A north-east tourist attraction has received its first slice of funding as work progresses on an ambitious £1.4million restoration project.
Aden Country Park, in Mintlaw, has been awarded £149,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to both enhance and conserve its cultural and architectural heritage, with a view to restoring it as a “prime” visitor destination.
The cash will be added to a £1.4million pot that Aberdeenshire Council – which owns the park – hopes to amass with further applications for grant funding.
It is the local authority’s first major venture at Aden for 40 years and the priority is to boost visitor numbers by increasing the opportunities for learning.
Buchan area committee chairman Stuart Pratt has welcomed the project’s development.
He said: “Aden Country Park is an important resource for both the local community and visitors to the area, and it’s great to know we are a step closer to preserving the park for future generations to enjoy.”
Lenny Pirie, the community group’s vice-chairman, added that Aden Park represented “immense value”.
He explained: “Aside from the economic value and the positive impact on physical and mental health, there are also social, biodiversity and nature benefits that will be enhanced through the Heritage Lottery funding support.”
The million-pound-plus scheme will also upgrade the existing children’s play area and create outdoor classrooms for youngsters.
Community group, Friends of Aden Country Park, which aims to safeguard the attraction’s future through volunteer-driven initiatives, last night described themselves as “keen” to get involved.
Chairman Ian Bosbery said: “We are keen to play our part in the work to bring about the next phase of the project, which calls for significant volunteer involvement, and would encourage anyone willing to get involved to join us in undertaking the work.”
Mintlaw’s local MSP, Gillian Martin, has described the park as a “jewel” in Buchan.
She added: “When the bold plans for Aden Country Park are realised, it will be an even greater tourist attraction, and provide a fantastic leisure space that can be enjoyed by local people of all ages for generations.”