Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has granted £149,500 funding for a £1.4 million park redevelopment project in Aberdeenshire.

The regeneration scheme aims to restore Aden Country Park in Mintlaw as a top tourist destination in the region.

The funding boost will help the local authority develop plans for a second round of full grant funding at a later date.

Proposals for the park include upgrading the existing children's play area, creating a new interpretation centre and outdoor learning classrooms. In addition, significant buildings at risk of dilapidation will be restored to create new enterprises which will help sustain the park in the future.

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Other features include improving the visitor experience by expanding and increasing opportunities for learning and biodiversity while protecting/recording unexplored aspects of the park – including a Bronze Age settlement and stone circle.

Welcoming the funding, Buchan Area Committee chair Cllr Stuart Pratt said: "We're delighted the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support.

"Aden Country Park is an important resource for both the local community and visitors to the area, and it's great to know that we are a step closer to preserving the park for future generations to enjoy."

Chairman of the Friends of Aden Country Park, Ian Bosbery, added: "We are delighted with the success of the application and look forward to the coming few years which we hope will see the park develop into the premier visitor attraction in the north-east.

"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."

(LM/CD)