An appeal has been launched for community volunteers to identify future funding opportunities for the ongoing development of McDonald Park in Ellon. The McDonald Public Park endowment, established in the 1920s to support park maintenance and recreational facilities, is facing challenges due to rising audit costs.

The McDonald Park Endowment Trust, composed of local councillors, is considering deregistering from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR). This consideration stems from concerns raised by Audit Scotland, which oversees Aberdeenshire Council’s finances. The annual audit costs, approximately £2,000, significantly exceed the trust's current balance of £169, making the current setup financially unsustainable.

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Deregistration would limit the trust's access to funding streams requiring charitable status. However, Aberdeenshire Council, through its Landscape Services, has developed a management plan for the park, and any funding secured by volunteers would support its implementation.

Ellon councillor Isobel Davidson, chair of the Endowment Trust, said: "Sadly, there is no capacity within the council to proactively identify and pursue potential funding opportunities on behalf of the trustees. However, local groups who attended our meeting suggested that before any decision is made around de-registering that we explore the option of local volunteers assisting the trust in investigating external funding sources. We would also welcome input from volunteers in terms of the actual management of the park, potentially reforming the Friends Group to host activities and events."

A special meeting of the McDonald Park Endowment Trust will be held on Monday, 21 April, to discuss potential local support and future options.