Volunteer Archives - Page 5 of 12

ACSTA Nomination Is Music To Festival Co-ordinator’s Ears

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire No Responses »

Nov 252016

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

It’s not often that someone lands their ideal job, but for Kadri Soerunurk her dream of being part of a major cultural festival has become a reality.

Rising through the ranks of the Sound Festival, which finished it’s 2016 programme in early November, Kadri began her journey as a volunteer and is now an integral part of the team that organises the festival every year.

And after enjoying the success of this year’s festival, Kadri has even more cause for celebration – her stellar efforts have been recognised with a nomination in the Regional Rising Star category of the 2016 Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards.

Moving to Aberdeen from her home in Estonia in 2010, Kadri enrolled at Robert Gordon University to study Events Management. As part of her degree, she had to gain at least 100 hours of work experience in events each year – a challenge which she completed in part by working at the Belmont Filmhouse.

But it was a chance encounter with a Sound Festival brochure in a coffee shop that led her onto the path to her dream career.

Kadri (29) says,

“I saw a flyer for the Sound Festival in 2010 and instantly knew it was something I wanted to get involved in. Even if I hadn’t needed to gain experience for my course, I would still have applied to be a volunteer. I got in touch and was offered a front of house role for the 2011 festival, taking tickets and handing out programmes.

“I missed the 2012 festival as I was studying overseas in Limerick, but in 2013 I came back and became more involved with the running of some of the festival events. Every year from then on, my duties increased and I became more involved in the organisation of the festival until I was offered a full-time position on the team.”

The only full-time member of staff on the four-strong Sound Festival team, the position of festival co-ordinator was created when the organisation restructured and Kadri jumped at the chance to embrace this new opportunity.

Kadri explains,

“My work is very varied and no two days are the same, which is perfect for me. Sometimes I’m updating the website and social media, and then the next day I’ll be co-ordinating school workshops which run throughout the year outside of the festival weeks.

“Throughout the festival, I liaise with all the artists and ensure they have everything they need, co-ordinate the logistics of all the rehearsal space required, and make sure everything is where it needs to be in the venues. I also look after the volunteers – having started as one myself, I know how important it is to keep them up to speed.”

Throughout her time with the Sound Festival, Kadri has had many amazing experiences. Her highlight of 2016 was the Freedom o(r) Speech event at ACT Aberdeen which saw musicians from Scotland, Belgium and Norway come together – along with actor Simon Callow – to create a unique performance. Seeing it all come together, she says, was a proud moment.

But one of Kadri’s greatest adventures with the Sound Festival allowed her to travel across the globe. She explains,

“Sound commissioned an opera in 2012 – The Garden – which had toured a bit in London and Berlin. Last summer, it was performed as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Made in Scotland programme, and after seeing the show a promoter from Shanghai wanted to bring it to China in 2016.

“It was a fantastic experience, and a major operation to get everyone there. I had to organised travel, visas and rehearsals for all the performers. The production was presented as a kind of dinner-theatre in Shanghai, which also brought some additional challenges, but it was a great success and an amazing opportunity to visit a country I might not have had the chance to otherwise.”

Festival director Fiona Robertson, who nominated Kadri, says that she has quickly become an invaluable member of the team. She adds,

“As festival co-ordinator, Kadri is part of the external face of the Sound Festival, and she is already hugely respected and trusted by our partners and stakeholders.

“I have rarely worked with someone who is so young, so hardworking and so talented. She contributes more than her weight in gold both in her day-to-day job, and holds her weight against us more experienced staff members in ideas for the future strategic development of the organisation.”

Kadri will face competition from Gemma Cruickshank (VisitAberdeenshire) and Craig Rochester (Eat on the Green) in the Regional Rising Star category of the 2016 Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards. The award celebrates individuals under the age of 30 who have shown initiative and excelled in their tourism organisations.

The winners of each category category will be announced at an awards ceremony and gala dinner on November 25, 2016 at Ardoe House Hotel and Spa, and many will then go on to represent the region at the national Thistle Awards.

For more information about the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, visit www.acsta.co.uk

Follow the awards on Twitter @ACSTourismAward or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/acstourismawards

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CLAN Marks 5th Anniversary Of Move To CLAN House

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Nov 252016

CLAN logo2 With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

It began life in 1983, founded by a group of passionate individuals determined to improve cancer services across the region.

From its beginnings in Aberdeen’s Justice Mill Lane to the purchase of the former Rosemount Church at Caroline Place in 1994, CLAN Cancer Support has come a long way since it was first conceived.

The charity is now celebrating five years since it moved into its purpose designed premises at CLAN House on Westburn Road, and is reflecting on how its service provision both in Aberdeen and many other communities, has developed during this time.

Following the launch of a £3 million fundraising campaign in 2008 to fund its new headquarters in Aberdeen, CLAN has also invested in the provision of services within the heart of local communities, developing a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Buckie, Stonehaven and Turriff on the mainland as well as on Shetland and Orkney.

In addition to the local bases, the charity’s bed and breakfast facility, which was first established when CLAN was based at Caroline Place, was able to expand with the opening of CLAN House.

CLAN Haven is a purpose built facility offering 27 en-suite bedrooms as well as a fully equipped kitchen and dining area and relaxing communal areas offering accommodation for people travelling from out with the city for treatment and appointments at Aberdeen hospitals. Family members are also welcome to stay, and the facility has become a crucial part of CLAN’s service offering.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“As we mark five years in CLAN House this is a poignant time to reflect on how far CLAN has come in that time. Since CLAN’s humble beginnings there has always been a great sense of community and this fifth anniversary is about celebrating that.

“We have a tremendous team spanning volunteers, supporters and staff which plays an incredibly important part in the CLAN network. Together everyone works tirelessly with the aim of bringing the highest quality support to where it is needed most and addressing local community needs as they change and develop.

“The fundraising campaign that allowed us to first open the doors of CLAN House was a fantastic achievement for us and the hard work has continued since then. We continue to build on our fundraising efforts each year in order to support work across the north-east as we do our upmost to assist anyone who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis.

“Our previous centre was a very special place and we were able to build aspects from the church into our new base – sections of stained glass windows and other features for example – to ensure such an important part of our history was taken with us as we started the next chapter of CLAN’s development.

“CLAN House has allowed us to expand to meet changing needs and continue to look towards the future. The extension of the Haven in particular was crucial, as it is a unique facility which benefits people from far and wide and provides a home from home in a relaxed but supportive atmosphere. This, alongside the growth of our outreach services, has brought our offering closer to people, with greater availability of crucial cancer support services in the heart of communities.”

CLAN’s children and family service has also grown in the five years since the charity moved into CLAN House, expanding its reach to include support in a number of CLAN’s community bases – all of which allow it to provide a crucial range of support to children, young people and their families.

Whether in the community or at one of CLAN’s centres, the team offers a dedicated and confidential service that allows children, young people and their families to share thoughts and fears they are experiencing as a result of a cancer diagnosis.

Dr Backwell added:

“The communities that CLAN works within really are at the heart of the charity. We are committed to ensuring that we are providing the services and support that people need to find comfort through a cancer diagnosis. We will continue to work towards meeting that aim and taking on board feedback from the areas we currently serve.

“It is incredible to think about how much has been achieved in the past five years and we are determined to build on this success. We are passionate about maintaining our relations with communities, and ensuring that CLAN continues to provide the support required in the heart of local communities for years to come.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Buckie, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Generous Response To Children’s Book Appeal

Aberdeen City, Charity No Responses »

Nov 172016

With thanks to Clare Scott, Communications Consultant, CJS Communication & Marketing.

28/10/16 Home start Chair- Roberta Eunson-

Home-Start Aberdeen’s chairperson, Roberta Eunson, with a book bundle ready for delivery.

An Aberdeen-based family support charity has been overwhelmed by the response to an appeal for donations of children’s books towards its 2016 book advent.

Home-Start Aberdeen launched the book advent appeal in September. The initiative encourages parents to read a book with their children each day in December prior to Christmas.

It is believed that reading together encourages families to bond, as well as helping with literacy, communication and imaginative skills.

The charity, which works with local families who are vulnerable or suffering from isolation, was inundated with interest. Sufficient donations of books were received well within the stipulated cut-off date of 4 November.

Home-Start Aberdeen representatives have now received and wrapped a total of 2225 books. These have been stacked into bundles of 25 books for each of the 89 Home-Start Aberdeen families who asked if they could be included in this year’s book advent.

Roberta Eunson, Home-Start Aberdeen’s chairperson, said:

“The support we have received in connection with this year’s book advent has been fantastic.

“Our thanks go out to all of the playgroups, schools, community organisations, businesses and individuals who have collected books on our behalf. We are also very grateful to Kirsty Blackman MP and Peter Vardy Aberdeen who offered their premises as additional book collection points.

“Our final thank you goes to the volunteers who worked tirelessly to sort all the donated books into age-appropriate bundles and beautifully gift wrap them. The book bundles will bring tremendous enjoyment to the families Home-Start Aberdeen supports and we are looking forward to distributing them prior to 1 December.”

2016 is the third year of the Home-Start Aberdeen book advent. Demand for books has grown alongside the charity’s own development. Now one of the largest Home-Start schemes in the UK, Home-Start Aberdeen supports around 180 families, including 297 children, per year. Its unique blend of emotional and practical support is delivered by over 100 trained volunteers, who visit their allocated family each week in their own home.

Further information about Home-Start Aberdeen is available at www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk, or by calling (01224) 693545.

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CLAN Seeks Prize Donations For Christmas Cracker Event

Aberdeen City, Charity, Information No Responses »

Nov 142016

CLAN logo2 With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

A leading north-east cancer support charity has asked businesses and members of the public to donate prizes for its largest fundraising event of the year.

CLAN Cancer Support’s annual Christmas Cracker event, The Nutcracker, will take place at the Ardoe House Hotel and Spa on the evening of Saturday, November 26.

The successful fundraiser, which sees individuals and businesses from across the North-east come together in support of the popular charity, includes a drinks reception, three-course dinner, entertainment and dancing.

Last year’s event raised more than £83,000 and businesses and members of the public have been asked to donate gifts and prizes for fundraising activities on the night.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic response to our Christmas Cracker fundraising event from across the north-east.

“Throughout the night we will be running a tombola, a silent auction and a live auction to help us raise as much money as possible so we can continue to provide our free services to those who have been affected by cancer.

“From luxury ‘money can’t buy’ prizes to gifts of around £10 or more, we would be delighted to hear from businesses and members of the public who would like to donate a prize to help support the vital work we do for people across the north and north-east of Scotland.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

To donate a prize or for more details about CLAN’s Christmas Cracker, please call 01224 647 000 or email jackie.craig@clanhouse.org

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Return Of The Reds: Reintroduction Hope For Iconic Species

Environment, News No Responses »

Nov 102016

With thanks to Richard Bunting, Director, Richard Bunting PR.

Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in mid flight in forest, Scotland. © Peter Cairns.

An innovative project to boost the number of the UK’s red squirrels by relocating individuals to woodlands they cannot reach by themselves is taking a major step forward this month.

Conservation experts at the charity Trees for Life will carefully relocate red squirrels from Inverness-shire and Moray to forests near Kinlochewe and at Plockton, where the species is currently absent despite there being suitable habitat for squirrels.

The Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project aims to establish 10 new populations in the northwest Highlands, significantly increasing both the numbers and range of the red squirrel in the UK.

“We are giving red squirrels a helping hand to return to some of their long-lost forest homes. Many Highland woodlands offer the species excellent habitat far from disease-carrying grey squirrels – but because reds travel between trees and avoid crossing large areas of open ground, they can’t return to isolated woodlands without our help,” said Becky Priestley, Trees for Life’s Wildlife Officer.

The next two releases follow a successful first reintroduction in March this year, when the charity relocated 33 red squirrels from Forres and Strathspey to native woods at Shieldaig in Wester Ross.

This new population has also bred during the summer, with several young squirrels observed – confirming that the area is excellent habitat with a good natural food supply.

There have also been regular sightings reported by local people, with the squirrels ranging widely as they explore nearby habitat. Trees for Life is continuing to monitor the population, with surveys planned for later this year.

Another success has been high levels of community involvement. Residents near the relocation sites have been monitoring the squirrels and carrying out supplementary feeding, while people from whose gardens the squirrels were removed have visited Shieldaig to see the expanding new population.

“Involving local communities is a big part of this exciting rewilding project. People love helping red squirrels and having them move into their local area,” said Becky Priestley.

In the next phase of the project, this autumn 70 red squirrels will be relocated to the privately-owned Coulin Estate next to Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve near Kinlochewe, and to Plockton, which is owned by landowners including conservation charity The National Trust for Scotland. These sites have good habitat with significant potential for the species to spread into surrounding areas.

There will be opportunities for people to help with monitoring the new squirrel populations, by reporting sightings and by taking part in surveys during the winter.

With animal welfare paramount, the project involves squirrels being transported in special nest boxes, lined with hay for comfort, and provisioned for food and hydration. Only small numbers of squirrels are removed from any site, so that donor populations are unaffected. Health checks ensure that diseased animals are not introduced to new populations.

At the reintroduction sites, the boxes are fixed to trees, with exit holes lightly filled with grass – allowing the squirrels to find their way out. Food is provided for several months while the squirrels become accustomed to their new habitat.

In the UK, red squirrels are now rare with only an estimated 138,000 individuals left – their numbers decimated by the reduction of forests to isolated remnants, and by disease and competition from the introduced non-native grey squirrel.

The Red Squirrel Reintroduction Project has been made possible by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and People’s Trust for Endangered Species. It involves volunteer opportunities, landowner partnerships, and research to strengthen conservation. All relocation sites require comprehensive habitat assessments, landowner agreements, and a five-year licence from Scottish Natural Heritage.

For details about Trees for Life’s award-winning work to restore the Caledonian Forest in the Highlands, visit www.treesforlife.org.uk.

Pictured: Red squirrel © Peter Cairns www.scotlandbigpicture.com

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Family And Friends Of Keith Woman Raise £11k For CLAN

Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Articles No Responses »

Oct 062016

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

L to R – Eileen Eunson, Maggi Stannard, Jill Bremner, Moyra Hunter, Leanne Bruce, Derrick Henderson, Dolina Bell and Steph Dowling.

The fundraising efforts of family and friends of a north-east woman has resulted in £11,000 being handed to CLAN Cancer Support.

Family and friends of Keith resident, Morag Henderson, who sadly passed away in October last year, embarked on a number of fundraising efforts to thank the charity for the support given to Morag and her family while she attended Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for cancer treatment.

Events included a garden party, raffles and fundraising within Tesco’s Keith store, where Morag had worked for 21 years.

Staff at the store also undertook the 26 mile ‘Fish Wives Walk’ to further boost the fundraising. The group’s donation also includes £1,800 which was received at Morag’s funeral.

Derrick Henderson, Morag’s husband, was amazed at the local support received, so much so that the garden party is to become an annual event.

He said:

“When we first spoke about hosting a garden party to raise funds for CLAN we had no idea how big it would become. We were totally overwhelmed by the offers of support and help and the turnout on the day was just amazing – even though it was snowing at times!

“CLAN helped Morag and our family so much during our trips to Aberdeen. To have somewhere to break the long journey by staying in CLAN Haven, speak to other people who were also going through treatment for cancer or access CLAN’s therapies and support was so important to us.

“By raising what we can, we all hope that we can do our bit in ensuring that the charity can continue to support others in the fantastic way it supported us.”

However, this donation is not the end, with the group already looking to other fundraising efforts including a recipe book, dance, tombola and mammoth 100-mile cycle setting off in Ballater and tackling some of the area’s steepest climbs.

Steph Dowling, CLAN Cancer Support’s Senior Fundraising Coordinator, was delighted to meet the group and thank them for their donation.

She said:

“The community spirit shown by the community in Keith in supporting the group’s fundraising is really special and to hear that they already have more fundraising plans is fantastic. It was lovely to meet everyone to hear how much CLAN helped Morag and her family during difficult times and their desire to give something back to CLAN is heart-warming. We cannot thank the group enough for their support.”

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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New Way To Measure Biodiversity At Rewilding Hotspot

Articles, Environment No Responses »

Sep 292016

With thanks to Richard Bunting, Director, Richard Bunting PR.

dundreggan-birch-trees-blue-sky-cloud-formation2

Birch trees at Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Conservation Estate

An innovative study of soundscapes at Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Conservation Estate aims to reveal new findings about woodland health and the richness of wildlife at the 10,000-acre biodiversity hotspot.
Composer and audio specialist Huw McGregor has carried out an initial investigation at the Inverness-shire estate as part of his Woodland Soundscape Project, using purpose-built sound recording equipment to collect and monitor forest sounds.

He hopes to develop a new way of measuring biodiversity at Dundreggan, by providing fresh data on the diversity and populations of species, and also to inspire people to visit and enjoy woodlands.

“People have long enjoyed forest sounds, but using modern technology to study the soundscapes of these precious habitats offers a new way of better understanding their development over time, and the diversity and behaviour of their wildlife,” said Huw McGregor.

“Strengthening understanding of our sonic environment, and its links to ecological health, can provide a useful new way of measuring the impact of conservation work. It’s fantastic to be working with Trees for Life, because rewilding is so important for the wellbeing of our children and the natural world.”

Dundreggan – Trees for Life’s flagship forest regeneration site – is gaining an international reputation for its biodiversity. It has been described as a Highlands ‘lost world’, where more than 3,000 species have been discovered, including 10 found nowhere else in the UK and others that are extremely rare.

Huw’s initial recordings at the site include the dawn and dusk choruses. Such recordings can be used to study bird population numbers and the range of species, as well as how species use different spaces to alter their songs or how sounds such as waterfalls, roads and human activity affect their behaviour.

Data on bird species can also be used as an indicator for overall biodiversity, and Huw is seeking funding to allow a deeper investigation of Dundreggan’s birdlife.

A permanent audio record will be gathered that could be used to help provide a detailed examination of Dundreggan’s ecological health, and to track progress in strengthening its biodiversity.

Encouraging people’s enjoyment of woodlands is also part of the project. Recordings of a ‘sound walk’ of Dundreggan’s waterfalls offer a sonic experience of the falls, for example, and musical sounds around rock pools have also been gathered. Some of Huw’s Dundreggan recordings feature on a new ‘Forests Of The World’ CD, available for free listening and download via woodcraftproductions.com.

Huw is also looking to explore woodlands in the Czech Republic and Wales, to develop the soundscape project into a wider study across nations. For more details about his work, see www.huwmcgregor.tk.

Award-winning Trees for Life – one of Scotland’s leading conservation charities – is restoring the Caledonian Forest in the Highlands to one of the UK’s wildest landscapes. See www.treesforlife.org.uk.

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Hundreds Take Part In CLAN Landmark Walk

Aberdeen City, Featured No Responses »

Sep 292016

Dr Colette Backwell, Lord Provost George Adam, Clancy and first walker Pam Kerr set the walkers off at Westburn Park

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

Hundreds of walkers donned purple at the weekend to help raise funds and awareness for a leading north-east cancer support charity.

More than 300 people took part in CLAN Cancer Support’s fourth Landmark Walk on Saturday, September 24.

Participants tackled one of two routes of either 13 miles or 7.8 miles and enjoyed a variety of prominent landmarks and spots throughout Aberdeen along the way.

The event was officially started by Lord Provost councillor George Adam as walkers set off in their droves from the city’s Westburn Park to tackle the trail.

The sea of purple walkers were greeted by hundreds of supporters on their return to the park throughout the day, with the green space behind the charity’s CLAN House headquarters transformed into a fun play area. Bouncy castles, an inflatable assault course, tea cup rides and face-painting, as well as BBQ catering and sweet treats provided fun for all the family.

With sponsorships and donations pouring in, the event, which was generously sponsored by Macduff Shellfish is on course to raise thousands of pounds which will aid the charity in continuing to provide free support services to anyone affected by cancer throughout the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said:

“This is the fourth year we’ve held our Landmark Walk and the amount of support we have received for the event, from individuals, businesses, walkers and volunteers, particularly in the current economic climate, blew us away.

“Everyone at CLAN would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one for their contribution, whether it was by taking part in the walk, volunteering or sponsoring a participant.

“It was fantastic to see Westburn Park transformed into a happy sea of purple. It is always a special moment watching all the runners go past in their purple CLAN shirts. It was a very special day which was crucial in terms of raising both funds and awareness for the charity.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Tree-planting Journey Maps Scotland’s Lost Woods

Articles, Environment, Featured No Responses »

Sep 162016

ariel-killick-adventures-with-the-gaelic-tree-alphabet-medium

Gaelic storyteller Ariel Killick.

With thanks to Richard Bunting, Director, Richard Bunting PR.

The lost woods and wildlife of the Highlands are to be rediscovered thanks to a new Gaelic place-name map project led by conservation charity Trees for Life, which will promote the cultural importance of Scotland’s native woodland heritage.

The initiative was launched with a two-day, 20-mile symbolic journey – Turas Nan Craobh: A Journey With Trees – from Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Conservation Estate in Glenmoriston to Fort Augustus and Invergarry on 10 and 11 September 2016.

Native trees were transported by two ponies and planted at key sites where place-names evoke a particular tree.

Members of the community, school pupils, artists, heritage and walking groups, and Trees for Life ecologists followed sections of old military and drove roads. Gaelic storyteller Ariel Killick and poet Alec Finlay took part in special events.

“Place-names contain a record of past ecology and can shed light on the woods and wildlife that once thrived in the Highlands and could do so again, with a little assistance from people,” said Alan Watson Featherstone, Trees for Life’s Founder.

“With native woodland now covering just four per cent of Scotland – one of the lowest percentages in Europe – we want to inspire communities and schools to discover more about our cultural and native woodland heritage, and to involve them in restoring the endangered Caledonian Forest.”

Participants in the Journey with Trees planted trees in gardens, school grounds and community green spaces, and in places where place-names evoke trees, such as Achadh-nan-darach – field of the oaks – on Abercalder Estate.

Poet Alec Finlay will now create the map – which will be used by schools and community groups, and to encourage tourism to less well-known areas – by exploring place-names relating to woodlands, animals, geology and human dwellings in Glen Affric, Glen Urquhart, Glenmoriston and Glen Garry.

His research will seek to identify place-names that indicate the past presence of woodland or animals, such as Creag a’ Mhadaidh – the wolf crag – in Glenmoriston, and Beinn Eun – hill of the bird – in Glen Affric. Old maps, photographs, artefacts, census information, newspaper articles and older people’s knowledge will all be used.

The map – called ‘From Creag a’ Mhadaidh to Dubh-Chamas nan Ùbhlan’ or ‘From The Wolf’s Crag to The Dark Bay of Apple Trees’ – will be created in stages, with place-names revealed as new findings are uncovered. It will be used in school and community events focused on rewilding and Gaelic in the landscape, and to encourage tourists to visit locations such as Glenmoriston, Glen Urquhart and Glen Garry.

Grace Grant of Glengarry Community Woodlands said:

“Our lovely historic woodland is part of our local heritage, and as we plan its regeneration we are delighted to work with Trees for Life.”

Alec Finlay’s blog at www.alecfinlay.com will feature information from the map together with poetry, linked to Trees or Life’s website at www.treesforlife.org.uk.

More Info:

The mapping project is part of Trees for Life’s Rewilding the Highlands project, which also involves the planting of more than 50,000 trees and the creation of wildlife habitats. The project won the Alpine category of the 2016 European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) scheme, securing £23,000 through an online public vote.

Partners in the project include Glengarry Community Woodlands, Storyline Scotland, and The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s #DareTo Dream initiative.

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CLAN Showcases Range Of Services At Open Door Event

Aberdeen City, Articles No Responses »

Sep 092016

CLAN logo2 With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

A leading north-east charity is throwing open its doors this weekend to raise awareness of the range of wellbeing and support services it offers.

CLAN House on Westburn Road will be open to all on Saturday, September 10, from 10am to 4pm, as part of Aberdeen City Open Doors weekend.

CLAN Cancer Support moved to the centre on Westburn Road, Aberdeen at the end of 2011 following a hugely successful fundraising campaign.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view the purpose-designed building and see first-hand the full range of services on offer to CLAN clients. The building also features a number of decorative stain glass panels which were redesigned from original stained glass windows from CLAN’s previous base in Rosemount Church.

On a day to day basis, the wellbeing and support centre provides a range of emotional and practical support services to anyone affected by cancer, a library and information service as well as bright and airy drop-in area and garden.

CLAN House is also home to CLAN Haven, a home from home, bed and breakfast facility for those travelling to Aberdeen for treatment.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN Cancer Support, said:

“Since the move to CLAN House in 2011, the facility has enabled CLAN to develop the services and level of support we provide for anyone affected by cancer in the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“We are very proud of what CLAN has achieved during the past 30 years and are looking forward to welcoming the public to CLAN House during the Open Doors weekend. This is a great opportunity to get an insight into the charity.”

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org.

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