The Greens

This commenced September 2020 initially under the Phoenix Fund for £10,000, with Fiona Presley submitting the application and then David Cobban leading The Strategic Regeneration Town Centre Fund for £140,437.50 both managed by Alistair Rhind of Aberdeenshire Council.

The project brought about the transfer of the Greens under Ballater Community Trust liability and maintenance responsibility, with Aberdeenshire Council retaining the grass cutting, arboreal work and licencing of events.

The project required two phases, firstly the agreement between Ballater Community Trust and Aberdeenshire Council which was managed by Susan Stewart and resulted in the Memorandum of Understanding setting out both of our commitments. Secondly the delivery of the project was undertaken by David Cobban.

It enabled a total refurbishment of the water fountain, flower beds, lighting, tables, seats, signage, pathways and the re-establishing of our village flagpole. Ballater Community Trust, however, retain the annual greens aeration/feed responsibility.         

The Long Green has received several congratulatory comments from both residents and visitors and the band of volunteers who maintain the flower beds would be pleased to hear of anyone wanting to join them.   Wendy Cobban in Brakely Gift Room and Gillian Sinclair at Park House can advise you further.  Obviously an email to info@royal-deeside.org.uk  is a further option.

The hanging baskets and tubs perfectly tie in to the floral town centre upgrade David created. However, it is important to note that the street enhancement came from the Princes Trust as part of the “Shop Front” project which David and Wendy (Cobban) manage in conjunction with the many businesses and numerous anonymous personal contributions on an annual basis.