Beginning as a quick way to check on neighbours during the lockdown, one Aberdeen community’s plans have spiralled into an internet phenomenon.
Every week, residents of Norfolk Road in Broomhill get on their dancing shoes and take their bins out – all while performing complex choreography to brighten the days of those who live nearby.
The group has been staging the stunts every Sunday at 6pm, donning costumes and dancing to tracks including Tina Turner’s Proud Mary, school disco favourite Cotton Eye Joe by Rednex and Making Your Mind Up by Bucks Fizz.
It grew from a small social network group which was set up to ensure those on the street knew they could ask for help amid the pandemic.
But some of its members found that others were reluctant to reach out as they didn’t feel they knew their neighbours well enough.
They started performing their Bins Oot Shenanigans every week as a way to bridge this gap, bringing everyone together for a teatime treat while maintaining social distancing rules.
Videos of the stunts have racked up hundreds of views online, and the organisers are hoping to use the spotlight to raise money for social enterprise CFine.
The charity runs a food bank and contact-free emergency delivery service to ensure those in need do not go hungry.
Andy Redman, one of the Norfolk Road residents, said: “By doing the performances, the ‘players’ and the supporters have got to know each other a lot better and we’d hope everyone could reach out for help a little bit easier as a result.
“We decided to ask for donations for CFine as one of us was already volunteering at the charity and we wanted to help others who were local, but not in as fortunate position as ourselves in being able to organise a morale booster.”
CFine chief executive Lisa Duthie said: “Community initiatives like the Bins Oot Shenanigans are proof that we are able to alleviate the negative effects of Covid-19 by showing a little more kindness and care to those around us.
“CFine is delighted to be the supported cause of this fantastic group and we are grateful for the generosity of the residents and everyone else who contributed.”
Donations to the Bins Oot Shenanigans fundraiser can be made via the CFine website.