A north-east country park is in line for a 25,000 visitor centre upgrade to maintain its status as the “jewel in Buchan’s crown”.
Aden Country Park in Mintlaw is one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions, acting as a “magnet” for tourists and locals alike.
Now Aberdeenshire Council has published a notice of tender for £25,000 of refurbishment work for the park’s visitor centre and shop.
Linda Bolger, from the Friends of Aden group, welcomed the investment and said it is vital to maintaining the park’s reputation.
“It’s totally and completely a positive step,” she said. “We are delighted Aberdeenshire Council are doing the work to enhance what we’ve already got.
“Our visitor numbers are going up and up and up, and we are one of the busiest attractions in Aberdeenshire. We’re so well supported by the local community.”
The tender notice put out by the local authority suggests the refurbishment will include the replacement of the centre’s ceilings and upgrading of insulation as well as converting a toilet into a small tea preparation area.
New lighting and a replacement gable window will also be fitted. The contract is worth an estimated £25,000 and the deadline for submissions is April 20.
Mrs Bolger added: “Some of the buildings including the shop, which we run, are very damp and very cold. The shop is not fit for purpose for volunteers from Willowbank to be in there five days a week.
“This will repair and renovate the shop – it’s a very positive thing for us.”
Local resident and Central Buchan councillor Jim Ingram echoed those sentiments. Mr Ingram said: “It is a jewel in the
Buchan crown and it acts as a magnet, bringing people into the central Buchan area.
“It’s an economic advantage for Mintlaw and the surrounding communities – people come in and spend their money both in the shop and in Mintlaw itself.”
He added: “But in its own right it’s a great attraction – it brings in youngsters and puts them in touch with the outdoor world away from their keyboards.”