North Kincardine Rural Community Council met this evening, via Zoom. As usual, much of interest. As well as community councillors and Aberdeenshire councillors, the meeting was joined by two Chapelton residents, Blair Moir and James Leadbeater, and Portlethen resident Mel Sullivan.

SCHOOLING – The plans for providing a primary school for Chapelton children were briefly discussed. A new Chapelton primary will grow within Newtonhill School to transfer to a new building in the new town. Secondary children will continue to go to Portlethen Academy. We heard that Lairhillock School had held a festival of colours, Holi.

POTHOLES – A number of temporary repairs have been carried out in the rural area. Permanent repairs should take place in the new financial year when contractors will be brought in.

BROADBAND – Work taking place including from Bridge of Muchalls to Netherley and around Cookney.

WAR MEMORIALS – Community councillors discussed applying for grant from Aberdeenshire Council to improve the various war memorials in the area.

PLANNING – Community councillors discussed current applications, of which there were few. They also considered the application for houses at the former Mill Inn site at Maryculter – comments have already been submitted and the community council may ask to address the area committee.

VACCINATIONS – The meeting noted the transfer of the vaccination centre for Kincardine and Mearns from Stonehaven Town Hall in April to Invercarron Resource Centre in Low Wood Road in the town. Concerns were expressed about parking.

GRAVEYARD -The state of the Templars’ chapel and graveyard near the Maryculter House Hotel is to be discussed at the next meeting.

WANT MORE? – The next meeting is on Monday 18 April at 7.30pm.