Dec 152011
 

Aberdeen City’s ‘Tree for Every Citizen’ scheme, the proposed deer cull, and the case for meadowland preservation are examined in an extensive report issued by campaigner Suzanne Kelly.

This report examines a controversial plan by Aberdeen City Council to attempt a second plantation of 89,000 trees on Tullos Hill.

The first attempt largely failed due to poor soil, weeds, and other factors, including arson, weather, and deer browsing – according to a Forestry soil report.  This first attempt cost the City £43,800.

The issues of how the City launched its public consultation (which omitted a 2-3 year weed control requirement and a deer cull) and how it has since responded to its Community Councils and citizens forms a large portion of this report.  The report also focuses on the benefits of keeping  the hill as it is – a grassland/meadowland, enjoyed by both people and a wide variety of wildlife.

The report and related documents can be found at  http://suzannekelly.yolasite.com/ 

The City has previously stated that this scheme is ‘cost neutral’ – but as emerged last month, there is actually no funding in place, as only a draft application has to date been submitted.  Proponent of the initial scheme, Cllr Aileen Malone, has left recent emails on the subject of the financing unanswered.

Meadows throughout the UK are being lost to development at an alarming rate.  In the same area as Tullos Hill, a football stadium is set to be built in an Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with 2 species of EU protected animals known to be present.  Also nearby, a housing development also spells loss of green space.  With wildlife losing breeding and feeding grounds in this area of the city, campaigners including Kelly and Councillor Neil Cooney are calling for a re-think to the tree scheme.

A Soil Report from the Government indicates that a planting on Tullos Hill will not be successful.

Petitions collected thousands of signatures against the cull, and four Community Councils objected to the scheme and the cull. A Facebook community on this issue has some 3,000 members.  A new petition to preserve or enhance Tullos Hill has over 400 signatories, and can be found at http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/tullos-hill-meadowlands-deer-park.html

Animal organisations, including the Scottish SPCA, condemn the proposed deer cull, which was announced in March.  Documents demonstrate that the cull was planned specifically for the tree planting, although the City’s officials are now saying it needs to cull part of the small herd (some 29) in general – the figure of 9 deer and a cull lasting a few years have been suggested.  The deer roam across several sites.

Animal charities point out that many methods of planting trees with non-lethal measures exist, and that other deer would likely move into the area after a cull.  Many experts question the wisdom of putting so many trees on a windswept hill on the North Sea where a previous attempt failed.

Kelly said:

“Many feel the deer cull should have been mentioned in the public consultation.  The consultation mentioned rabbit fencing, so people assumed that if other animal issues existed, they would also have been brought to the public’s attention.  Because the cull and the weed control (which may mean years of spraying toxins) were not included, no one raised timely objections.”

“The handling of this affair from start to finish goes against what the people in the area want.  It goes against principles of transparent, open government,  and it goes against logic.  There is a report that says it is unlikely the trees will grow – why are we throwing good money after bad?  Tullos Hill is a beautiful meadow with abundant wildlife, and its wildflowers attract visitors.  When we are losing this type of habitat to development nearby, why should we try to turn one ecosystem into another?”

There is a mailing list for anyone wishing updates on this situation; contact tullosdeer@yahoo.com

Dec 012011
 

With thanks to Adrian Gomez.

Local artists, graphic designers and illustrators are collaborating on a one-off project in Aberdeen.  But there’s a slight twist – the collection will be on display at a secret location in the city.  It’s part of ‘Rumour’, a pop-up cocktail bar and art installation, now in its second year.

The temporary brand combines cocktails, art and music, fusing all three elements together to create a social environment for the creative industries.  In typical fashion, the team are keeping the location of the pop-up bar under wraps, only leaking details and hints on Facebook and Twitter in the weeks running up to the opening.

‘Rumour’ began life as an 8-week residence in the Carmelite Hotel last year and, after enjoying great success, is returning next month on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December only.  This year’s concept is ‘The Bournville Village Emporium’.

The inspiration for ‘The Bournville Village Emporium’ stems from the only area of the UK to be ‘dry’, a term used to describe a geographical region‘s availability of alcohol.  The weekend also coincides with the anniversary of the Repeal of Prohibition in the USA, a key date in any bartender’s diary.

Adrian Gomes of cocktail catering company 10 Dollar Shake said:

“We’ve been asked since the end of the last Rumour when we’re putting it on again, but we really needed the venue, artists and concept to come together before we were confident of holding it again.  I’m happy to say, we’ve aligned all factors and Rumour #3 has the potential to be the best one yet.”

Local creatives Siobhan Ogg and Sarah Stanley will be creating a scenery backdrop with local illustrators contributing artwork for the walls. The period-related artwork will be a fresh collaboration of young and inspiring talent in an interesting and unusual fashion.  All artwork is available to purchase after the weekend.

10 Dollar Shake drinksmith Adrian Gomes will be creating a bespoke drinks list, in association with art-centric Scottish brands Caorunn Gin and AnCnoc Whisky, fusing scientific and gastronomic techniques to create innovative twists on some early 1900 cocktails.  Director of Music Giles Walker is again on hand to provide the soundscapes.

Rumour #3 – ‘The Bournville Village Emporium’ is open on Friday 2nd December 9pm – 1.30am and Saturday 3rd December 9pm – 1.30pm.

For guaranteed entry, reservation is advised. Entry to the exhibition is £12, cocktails are complimentary (max. 2 per ticket). Rumour is on Facebook (Rumour.Gossip) and Twitter (Rumour_Gossip)

(Click on map opposite to enlarge)

 

Aug 182011
 

Old Susannah looks back at the week that was and wonders who’s up to what and why. By Suzanne Kelly.

The leak’s leaked.  Those nice people at Shell seem to have been economical with the truth about their North Sea oil spill; they say they have been completely open and honest.  However, some half a dozen environmental/animal groups do not think so.

I know whom I am tempted to believe.  I hope Shell can do for us what it has done for Nigeria, farmers in Northern Ireland, etc. etc.  If nothing else, it is good to know Shell has gone into public relations overdrive and is pouring oil on troubled waters.

Back on dry land, it is hard to know where to start doing a round-up of this past week’s events in the ‘Deen and the wider world.  The Road Sense AWPR appeal has failed.  Helpfully, Kate Dean posted on a Facebook discussion thread (you see – she is down with the kids for definite) stating:

“I’m amazed that this topical community hasn’t seen fit to discuss today’s Court of Session ruling on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.”

I told our Katie:

“To Ms Dean – nice to see you weighing in. I think you will find this ‘topical community’ and the Aberdeen Voice have historically dealt with both sides of the AWPR story. As the Voice is a weekly publication, no doubt some contributors will send in relevant items for next week’s issue. You would be welcome to write a piece as well”.

Alas!  Kate relied:

“I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to contribute to a publication which habitually refers to me in such a derogatory and insulting fashion”

I tried to explain that my writings are ‘satire’ (well, for the most part). Of course there is not much tradition of important politicians being satirised in Great Britain – well, only since the time of King John, and more recently Hogarth, Spitting Image and Private Eye.   (I would have also replied: “XXXX XXX XXX XXX XXX XXXXX”, but I could not figure out how to do redacted text on FB).  Perhaps I just do not know the meaning of the word ‘appropriate’ – time to see what can be learnt from Kate’s examples (see definitions).

Perhaps Kate thinks that is the end of the AWPR matter, and the necessary, environmentally-friendly, economical road will go ahead.  Well, we will see.  PS – my Facebook Home page tells me to suggest friends for Kate.  Any ideas?

And we have another nursing scandal; this time at Woolmanhill.

A nurse has allegedly been over-drugging patients, and gave a person a salt-cellar instead of their inhaler.  We are getting close to a medical scandal a week.  I wonder if all the cutbacks to frontline services might be related to frontline services going down the pan.

Old Susannah’s had a senior moment; I remembered writing about the brilliant designs shortlisted for the gardens, and thought I had done so in a column.  Turns out I had only done so on Facebook.  While trying to find what I did write, I googled my way upon this quotation:

“The gardens have the potential to be transformed in to a popular, attractive and vibrant green space in the heart of the city. The gardens have come under increasing pressure in recent years, with various schemes put forward to raise their level and develop them as a leisure facility. Care must be taken not to over-develop the space and potentially risk losing its essential drama and historical landform”.

– 2007, AberdeenCityCouncil Report

The above was the conclusion the City came to in (yet another expensive) report in 2007.  Since then a few things have changed, and commonsense has prevailed:  the only thing wrong with Aberdeen is that UTG is not vibrant and dynamic.  This is why we are all going broke, crime is shooting up, the independent shops are closing, and the streets are filthy:  it is the gardens – they are not used enough and are in a valley!

We may or may not get a vote on the Gardens’ future – but we have lined up five designers who have form when it comes to doubling and trebling their budgets.  I guess if you want something as beautiful, as functional and elegant as the Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, it’s going to cost.  Then again, an inflatable Jacuzzi (on sale via ‘Groupon’) would have been as pretty and functional – and costs a few million less.

I’m sure it’s because I didn’t study architecture in great depth, but at first glance I thought the shortlist was the most predictable collection of expensive hacks to ever build boring and unsuitable creations, obviously my mistake.

Still, the Diana Memorial Fountain designer is one of our fine finalists!  I hope you are as excited as I am.  Since I did not go into detail about the talented designers Malcolm Reading has lined up to fix our city’s problems and how much it is likely to cost and since I cannot find my writings on the matter to begin with, (but I did mention some of the references rxpell uses), here is a good article from rxpell that sums things up nicely:
http://rxpell.wordpress.com/2011/08/16/a-look-at-the-city-square-short-leet/

This article will help you decide which of our five finalists to vote for.  If you get a vote.  We do not know for sure, even though HoMalone’s promised us a vote, which would include leaving the gardens as they are.  But this is Aberdeen, and the government’s position changes more often than the weather.

(I would love to say I have been out at nice dinners and working my way through the ever-changing Brewdog menu, but for the time being my doctors have me on lockdown, and am forced to live off rice, tofu and yoghurt drinks.  Somehow this does not really suit me.  Still, I will be back doing the rounds as soon as I can).  But now for some definitions.

Appropriate:

1.  (adjective) fitting, proper, suitable, in accord with acceptable norms.
Am I ever embarrassed by Kate’s telling me that it ‘is not appropriate’ for her to write in the Voice, as we are derogatory about her.  Shame-faced, I asked myself what can I learn from her example of what is appropriate behaviour?  I came up with a few examples.

What is appropriate:

  • To be a supporter of the Cove Rangers, to be the president of its fan club,  have a husband who is a Scottish Football Association referee, and to be administrator of the family plumbing business (Brian J Dean) which sponsors the club – and to endorse plans to build it a new stadium without any qualms or conflict
  • To make comments to the media about how wonderful a new stadium for the Cove Rangers team would be, yet to sit as convener of the Loirston Loch hearing (despite opposition from community councillors) which is tied to Cove Rangers’ future
  • To comment to the Loirston Loch hearing that you attended a meeting where virtually all present voted against the stadium going ahead, but that you were sure a man there wanted to vote in favour of the stadium – but was afraid to (mind-reading is a skill every councillor should have)
  • When implementing swingeing budget cuts (and having thousands of people march against them calling for your resignation) to reply ‘I was elected to do a job and I am going to do it’
  • To accept dozens of tickets to concerts and events at the AECC in a single year, despite guidelines suggesting this might not be ‘appropriate’

Thank you Ms Dean – I will indeed learn much from you, and will continue my studies.

And to whom but Aberdeen’s first citizen should I next turn towards to learn about appropriate behaviour:  Mr Milne has it nailed.  Out of the goodness of his heart, he allowed people to actually comment on his stylish plan for Triple Kirks (the Press & Journal obligingly called the area an ‘eyesore’ in an article.  There goes that bothersome blurring of ‘editorial’ and ‘article’ again, which of course is not appropriate).

Those who did comment on the Triple Kirks plans marvelled at the giant glass boxes (never mind the peregrines).  At least Milne said as much, claiming the majority loved his ground-breaking design.

(Hmm, if only there were some nearby, empty space that could be converted to parking, the scheme would be even easier to approve – if they could come up with some kind of a plan…).  Anyway, those few who objected and left email addresses got a very appropriate follow-up email from a Milne company, which reads along the lines of:

“From: “sales@stewartmilne.com”

“Many thanks for your enquiry. We will forward details and information to you shortly. We’re here to ensure that buying your new home is easy and enjoyable, so if we can help any further, just let us know.   Sell Your Home in 5 Days”

Now if I were a sceptical, cynical person, I would ask myself:  is writing to people who opposed your plans and offering to get them a new home in an ‘easy and enjoyable’ manner something that could be construed as a bribe?  Well, the City says everything is fine, so I guess it is all appropriate.  I have dismissed the idea that offering sales help to people who were against you is at all wrong.

I hope this has cleared up what is appropriate and what is not.

Appropriate:

2. (verb) – to take by deceit or force that which belongs to another.
See: Union Terrace Gardens, City Garden Project, ACSEF, Donald Trump, Compulsory Purchase Orders.

Tradition:

(noun) custom or activity rooted in the past.
People are funny about their traditions.  We are being told by the City Council that painting the Lord  Provost’s portrait – and celebrating the glorious event with an expensive party is OK – as it is tradition.

Foxhunting (no, not with golf clubs and tame foxes, Mr Forbes) was a United Kingdom tradition going back hundreds of years; it was deemed cruel and barbaric, and therefore has been made illegal.  The Catalonia area of Spain has recently given bullfighting the coup de grace –  it is hard to imagine anything more barbaric than bullfighting masquerading as a ‘sport’.

I came under criticism (on Facebook again – I really must stay away from that thing) for saying Spain should consider doing away with bullfighting.  (PS – if you really think the bull has a chance, and there is no prolonged torture or pain, and it is a brave matador that fights a bull with only a cape to protect himself, then think again – PETA will put you right).

Someone said I was showing ignorance of Spanish culture and tradition.  Their point was that tradition was more important than the animal issues. I say “bull”.

The city could not afford to replace broken windows in schools only a few years ago, but wants to shell out on canapés for its elected officials and the usual suspects to celebrate the fact that its Provost is an oil painting.  Too right.  Without these traditions, we would start moving forward.  And the future is uncertain.  It is best to cling to what previous generations did – it is safe (well, maybe).

If we always paid for a portrait, then we had better keep paying for a portrait.  We might have to cut a few services, but let us stick to whatever was the more traditional course of action.  It is important to bear in mind that all traditions are equal in value and all are good.  Perhaps we could bring back ducking witches in the loch?  Yes, to question traditions is to question culture and nationalism – and where would be without nationalism?

In my world, it is the 21st Century.  The whole world is under different pressures than it was when these wonderful traditions came about.  There should be more enlightenment and compassion than brutality and superstition; we have run out of excuses.  But then I turn on the news, and realise that I have got it wrong again.

Old Susannah is now out to catch something for dinner, and possibly bash a few enemies over the head with my wooden club.  Now where did I leave my bow and arrows?

Next week:  hopefully some FOI news, more definitions, and a back-to-school special look at education.

Jul 292011
 

Anyone visited Aberdeen  lately? Fred Wilkinson has – several times – without venturing further than his  front door. Confused?

The Aberdeen I visited is of course the Facebook community page of the same name, and I found plenty to write home about.
I was struck by the wealth and diversity of information and topics being discussed in a very friendly, mutually supportive atmosphere. No one really knows enough about their home town, and facts and figures rarely tell the real story of a place and its people.

I asked site  administrator Fiona-Jane Brown her views on why the site was set up, and what it was all about.

“It  is to celebrate the BEST of the city; also to promote local enterprise, events, community spirit etc. Also, to generate reminiscence about local history through old photos and links to archives”

It certainly provides a stimulating platform for discussion among Aberdonians and non-Aberdonians alike, and infinitely more interesting than official tourism sites.

“On my historical topics and photos people have shared loads of great memories and inspired me to create a new blog ‘QI Aberdeen’ to write fuller articles on the little gems of local history.  Local businesses with their own FB groups and web sites have started to post ads, which is great for the genuine local trader like ‘The Artist’s Pad’ which holds a prominent position in Castlegate, or Kiosque who promote local music and entertainment events.”

Would it be a useful source of information for anyone thinking of visiting the City?

“Yes, when folk post and say ‘I’m coming to visit, what do you recommend?’ the admins and the other members will happily provide info in the form of websites and suggestions.  I think students would also benefit from learning which areas of the city have suitable accommodation, where they can go out for the night, and where they can learn more about the local character.”

With news of events, photos of familiar and not so familiar features of the Granite City, interesting locally relevant facts, stories and links, and the ever popular ‘guess where’ photo discussions, visiting ‘Aberdeen’ is a hard habit to break.

Perhaps it’s greatest appeal – and 12,474 members surely can’t be wrong – is the sites capacity to offer a ‘flavour’ of life in the City. Fiona-Jane comments:

“Generally to me it represents the city itself – folk with differing views, interests, social and political backgrounds – hey, we’ve even had former council leader Kate Dean contributing to the posts about John Stewart’s resignation.

“And in any city, or any family, you don’t necessarily agree with everybody, and naturally the admins have differing interests which they like to promote.  I’d like it to stay couthy and friendly, but manage to have debate in a civil manner without discussions just turning into slanging matches.

“I’d like the group to have spin offs such as oral history projects, photographic exhibitions etc, but that’s way in the future!”

But what kind of ‘Aberdeen’ does the site offer to the world?

“An insight into Aberdonians.  The author of ‘Tenements and Sentiments’, Davie Duncan, said “The win’ may blaw thin, but Granite Chips aye survive’, meaning Aberdonians are hardy and always ready to deal with the storms of life!

“And that’s what the Aberdeen Page is – “where aa the granite chips rub thegither”, and sometimes there are sparks, and sometimes you get beautiful amazing sculptures that glitter in the sun.

“Maybe I’m a romantic, but as an Aberdonian, that’s how I like to think of my birthplace!”

Thanks very much to Fiona-Jane Brown for the interview. And so to my original question. Anyone visited ‘Aberdeen’ lately? Why not?

Here’s the link, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aberdeen/47236254126?ref=ts

… See you there.

Jul 162010
 

By Maria Dominguez.

Ferryhill Landshare Scheme.

Do you live in Aberdeen? Do you own a garden? Would you like to grow your own food but do not have access to a garden? Here is the perfect solution for you: The Ferryhill Landshare Scheme. The aim of the scheme is to promote “local organic food production by bringing people together.” (1) Continue reading »