The McDonald Public Park Endowment Trustees met on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss landscape services activities and the future of the McDonald Park Allotments. Decisions were made regarding seeking an update on a proposed path through the golf course and a meeting to plan future community engagement activities.

Landscape Services Activities

David Mundie, Principal Officer for Landscape Services, provided an update on recent activities. Phase two of restocking the woods following Storm Arwen has been completed, with specimen trees yet to be planted. The wall at the golf course has been rebuilt, and a bollard installed to prevent vehicular access, which was welcomed by Stewart MacLeod of Ellon Golf Club. The club continues to maintain the paths and clear debris. Bulb planting has been carried out in conjunction with the local Rotary Club, and felling of Dutch Elm and dead Ash trees has occurred. The footpaths were topped up last financial year and remain in good condition.

The Trustees discussed a potential path through the golf course being developed by the Active Travel Team. Stewart MacLeod confirmed he had met with a representative from the team, but there had been no further progress. It was agreed that an update would be sought from the Active Travel Team regarding the proposals and the timescale for this path.

Councillor Isobel Davidson, Chair of the Trustees, inquired about the community planting day. Sarah Gosden, the Countryside Ranger, confirmed it took place at the end of November, with ten participants planting 2,700 bulbs. While the snowdrops did not establish well this year, other flowers such as crocuses and daffodils are growing successfully.

Councillor Louise McAllister asked about activities for school holidays, suggesting opportunities for families to engage with the park's development. Sarah Gosden noted that due to her covering the entire Formartine area, there were no immediate plans. Olly Deeming suggested planning an activity for next Easter, such as invasive species clearing, or for next November/October for planting. It was agreed that a meeting would be held between Landscape Services, the Countryside Ranger, and Tajana Telisman Sosic, the Greenspace Projects Officer, to discuss future engagement.

The Chair proposed, and it was agreed, that a walkaround of the park by the Trustees and other interested parties would be beneficial. Tajana Telisman Sosic confirmed she would provide updates on available funding for activities.

McDonald Park Allotments

Sarah Rochester, Formartine Area Manager, provided an update on the McDonald Park Allotments. Progress requires the allotments to be moved from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to the general fund, a process that is ongoing across Aberdeenshire. Area Managers are preparing a report for the Housing Service to facilitate this.

Sarah Rochester questioned whether there was still interest in a potential Asset Transfer once these administrative steps were completed. The Chair clarified that an Asset Transfer was not necessarily the goal, but the Trustees were keen to see the allotments brought back into use. Calum Davidson, Environment Planner, is developing a strategy for environmentally friendly allotments with nature enhancements. There is general enthusiasm for allotments, and these particular plots were left as part of the estate for community benefit. While no groups have formally expressed interest in an Asset Transfer, individuals within the community are keen to have an allotment. It was agreed that Sarah Rochester would discuss this further with Olly Deeming and Calum Davidson to progress the matter.

Minute of Meeting of 29 September 2025

The minute of the meeting held on 29 September 2025 was approved as a correct record.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting will be arranged for a Monday evening in September at 6:00 pm, to be held online. A separate date will be arranged for the Trustees and other interested parties to conduct a walkaround of the park.