February Grounds and Community Project Update

We have so busy in the grounds that we missed our January update!

The footpath had its official opening on the 10th January, courtesy of our local primary school children. The children, members of the community council, funders, volunteers, trustees our local ward officer, MSP Colin Smyth, SRUC students & staff and local people all joined to celebrate the path opening. There was a ceremonial cutting of the ribbon followed by a walk up the path to enjoy hot chocolate round the fire at one of the new outdoor areas installed.

Photos credit David Milner – Photographer of Shambellie House

Thanks again to Shambellie Estate for allowing us to make use of this strip of land – the path is now in full use with a gate at the bottom to stop young people or dogs heading straight out onto the busy road. We are all very grateful to our funders: The Coastal Communities Fund, New Abbey Charitable Trust and Robin Rigg Offshore Wind .

Photos of completed path credit Allan Wright – Photographer of Shambellie House.

Photos of hot chocolate in the woods by David Milner – Photographer of Shambellie House

Funded by the New Abbey Charitable Trust and:

Storm Erowyn took it’s toll with power out for a day, a few branches down and one very large tree in the middle of the woods fallen and leaning on another tree. Fortunately we were able to call in Roni Clark Tree Surgeon to bring it don safely so our grounds are once again accessible.

After the storm passed and during February IB Aitchson are back onsite and have been busy with the new passing places and additional parking, Our Growing Rural Talent recruits, here with us on a short term pilot project are certainly helping out including planting bulbs alongside the new path and starting some ponticum clearance. We hope everyone will see a big difference when they next visit the grounds.