Disabled horse riders in the north-east could miss out on crucial therapy if their local club is stopped from building a new centre.
Aberdeen Riding Club is seeking approval for a new home at Nether Anguston, Peterculter, as the 10-year lease at its current base, Oldform Farm, draws to an end.
The plans – featuring two indoor riding arenas, a viewing gallery and stabling for almost 60 horses – have yet to be considered by the city council.
However, bosses fear that if the application is not successful the non-for-profit organisation will have to fold.
And that could also leave the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) out in the cold.
The local branch has used the amenities at the centre for seven years and more than 50 disabled children and adults receive therapy there every week.
Ed Bracher, chief executive of the charity, said the Aberdeen branch was a vital community resource for the city and the surrounding area.
He added: “If the centre had to cease operating this would be a devastating blow for riders and their families.
“The multiple benefits that RDA delivers – physiotherapy, enhanced health and well-being, a chance to achieve goals and access to the outdoors – make it uniquely beneficial to people with a wide range of disabilities, and we hope that Aberdeen Riding Club is successful in finding a new site so that the work of Aberdeen RDA can continue.”
Sally McCarthy, director of Aberdeen Riding Club, said the centre had kept the RDA in mind when looking for new premises.
She added: “It is really important to me that the RDA have access to Aberdeen Riding Club as it is a brilliant charity which makes a huge difference to a lot of disabled people’s lives.”
The club also provides a number of funding places for riders with health problems or financial difficulties who may not otherwise be able to enjoy the sport.
Ms McCarthy added: “It is a very important aspect of Aberdeen Riding Club that we also invest back into the local community in a variety of ways and that people continue to have access to horses.”
The plans for the new centre have been submitted to Aberdeen City Council.
Bosses say the Nether Anguston development is “an exciting opportunity, not only for Aberdeen Riding Club, but for the future of equestrianism in the north-east”.