Aden Country Park in Aberdeenshire has secured more than £1 million to support its major restoration and redevelopment project.

As part of the project, Aden's historic buildings and landscape will be restored, along with the creation of a brand-new play area, improvements to park accessibility and signage, as well as supporting a programme to enhance biodiversity.

The £1.25m grant was awarded by The National Lottery as part of the 'Parks for People' programme.

It is expected that the total project cost will be £2.13m, with the rest of the funds coming from other grants, non-cash contributions, volunteer time, developer obligations and investment from Aberdeenshire Council.

The main works proposed for the project include: 

• A range of improvements to visitor facilities, including improved access, upgraded courtyard, path works, the opening up of the ground floor of the Coach House to develop an interactive interpretation, education and activity area, along with the creation of wildlife and farming heritage trails.


• Improvements to the biodiversity of habitats for plants and wildlife including works to the Mill Pond, new planting, the control of invasive species and woodland management. 


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• The development of environmental, archaeological and heritage-related volunteer and learning opportunities.


• A new adventure play area aimed at children of all ages and abilities.


• The creation of outdoor learning classrooms with a new pond dipping platform, wildlife shelter, and nature trails.


• The uncovering, recording, and interpretation of a series of significant archaeological sites including a Bronze Age settlement, lost Keith Tower, Mansion House, Stone Circle and WW1 trenches. 


• Formal learning programmes and resources developed for schools to complement the curriculum for excellence.


• The stabilisation of the Gardener's Cottage and the repurposing of the Grieve's House to create new enterprises and new income sources in the future.  


• The conservation of Aden's designed landscape including the restoration of structures such as the three historic lodges, features and planting along with the stabilisation of at risk buildings. 


• The development of a wide range of interpretation like an interpretation centre, smartphone app, films, website, leaflets and panels, to encourage visitors to engage with Aden's natural, built, cultural and archaeological heritage. 


• The delivery of a wide range of heritage related events and activities aimed at a wide range of audiences.

Chair of the Buchan Area Committee, Cllr Norman Smith, said: "Aden is a wonderful asset, not only to the communities of Mintlaw, Peterhead and the Buchan area but to the rest of Aberdeenshire. It is a significant attraction, which will be made even better with the news of this National Lottery funding.

"This is something which is very welcome and I would like to give my thanks to the staff from the Buchan Development Partnership, and to the Friends of Aden, for their work and support to secure this funding."

Work is due to start on the project before the end of 2018 and will take five years to complete. 

(CM/LM)