Fred at Aberdeen Voice, Author at Aberdeen Voice

Fred at Aberdeen Voice

TFL Creates Conservation Opportunities For Young People

Sep 282015

Phil Duffield from Scottish Power Foundation (centre) meets Trees for Life volunteers (left-right) Sam Manning, Grace Burger, Emily Warner and Rebecca Schmidt at Dundreggan Conservation Estate

With thanks to Richard Bunting.

Award-winning conservation charity Trees for Life is running a new project to develop high-quality conservation volunteering opportunities for young people, thanks to a grant of £20,000 from the ScottishPower Foundation.

Those benefitting from the initiative include students from Aberdeen University, Peterborough Open Awards Centre, Glasgow University and Leicestershire’s Brooksby Melton College.

“This generous grant from ScottishPower Foundation is excellent news for the Caledonian Forest and its rare species, and for dozens of young people who will be able to study and carry out practical hands-on conservation work – including the establishment of native woodlands and managing land for wildlife,” said Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Executive Director.

“The funding will enable us to make our project accessible to the widest range of young people – particularly those facing disadvantages and financial barriers to participation.”

Ann Loughrey, Trustee and Executive Officer at the ScottishPower Foundation, said:

“The ScottishPower Foundation is committed to supporting community programmes that inspire young people to get more out of life, whilst giving something back to their local community.

“Through the Trees for Life initiative, the young people involved will gain practical skills that will support their career ambitions, as well as valuable life skills. We are delighted to support Trees for Life and wish all the young people involved every success for the future.”

The project will benefit 70 young people aged 18-25 years old during 2015. Through both week-long courses and long-term volunteering placements, the young people will be able to develop new skills and strengthen their employability.

Activities will include the planting of native trees and plants to expand woodland habitat, collecting and propagating seeds in a specialised tree nursery at Trees for Life’s acclaimed Dundreggan Conservation Estate near Loch Ness, and carrying out biodiversity surveys.

Although only a fraction of the former Caledonian Forest now survives, Trees for Life volunteers have helped to plant more than one million trees at dozens of locations across the Highlands, and to create 10,000 acres of new forest. The charity has pledged to establish one million more trees by planting and natural regeneration by 2018.

For more information about Trees for Life, see www.treesforlife.org.uk or call 01309 691292.

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Exclusive Stonehaven Hogmanay Package Unveiled

Aberdeenshire, Articles 2 Responses »

Sep 282015

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR

Stonehaven Fireballs - credit pic Paul Mitchell

Stonehaven Fireballs – Photo credit: Paul Mitchell

Legendary Scottish pop group Deacon Blue will headline Stonehaven’s Open Air in the Square this Hogmanay.
But those travelling to the event won’t need a ship called Dignity to see the top pop act: the Aberdeen Altens Hotel has unveiled an exclusive travel and accommodation package to allow revellers to party the night away without any stress.

The Stonehaven Package includes a delicious three-course buffet meal, transport to and from Stonehaven, entry into the event, and traditional stovies on return.

Tickets are available from just £159.00 per person, for a two-night stay arriving on December 30 or 31.

With additional acts still to be announced, Stonehaven’s Hogmanay celebrations are set to rival those of major cities, building upon previous years which have seen Simple Minds and the Human League visit the picturesque coastal town in the north east of Scotland.

The town will also once again host the iconic Fireballs Ceremony to bring in the bells, during which dozens of locals will take to the streets to swing homemade fireballs through the air in an amazing and unforgettable display.

Built from a wire cage attached to a chain and filled with combustible material, the swingers spin and twirl the flaming balls to ward off the evil spirits of the past year as they parade through the town.

Kris Manship, general manager of The Aberdeen Altens Hotel, says,

“Deacon Blue are undoubtedly one of Scotland’s greatest musical exports, so to have them playing at the Hogmanay celebrations in Stonehaven is a real coup.

“Fans will be travelling from all across the country to spend the night dancing to anthems like Dignity and Real Gone Kid, and witness the incredible spectacle of the fireballs, and as the official hotel partner we will be able to provide them with an easy way to attend on the night.

“Our Stonehaven Hogmanay packages have been extremely popular in recent years, with many guests commenting that it takes all the pressure out of the evening, allowing them to relax and have fun at New Year. We look forward to welcoming many more to The Aberdeen Altens Hotel this year.”

For those wishing to spend an evening in the city itself, the Aberdeen Altens Hotel will also offer a special package for a New Year’s Gala Hogmanay Ball. Guests will be able to dance the night away to the incredible sounds of Velvet Five, as well as enjoying a welcome drink on arrival, sumptuous five course meal and traditional stovies served throughout the night. At just £90.00 per guest (or from £125.00 including bed and breakfast), it’s the perfect way to bring in the New Year with friends.

To book your Hogmanay celebrations at the Aberdeen Altens Hotel, call 0871 376 9002 or email aberdeenaltenschristmas@thehotelcollection.co.uk

For more information, visit http://www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/hotels/aberdeen-altens-hotel/christmas-new-year/new-years-celebration/

The Aberdeen Altens Hotel is part of The Hotel Collection, which has two other venues in the city – The Aberdeen Skyway Hotel and The Caledonian Hotel. There are 446 bedrooms across the three venues, and each has conferencing and banqueting facilities. The Aberdeen Altens Hotel also has a health and leisure club. Further information is available at www.thehotelcollection.co.uk/aberdeen

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The Saga Of Cove Harbour Continues

Aberdeenshire, Environment 21 Responses »

Sep 252015

By Jim Adam, Cove Fishermen’s Association.

On 25th April 2014, the fishermen of Cove were issued with an ultimatum by Mr Pahled Kolhe via his solicitors, McKinnons, to remove their vessels and all associated equipment from the harbour within 14 days.

Otherwise, as then stated, Mr Kolhe “may then be forced to take legal steps for its removal.”

Needless to say no boats or equipment were removed from the harbour in the intervening period, neither did any court proceedings commence.

In the interim Mr Kolhe changed his solicitors from McKinnons to Stronachs and subsequently contracted two separate site surveys of the harbour area to be carried out, firstly by DM Hall ( their report was never completed) and subsequently by CKD Galbraith. The report from the latter indicated the majority of vessels and equipment supposedly within Kolhe’s property.

On the 26th August 2015, a second ultimatum was issued via Kolhe’s solicitors, Stronachs, stating that the fishermen:

“have no rights or title to store fishing vessels or equipment” on their clients property and

“if these fishing vessels, equipment and winch huts are not removed within 14 days of this date (26th August, 2015) our client will commence court proceedings against your clients to enable him to obtain vacant possession of his land”

In addition to this demand, Kolhe insists in the same letter that there shall be no parking of vehicles in the harbour area otherwise he:

“will have no alternative but to raise proceedings to prevent this.”

To support this view, Kolhe has had a metal sign erected at the entrance to the harbour area, with the wording – “Cove Harbour Private Property”.

Generations of fishermen have worked out of Cove harbour for the best part of 4 hundred years. The harbour was a natural inlet which provided a safe haven for the men to beach their vessels and to land catches as well as provide areas to store, dry and maintain their fishing gear. These activities have been pursued continuously, without hinder, ‘til present,

Within the last 150 years, the harbour has undergone upgrade in the form of two piers being constructed as well as a metalled access road, the latter being funded via donations from the local community and by Kincardineshire council.

The harbour has always been a great attraction for visitors, either simply to take in the fantastic scenery or to pursue recreational activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, photography, rock climbing, fishing, rock pooling, boating, picnics, swimming, to name but a few.

It is therefore somewhat concerning to think that there is an individual attempting to gain “vacant possession” of the majority of the land and shingle beach at the harbour and who seems hell-bent on preventing people from accessing the harbour by car or other vehicle either to carry out their business or simply for recreational purposes.

Who knows what the final outcome will be – but for the time being no boats or equipment are being removed and fishermen will continue to go about their business as usual.

Note: the majority of the boats at the harbour are registered and licenced fishing vessels and people do actually derive a living from their fishing activities, which is now under threat.

To demonstrate your support for the fishermen and for your rights to continue to use Cove harbour, you can post your views and sign the petition on Facebook page ‘Save the fishing boats of Cove harbour‘.

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American Ultra: Andrew Watson Reviews

Articles, Opinion No Responses »

Sep 252015

Action comedy American Ultra is a novel mix of fighting, explosions and laughs, but falls short of being something you’ll remember for any great length of time. Aberdeen Voice’s Andrew Watson watches this stoner/sleeper cell mashup.

There weren’t too many people in Cineworld at the Queens Links during the Tuesday night showing, which was probably standard given that the film is nearing the end of its screen cycle. Casting-wise the composition of its starring actors is a curious one.

First you have a guy primarily known for his voiceovers as protagonist parrot ‘Blu’ in Rio and Rio 2.

On the other hand, as distinctive as her voice maybe, you have the supporting actress in the form of Kristen Stewart who is primarily pictured as the love interest pin-up ‘Bella’ in the Twilight saga.

Whilst the latter plays doting girlfriend, Phoebe, the former is dopey druggie, Mike. They reside in a small town in West Virginia where Mike works as a convenience store clerk.

It turns out there’s a part of his mind compartmentalised, in hibernation and waiting for activation. This comes in the form of a CIA operative visiting his store and using code words which at first seem just like gibberish. However, when they sink in he becomes an unlikely combat expert who can dispatch an opponent with a spoon.

It’s a tad like Matt Damon in the Bourne films, but doesn’t take itself half as seriously. The title also suggests a word play on ‘Project MKUltra’, a series of experiments by the CIA which began in the early ‘50s and basically aimed to achieve mind control.

There are two factions at war in this film. There is Mike, of the Ultra program; and members of the Tough Guy project. Good guy versus bad guys. It’s judged that Mike must be eliminated so this is done in the guise of a supposed ‘super typhoid’ outbreak, shutting down the small town completely.

There are some genuinely interesting facets of Mike’s backstory. Like how he was a ‘three strike delinquent’, volunteering for the program but having his memories erased when it was scrapped. Or how Phoebe’s an undercover agent tasked only as his handler, but genuinely falls in love with him during her assignment.

There’s also a clever little episode within the closing scenes when Mike finally proposes to Phoebe. He’s spent the entirety of the film seeking an appropriate time to do so, and this takes place in front of several squad cars. One taser shoots, crisscrossing into him, as unto her. This Romeo & Juliet are star crossed lovers, indeed.

Other than that, though, some of it was rather corny and sometimes the line between silly and serious was so blurred that I didn’t know exactly how I was meant to react scene on scene.

Having enjoyed those facets of the characterisation, don’t get wound up in them and expect any serious development, just focus on the laughs and the unlikely tools of combat. For example, the frying pan used for JFK-esque bullet trajectory.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas Go Purple For Clan

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Sep 252015

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus Mix.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas is supporting the Go Purple for CLAN Cancer Support campaign which is running throughout the month of September.

Supporters of a north-east Camphill charity have brought in thousands of pounds to help kit out its new care home.

Staff will be resplendent in purple for the next seven days as they come together to celebrate the work of the popular charity.

Go Purple for CLAN is held every year and sees people throughout north and north-east Scotland adopt the colour for a day.

From lighting up a building, wearing purple and planning a purple party to dyeing your hair, selling purple cakes and creating a purple window or reception display in your business or shop, there is no shortage of innovative ways in which people can get involved.

The month-long event was first held in 2013 as part of the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations, with schools across the region, as well as Marischal College turning purple in support.

The shopping mall’s support of the campaign is the latest in a host of events and activities that it has completed on behalf of CLAN after it selected it as its chosen charity for the year.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“The centre has a close relationship with the charity and we’re delighted to be involved with this year’s Go Purple for CLAN campaign.

“Our staff will be head to toe in purple for the next week and we’re looking forward to playing our part in helping raise awareness of the valuable work the charity does for those affected by cancer in the north and north-east of Scotland.”

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the staff at Bon Accord & St Nicholas for getting involved with Go Purple for CLAN this year and I look forward to popping into the centre to see them in action over the next couple of days.

“This year’s campaign has seen people from all across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland adopt the colour in support of CLAN. It’s been a fantastic awareness raiser for us and will be a big help in allowing as many people as possible to know about the work of CLAN and how it may be able to help.”

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores. Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

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Open Day Raises Thousands For New Care Home

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Sep 252015

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus Mix.

Supporters of a north-east Camphill charity have brought in thousands of pounds to help kit out its new care home.

More than 400 people helped Simeon Care for the Elderly celebrate the completion of the facility at a Strawberry Tea Open Day, raising £2,000 in the process.

The money will be used to buy furniture for the charity’s care home, which features dementia-friendly design and a commitment to energy efficient technology.

Construction of the building in Bieldside, Aberdeen, began in January last year and prompted the biggest fundraising drive in the charity’s history.

Gayle Johnston, Simeon’s fundraising manager, said:

“Life in Simeon is very busy preparing for moving into the new home next week. Our Open Day was such a fun experience, the sun shone and there was an incredible atmosphere while the public were seeing our new care home and Golden Garden for the first time. We were delighted to show people what they’ve helped us achieve and we have been so touched by the feedback. The day was a significant milestone for our charity.

“We raised £2,000 on the day which was the icing on the cake. Thanks you to everyone who joined us and made this a special day. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of individuals, charitable trusts and local businesses over the last three years. From coffee mornings to runs and ceilidhs to company fundraising, every effort has made such a difference to us. None of this would have been possible without their support and we would like to extend our thanks to them.”

The Open Day was part of the MBC festival and was done in conjunction with their neighbours, Cairnlee House, a Camphill School community for young adults with learning disabilities. The Golden Garden is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

Simeon, one of the six Camphill charities, launched its New Lease of Life appeal to help fund the new care home, which consists of 23 en-suite bedrooms. The charity is currently home to 18 older people, with the new care home enabling it to increase capacity and build on its services to the elderly.

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ACYC To Hold Local Council By-election Hustings.

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Sep 252015

With thanks to Martin Carle, Public Relations Officer, Aberdeen City Youth Council.

Aberdeen’s City Youth Council is to hold a hustings event on Monday 28th September for the upcoming local council by-elections.
The by-elections (in Midstocket/Rosemount and George Street/Harbour) are fast approaching, and the hustings event is a fantastic chance to see all the different parties involved having their say.

The event is open to the public and the information for the evening is as follows:

Location- Aberdeen City Town House
Time- 6.30-8.45pm

Light Refreshment Available.

The Youth Council has previously held a hustings for the by-elections within the Hilton and Kincorth areas in July.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Musicians Sought For Opening Of New Roof Garden

Articles, Information No Responses »

Sep 252015

With thanks to Paul Smith, Citrus Mix.

The new-look roof garden at the St Nicholas Centre is set to be unveiled with a special event on Saturday, October 3, and acoustic bands and singer/songwriters are sought to ensure the opening strikes the right chord.

Business organisation Aberdeen Inspired and Bon Accord & St Nicholas are on the lookout for acts to play acoustically within the area’s bandstand at the family friendly event to help form a programme of entertainment to welcome guests to the garden in style.

Plans for the roof garden were announced earlier this year, with over £200,000 in funding secured for the project, including support from Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Forward, Aberdeen Greenspace, Bon Accord & St Nicholas, Atkins and Creative Core.

The area has been earmarked for a number of additions in an effort to encourage more people to use the city space on a regular basis. At its heart will be a children’s play area, with environmental charity Aberdeen Forward committing £25,000 to this section of the garden.

Craig Stevenson (pictured), manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’re busy finalising plans for a family friendly event on October 3 which will officially relaunch the new roof garden and we want music to be a big part of the day.

“We’re looking for any acoustic acts – both singer-songwriters and bands – to join us to play a set within the garden’s revamped bandstand. We want the day to be a real celebration of the work that has gone into the space over the last couple of months as well as a chance to showcase the space to its most important stakeholders – the people who will use it on a regular basis.

“This is a space for the local community to enjoy and we want as many people as possible to get involved with its re-opening. If you have any ideas for performances, food stalls or other types of entertainment, then we’d be delighted to hear from you.”

Interested acts are asked to get in touch with The Roof Garden team on theroofgardenabz@gmail.com. Further details on the garden’s opening event will be announced in due course.

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Ness Addition To Bon Accord & St Nicholas

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Sep 252015

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Cirtus Mix.

Ness Clothing and Accessories, an established independent Scottish retailer, is set to inject a Scottish twist into Bon Accord & St Nicholas.

Ness will open its first dedicated north-east store in the St Nicholas mall later this month (September) – and will offer a range of womenswear and iconic lifestyle staples.

The popular store was founded in Edinburgh in 1996 and takes inspiration from the contemporary feel and flavour of its birthplace.

Ness’s collection of tailored tweed blazers, vibrant knitwear, iconic bags and simple, smart accessories makes it a beacon for fashionistas and it will be the latest addition to Bon Accord & St Nicholas which is marking its 25th birthday this year.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“Ness will be a fantastic addition to our retail offering at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, and we are delighted to be welcoming them into the centre at the end of this month.

“The store will be located within a unit of St Nicholas which will really enhance the mall’s fashion presence. The outlet will stock a full range of stylish womenswear and lifestyle must-haves and I’m sure there will be a lot of anticipation building between now and its opening day. This is Ness’s first store in the north-east and we are delighted to be playing such an important part in its expansion plans.”

Adrienne Macaulay of Ness, added:

“We are very excited to be opening in Aberdeen, where we already have a wonderful customer base.”

The centres, which attract an average of 270,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further information on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

Chefs And Musicians Food And Music Day At Tarland

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Sep 252015

With thanks to Annie McKee.

The finale of this exciting Food and Music Day will be a concert with world-renowned, local folk superstars, Old Blind Dogs.

Tarland is well-placed for local produce and a thriving music scene, which will both be showcased in our second Tarland Food and Music Day. This festival will be held on Saturday 26th September (with events kicking off on Friday 25th September), at venues throughout the village, including the wonderful two year-old community garden (recently featured on the Beechgrove Garden).

A weekend of fantastic music is planned, with performances all around the village.

World-renowned local fiddler Paul Anderson will kick off the activities on Friday 25th September with a guided local walk, featuring musical interludes and local heritage tales (2-5pm, advanced booking required by emailing: tarlandfoodandmusicday@gmail.com).

Paul will also feature in the exciting evening concert with popular Perthshire fiddler, Patsy Reid and friends, including the pianist Andy Thorburn, Shooglenifty guitarist Ewan MacPherson, and drummer Signy Jakobsdóttir (£12/£10 MacRobert Hall, doors open from 7.30pm; Deeside Brewery bar). Local musicians are invited to join Patsy and friends for workshops in the Upper Hall on Saturday morning (10-12; £5 per hour).

The Food and Music Day itself will open with the established food and local produce market in the MacRobert Hall (10am – 12 midday, free entry), featuring Crannach Bakery, Mortlach Game, Deeside Brewery, Cambus o’ May Cheese, Wark Farm, Tarland Community Garden produce and much more. Morning teas and cakes will be ably provided by Cromar Senior Citizens Association.

An exciting game cookery demonstration will be provided by award-winning Chef Raj from India on the Green, Ballater, sponsored by the Scottish Natural Heritage initiative, ‘Scotland’s Natural Larder’ (2.30-4pm; free entry). Lunch will be provided by H.M. Sheridan Butchers, firing up the barbeque at Tarland Primary School, with India on the Green providing curry, rice and pakora lunch boxes in the MacRobert Hall (12 midday – 2pm).

Visitors can learn to put the ‘oomph’ back into their day with a talk by Torphins-based nutritionist, Dr. Chris Fenn (£3, Upper MacRobert Hall, 1 – 2pm).

Tarland Community Garden will be open within ‘Scotland’s Gardens’ scheme, including music by singer/songwriter Megan Albon, plus talks by James Reid from Tap O’ Noth Permaculture and Yvonne Davidson from Tarland Bee Group (£3, 2-5pm).

Aberdeen’s-own African drumming group ‘Drummin Aboot’ will be holding workshops in Tarland Primary School for both children and adults (4-6pm, £5 per hour), preceding a performance in the MacRobert Hall (6.15-6.45, free entry) – not to be missed!

The finale of this exciting Food and Music Day will be a concert with world-renowned, local folk superstars, Old Blind Dogs.

With a current line up featuring Jonny Hardie (fiddle, guitar and vocals), Aaron Jones (bouzouki, guitar, vocals), Ali Hutton (Border pipes, whistles, vocals) and Donald Hay (drums, percussion), the Tarland audience is sure to be in for a musical feast.

Ticket price includes hearty soup supper from Tillypronie-based chef Carol Eagles, and Deeside Brewery will be on hand with their tasty craft beers and ales (£15/£12; doors open 7pm, concert at 8pm).

The full programme of events can be found at www.tarland.org.uk (following links to the Food and Music Day) and all tickets can be booked by emailing tarlandfoodandmusicday@gmail.com or bought in person from Tarland Spar and Paper Shop and Strachans, Aboyne, at the Tarland Local Produce Market and on-the-door.

Please note that advanced booking is required for the music workshops and strongly advised for all concerts! The Tarland Development Group looks forward to welcoming you to the feasting and music-making on 26th September!

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