Pupils at an Aberdeen school have designed a colourful bench as part of a project to promote and celebrate the city’s third sector.
Langstane Housing Association is the most recent organisation to sign up for the Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisation’s (ACVO) friendly bench initiative.
The project – a partnership with the city council – was launched in 2016 and aims to promote the city’s green spaces and cultural activity, support local social enterprises and encourage people to express themselves.
There will be 40 individually-designed benches in total once all are painted, with six already at Aberdeen Beach and several in city parks.
Students of St Machar Academy, all working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award, designed and painted a bench for Langstane, which can now be found in Seaton Park.
They were helped by school partnership officer Linzi Wright and the council’s community engagement officer Stephen Bly.
Langstane is a registered charity that help provides quality housing and works to create social inclusion and sustainable communities.
Chief executive Helen Gauld said she was very pleased with the result of the St Machar pupils’ project.
“Working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award the students and staff have overcome various hurdles to complete the friendly bench with the support of Linzi and Stephen,” she said.
“We are delighted to report it is now finished and takes pride of place in Seaton Park, Aberdeen. Well done to everyone involved.”
It is hoped the brightly-coloured seats will improve the relationship communities have with charities working in their area.
Participating organisations are encouraged to create an eye-catching concept that reflect the work it does.
These benches will then help raise awareness of the support and services the third sector provides in Aberdeen.
Other charities that have taken part include VSA, Cornerstone, Alzheimer Scotland and Mental Health Aberdeen.
Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (Chas) marked its fifth anniversary in 2016 by designing a red landmark bench at the Beach Esplanade.
