A gardening guru joined school children yesterday to officially open a community orchard by planting the project’s final tree.
Beechgrove Garden star Jim McColl visited Hatton of Fintray for a green-fingered celebration.
Apple and plum trees which will stretch 20ft into the air have been planted alongside blackcurrant, redcurrant and gooseberry bushes beside the tennis courts in the village.
The project has been a labour of love involving a range of local groups including the local community council, community association, primary school and Aberdeenshire Council.
Fintray Community Council secretary, Mel Roberts, said: “It has been something that a lot of people have been involved in.
“We are fortunate we have a very active community, as Hatton of Fintray is a very small place.
“The idea is that once the trees and bushes come to fruit, they are there for anyone to pick.
“It’s really quite an exciting project.”
Yesterday’s celebration including the burial of a time capsule by the orchard which was filled with photographs and other memorabilia.
And the youngsters were given advice from Mr McColl on how the fruit trees and bushes can be looked after to help make sure they are still there for generations to come.
He said: “A garden is a great opportunity for learning and it’s so important to involve children from the start.
“This is a project for the future – their future – and will help them understand what pleasure there is in a garden and what fantastic produce they can grow here on their own doorstep in the north-east of Scotland.”