Three projects in the North Kincardine ward were given grants from Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee’s “top-up” budget towards the cost of the projects.

Newtonhill, Muchalls and Cammachmore Community Council was awarded £4418 for three stone feature walls at the entrances to the three villages, incorporating the village name, along with an image representative of the local history and heritage.

Friends of Newtonhill Primary School was awarded £1874.05 to help purchase bulbs, planters, raised beds, topsoil and a picnic table. This project aims to increase biodiversity, provide opportunities for growing food and enhance outside learning.

Portlethen Bowling Club was awarded up to £6000 to tarmac the existing gravel footpath. It is a council-owned property and leased to the club. As a result, the club does not qualify for any outside grants.

Councillors heard from the club’s Walter McMillan who said that tarring the path will allow wheelchair users to access the grounds. Currently they have to be carried. The building is used for meetings by other groups such as the tennis club, the men’s shed, and local schools.