
doing well and growing fast! Next, Corbett moved into South Kirkhill Corbett at a memory tree planting
we held a soil testing workshop Farm as tenant farmers. The Laird event this autumn in the garden.
which was very interesting and well at the time was Colonel Davidson Please enjoy some fantastic photos
attended by the community. We of Balnagask House. The couple of the farm as it was and the family
have been overwhelmed by the had 5 children, two daughters, who lived there. Perhaps you
generous donations of seeds and Irene and Ethel, also three sons,
remember them and the farm?
plants from folk. Thanks to ‘Tullos Bert, Jimmy and Alister. Alister was
Community Garden’ and ‘Keep named after Colonel Davidson’s Thanks, to the Fiona for sharing
Growing Aberdeen’ who helped son, Captain Alister Davidson. your precious memories and photos.
plant more and gave away free Fiona’s grandparents worked the More of the history of the farm can
donations of seeds plants at our farm until 1969. Barley and neeps be found on our website https://
Saturday session last week. Our were grown to feed the cattle and
www.cultivateaberdeen.co.uk/
regular garden sessions are now the family also grew their own
stepping-back-in-time/
running Saturday mornings 11.30am vegetables whilst keeping chickens
and 1.30pm and Wednesday too. Georgina used to provide meals To find out more about getting
afternoons 2pm -4pm. Find out for the soldiers billeted at the bottom involved please email us at info@
more how you can get involved on of St Fittick’s Road during the war cultivateaberdeen.co.uk. or www.
our Facebook page or our website. and put on concerts and dances in facebook.com/cultivateABDN
13Community Contacts
Aberdeen City Council Helpline - 0800 0304 713 Torry Medical
YOUR LOCAL Practice
ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE:
8am – 6pm
ALCOHOL
Virtual School Helpline - 01224 523322 Local Councillors
Contact: 0345 337 9977
Alcoholics Anonymous - 0800 9177 650 Councillor Ciaran McRae
ALCOHOL
Drinkline - 0300 123 1110 01224 346630
Alcoholics Anonymous - 0800 9177 650 Holburn Medical Practice
Drinkline - 0300 123 1110
CRIME cimcrae@aberdeencity.gov.uk
01224 400800
Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111 Local Councillors
Councillor Gordon Graham
CRIME
DRUGS
Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111 01224 523594
Alcohol and Drugs Action Helpline Councillor Alan Donnelly
ggraham@aberdeencity.gov.uk
DRUGS
01224 594700 or 07927192706 07747795870
Alcohol and Drugs Action Helpline Councillor Jackie Dunbar
Narcotics Anonymous Adonnelly@aberdeencity.gov.uk
01224 594700 or 07927192706 01224 522522
0300 999 1212 jdunbar@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Narcotics Anonymous Councillor Christian Allard
DENTIST
0300 999 1212 Councillor David Cameron
Callard@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Emergency - G-Dens - 111 07876760760
Councillor Yvonne Allan
DENTIST
Emergency - G-Dens - 111
DOCTORS Dacameron@aberdeencity.gov.uk
07802332725
NHS 24 Emergency - 111 Yallan@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Councillor John Wheeler
DOCTORS
NHS 24 Emergency - 111
POLICE 07500999593
Audrey Nicoll MSP
Jowheeler@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Non-Emergency - 101
POLICE audrey.nicoll.msp@parliament.scot
Non-Emergency - 101
ELECTRICITY Councillor Steve Delaney
If you have a power-cut - 105 01224 346614
ELECTRICITY DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT
Sdelaney@aberdeencity.gov.uk
GAS
If you have a power-cut - 105 Domestic Abuse is not acceptable. It is not your fault
Gas Emergency - 0800 111 999
GAS and you are ABUSE
DOMESTIC not alone. Domestic Abuse is when you
SUPPORT
WATER
Gas Emergency - 0800 111 999 are hurt, bullied or frightened by: Your husband or
Scottish Water Emergency - 0800 0778 778 Domestic Abuse is not acceptable. It is not your fault
WATER wife, your boyfriend or girlfriend,
HOUSING and you are not alone.Domestic Abuse is when you
Scottish Water Emergency - 0800 0778 778 your current or ex-partner
Emergency Repairs - 03000 200 292 are hurt, bullied or frightened by: Your husband or
HOUSING Their behaviour
wife, your can or
boyfriend be;girlfriend,
controlling, physical, sexual,
Emergency
Family Planning
Repairs
- 0345
- 03000
337 9900
200 292 financial or emotional.
your current or ex-partner
Mental Health Aberdeen
Family Planning - 01224
- 0345 337 9900 573892 Help
Their and support
behaviour can be; controlling, physical, sexual,
Breathing
Mental Space
Health - 0800 838
Aberdeen 587 573892
- 01224 There areorservices
financial available to support you, and
emotional.
Samaritans - Need
Breathing Space to talk
- 0800 838 587 they are still open. You do not have to wait for an
Help and support
01224 574 488 or 116 123 emergency to get help. Tell someone you trust
Samaritans - Need to talk There are services available to support you, and
SOCIAL
01224 574WORK
488 or 116 123 or contact:
they are still open. You do not have to wait for an
Adult Protection - 0800 731 5520 Police Scotland
emergency to get help. Tell someone you trust
SOCIAL WORK
Joint
Adult Child Protection
Protection - 0800Team
731 5520 If
or contact: danger and it is an emergency, call 999.
you are in
01224 306877 or 0800 731 5520 For non-emergencies call 101
Joint Child Protection Team Police Scotland
Aberdeen City or
01224 306877 Carers
0800 Service - 01224 914036
731 5520 National
If you are Domestic Abuse
in danger and it is Helpline Free and
an emergency, call 999.
Age Scotland - 0800 1244 222 confidential advice. Open
For non-emergencies call 101 to all. 24 hours a day.
VSA Carers Support - 01224 358631
Telephone: 0800 027 1234. Website: sdafmh.org.uk
Age Scotland
CFINE - 0800 1244 222
01224 596156 National Domestic Abuse Helpline Free and
Financial Advice at CFINE 01224 531386 Grampian
confidentialWomen’s Aid to all. 24 hours a day.
advice. Open
CFINE 01224 596156
Pathways 01224 682 939 Telephone: 01224
0800 027 1234.Website:
593381. Website: sdafmh.org.uk
Financial Advice at CFINE 01224 531386
Citizens Advice 01224 586255 grampian-womens-aid.com
Pathways 01224 682 939 Grampian Women’s Aid
Citizens Advice 01224 586255 Rape Crisis01224
Telephone: Grampian
593381.Telephone:
Website: 01224 590932.
Mastrick Doctors Website: rapecrisisgrampian.co.uk
grampian-womens-aid.com
01224 662933 Rape Crisis Grampian Telephone: 01224 590932.
Website: rapecrisisgrampian.co.ukYou can also read
