Our search for a community hall has continued. Following the amendments to our constitution agreed at last year’s AGM an Expression of interest was submitted for the business unit site behind Books Abroad. We were advised that the only way to get our constitution tested was to submit an EoI We were eventually advised that there was a prior application pending for the site so our application would be delayed awaiting a decision. We were then later advised that the other application had been approved so ours was redundant.

We then resumed our search and reconsidered the old Community Hall behind the school. It was thought this could also provide a home for a Men’s Shed. We submitted another Expression of Interest for this site, which is at the moment still under consideration by Marr Area office. At the same time it became apparent that the old Congregational Church might still be available; this is no longer being used by the Masons for their meetings. We decided it could be worthwhile to make enquiries regarding a possible re-opening of negotiations. Both buildings are currently being progressed until such time as a decision can be made between them.

The question of a Men’s Shed in the village was raised by a member and a meeting convened. Sadly only 5 people attended and this was deemed insufficient to take the project further, at least for the time being.

Both these projects had raised the issue of the support for the Trust in the village, which would be essential to progress funding applications. We decided to undertake a leaflet distribution to try to establish this support. We were advised by Community Enterprise in this regard and they provided a flyer design. Delivery was made to almost 300 addresses within our catchment area; only 17 replies were received representing 15 old members and 15 potential new members. This was disappointing and would probably be insufficient to support any grant applications.

Elsewhere our application for Listed Monument Consent for the Craw Stane received a response from Heritage Environment Scotland to advise that this would require the preparation of a Written Scheme of Investigation and the on-site attendance of an archaeologist during the works. We felt we were unable to take on the extra work involved and withdrew our application. HES offered to look at how this might still progress.

Still on the subject of the Pictish Stones, we were asked by Tap O Noth Community Council if we had the possible return of Rhynie Man under consideration. Representatives of the Council attended a meeting where we explained our position. We would welcome the return but at the moment the biggest problem would be the lack of a suitable secure location to display it. This would tie in with our search for a Community Hall. TONCC offered any assistance they could provide to further this project.

Our project to provide pathways in the Rhynie Chert SSSI was delayed due to the existence of a restriction on the site use in the bequest to NatureScotland which would prevent its use for recreation. We also were advised that planning permission would be required for the paths. We obtained quotations for the survey and design work for the planning application pending a decision on land use. This would need us to apply for grant funding which again raised the question of support. The restriction was eventually deemed to no longer apply but with the question over membership we requested the lease preparation be put on hold temporarily.

Following the damaging storms and adverse weather experienced recently a proposal was received to install a stand-by electric supply at No.14 to provide a safe and secure haven should similar events occur in the future. This was being considered for Rhynie and other surrounding communities and in conjunction with TONCC. Quotations were obtained but it was advised that planning permission would be required. Grant applications have been submitted to cover the costs of the project.

Wheedlemont Turbine Fund received a further donation of £2500 via Huntly Development Trust. Applications were invited for grants and awards were made to Lumsden Community Association, Lumsden Primary School, Rhynie School, Rhynie Gala and RCT. To simplify the distribution of funds in the future it was agreed with HDT and the developers that future donations could be shared between RCT and LCA, who would then be responsible for allocation to suitable projects.

The Board have proposed that the matters of the Trust membership and a community space should be opened to members at the AGM for their comments. This would assist with our decisions regarding how to proceed.

We would welcome any enthusiastic individuals to join our Board either as a director or to assist in some other way. We would particularly welcome someone willing to take on the role of Treasurer. If you would like to come to any of our meetings or have a vested interest in the community and would like to contribute ideas or initiatives, just get in touch with any of the Board and you will be made very welcome to most of our meetings.