Aberdeen's historic Duthie Park is to get a new lease of life, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The park in the heart of the Granite City has been given development funding of £71,500. It has also received a stage one pass for a grant of £2,563,000, which means that the money has been earmarked for the restoration project and set aside, but funding is not guaranteed. It is an indication of positive support from the HLF for the project.

HLF's Parks for People programme is designed to revive parks. New amenities and exciting educational and play facilities have been funded, as well as the restoration and rejuvenation of planting, paths, ponds and historic structures ranging from winter gardens to bandstands.

Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: "Parks are an important part of our community heritage. Whether for walking, picnicking, sports or community events, they are a basic part of our lives offering a pleasant leafy, green space to relax and get fresh air.

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"HLF's pioneering approach marries people's pride in the history of their parks with the need to provide up-to-date facilities and access. Parks for People has been a tremendous success encouraging many thousands more people back through their park gates."

Aberdeen City Council leader Kate Dean said: "This is fantastic news for Aberdeen. The Duthie Park is a much-loved part of the city, which is held dear in the hearts of Aberdonians the world over. Duthie Park is a fantastic venue for people of all ages and for all sorts of activities, from family picnics to concerts.

"This funding allows us to get the renovation work underway and to make this lovely city park an even better and more attractive facility than it already is. The stage one pass for a grant of £2,563,000 for further works, while not a guarantee, is a positive sign and we remain hopeful of being successful in our bid to enable the council to make the park a truly fantastic venue which will be loved and admired for many future generations."

Ron Clark, lead councillor for the environment added that the funding decision provides a welcome boost to the Duthie Park restoration project. The work enabled by this funding will ensure that the park continues to be appreciated by generations of Aberdonians for years to come.

(GK/KMcA)