On Saturday 9 December 2023, the Cuminestown Arts Group and community members gathered for an amazing Clay Workshop that got everyone into the festive spirit! Led by the incredibly talented Claire Totton, the workshop was a smashing success, as participants created stunning Christmas and festive ornaments that filled everyone with the joy and spirit of the season.

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We had a fantastic Blether Session in Fettercairn on Saturday 9 December 2023. Meeting the passionate members of the community left us feeling truly inspired. We witnessed how dedicated volunteers have made Fettercairn a vibrant and thriving place to live. We are excited to explore how we can further support and promote the amazing community activities and initiatives through Live Life Aberdeenshire’s Positive Action Grant. Overall, it was a truly inspiring event that has left us with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm.

Tales of Home: Storytelling with Pauline Cordiner

Children’s Chritmas Craft Workshop with Helen Thompson

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The Muppet Christmas Carol

Check out these amazing photos from our recent Blether Session at the Lonach Hall, Strathdon on Saturday 2 December 2023!

Meeting and connecting with the enthusiastic members of this lively community was a truly enriching experience.

The experience of meeting and connecting with the passionate members of this vibrant community left us feeling truly enriched.

Witnessing the incredible impact that dedicated volunteers can have has reinvigorated us and fuelled our excitement to continue discussing and exploring how we can utilise Live Life Aberdeenshire’s Positive Action Grant to further the amazing activities that take place throughout the year in Strathdon.

Tales of Home: Storytelling with Pauline Cordiner

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Christmas Craft Workshop with Holly Cowie

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Images by Axel Haudiquet

Cumineston Art Group recently organised a captivating mixed-media collage workshop alongside delivered by Penny Downes (Hand Pict by Penny).

During the session, participants delved into techniques like image transfer using tape and the application of gold leaf, uncovering the boundless potential inherent in this artistic medium.

“Such a fun morning and a wonderful group of people to spend time with. I’m so glad I joined, the two workshops. It’s been a real tonic during a difficult period” Workshop Participant

Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones performed a captivating live concert at Glenbuchat Hall on 29 June 2024. The evening showcased the duo’s proficiency in both traditional and contemporary music, featuring heartfelt original songs and traditional tunes. Their performance, marked by beautiful vocal harmonies and sensitive arrangements, highlighted their deep passion for the Scottish musical tradition.

The concert featured tracks from their acclaimed album, “Despite The Wind & Rain,” celebrating inspirational Scottish women and included a mix of Gaelic and English songs. Their collaboration has been praised as an exciting new partnership in the folk music scene, reflecting their significant contributions to Scottish music. The event was a memorable experience for all, underscoring Walker and Jones’ exceptional talents and dedication to their craft.

Background and Purpose:

The Online Bothy is an innovative skills-sharing programme designed to empower volunteers and practitioners in Aberdeenshire. Delivered by NEAT as part of Live Life Aberdeenshire’s Positive Action Grant, it has supported volunteers in enhancing their community engagement practices, project management techniques and governance knowledge through a series of interactive online sessions.

Sessions Delivered:

In 2024, we successfully conducted five 1-hour sessions over five weeks, each focusing on community engagement work and personal development. Here’s a brief overview of the sessions:

1. From Idea to Reality: Guided by an experienced Project Manager, participants learned how to turn their ideas into thriving projects, whether large festivals or small Conversation Cafés.
2. The Power of Knowledge Sharing: This session provided a platform for volunteers to share their experiences and learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
3. How to Apply for Funding: Participants discovered the key components of a successful funding application and learned how to communicate their stories effectively.
4. Tips for Successfully Marketing Your Project: Delivered by a marketing professional, this session equipped participants with top tips on reaching their audience and engaging people.
5. The Key to Success: Unlocking the Power of Knowledge Sharing: In these friendly sessions, participants connected with like-minded individuals, shared experiences, and built a network of helpful contacts.

Impact on Volunteers:

The Online Bothy has been incredibly beneficial for volunteers. They have gained valuable skills, built confidence, and formed supportive networks. The interactive and relaxed format has made learning enjoyable and effective, cultivating community and collaboration.

In October 2024, theatre maker Stewart Aitken collaborated creatively with the Primary 6 and Primary 7 students at Fettercairn School.

Recognising the students’ interest in writing their nativity play, Stewart delivered six engaging sessions to guide them through the playwriting process.

From brainstorming ideas and developing characters to crafting dialogue and designing staging, the pupils were fully immersed in the experience. This collaborative effort culminated in a unique nativity play that the students rehearsed and proudly performed for their parents, families and peers during the Christmas celebrations in December 2024.

This five‑week creative writing residency, led by writer and theatre‑maker Stewart Aitken, invited pupils to explore storytelling, imagination and performance. Children developed confidence in their ideas, collaborated with classmates and shared their work through performance. The residency supported literacy, creativity and self‑expression, while providing an inclusive space for pupils to try something new and build confidence.

Delivered by dance artist Lauren Smith, this five‑week residency supported pupils to explore movement, teamwork and creativity in a fun and energetic environment. Sessions helped build stamina, coordination and confidence, while supporting positive wellbeing and self‑expression. Pupils responded enthusiastically, enjoying the physical activity and shared sense of achievement.

Led by professional photographer Donna Murray, this residency offered gentle, accessible workshops focused on photography and mobile phone creativity. Residents explored taking photographs, sharing personal images and stories, and connecting with others through creative conversation. The residency supported wellbeing, reduced isolation and enabled participants to learn new skills at their own pace.

Delivered by craft maker Sophie from Sheeps4Keeps, these sold‑out loom weaving workshops celebrated traditional skills using local, natural materials. Designed to be affordable and welcoming, the sessions encouraged people to try a heritage craft for the first time while meeting others from the community. The activity supported relaxation, creativity and social connection, while enabling the artist to develop sustainable workshop delivery.

Led by Linda, with accompaniment by Rachel, the Community Choir meets weekly and plays a vital role in bringing people together through music and shared enjoyment. Funding supported essential equipment, improving rehearsal quality and enabling confident community performances. The choir offers a friendly, informal space where people can relax, connect and recharge through singing.

K3 Kids is a new youth group led by Sarah and the K3 Kids team, offering a safe, warm and welcoming space for young people in Rothienorman. The group supports confidence, connection and wellbeing, particularly for those with limited access to social opportunities. Strong local engagement has helped establish the group as a valued and growing part of village life.

Held at a key time of year, this festive sing‑along brought together local residents, choirs and musicians for an uplifting shared experience. The event created a strong sense of togetherness and community pride while encouraging collaboration between neighbouring villages.

This immersive murder mystery event offered the community a chance to experience a professional live performance locally. The event encouraged social interaction, conversation and fun, while testing appetite for evening cultural events. Its success has helped build confidence for future programming in Fyvie.

A festive community screening offered pupils and families an inclusive Christmas experience without the need to travel. Nursery and primary pupils attended age‑appropriate screenings, ensuring all children could take part. The event created a joyful shared moment and strengthened connections between the school, families and community.

Investment in new technology and display equipment has strengthened Tarves Heritage Centre’s ability to host talks, exhibitions and events. The upgrades improve accessibility and quality while offering greater flexibility for visiting groups, musicians and organisers. The project supports the long‑term sustainability of the Centre as a shared community resource.

This intergenerational project supported a school show involving pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community. Children helped design and create props and costumes through hands‑on workshops before performing in community shows. The project built confidence, creativity and collaboration, while strengthening links between the school, families and local residents.