North Kincardine Rural Community Council met virtually this evening, starting with the monthly Police Scotland report.

The meeting moved on to the subject of education. Barry Drennan, deputy head at Aboyne Academy, has been appointed as the new head teacher at Portlethen Academy. We heard about a link being forged between Banchory Devenick School and the local Men’s Shed.

Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee will hear reports tomorrow from the three academies – Portlethen, Mearns, and Mackie. More on that here (Item 4): https://committees.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/committees.aspx?commid=8&meetid=19915

Disappointment was expressed at the upgrade of the C30K country road at Hillside going to take longer than was expected. The contractor has asked the council for a further five weeks on top of the current nine weeks.

Another item on the area committee agenda tomorrow also prompted discussion: agreeing funding to be spent on bridges (including Park Bridge), and roads maintenance (Item 6 on the agenda).

Netherley is to be a trial area for a new broadband-by-fibre business venture.

Community councilors discussed new planning applications. There were concerns about what would happen to the recycling bins at the former Lairhillock Inn when it is redeveloped.

A lengthy debate on recycling and waste was prompted by Aberdeenshire Council’s plans to change the bin collections next year. Further information is to be sought from the Waste Service.

The South Deeside View community newsletter is due to arrive from the printer within the next few days. It is also available on line: https://www.thesouthdeesideview.co.uk/publications

The next meeting is on Monday 21 June, which includes the outcome of nominations to the community council, and the annual general meeting. Four members who are reaching the end of their terms intend to stand again, and a further resident has expressed an interest.