How the Community Council works

The Constitution set out the aims and objectives and general management of the Community Council.

The former Amenities Committee was previously recognised by the Council as having the equivalent status to a full Community Council in terms of its communication with us.  However, now that Slains and Collieston Community Council is established, this means we have a stronger definition of official representatives of the whole parish.  There are also additional financial benefits with support each year in terms of both an administration grant and our annual insurance premium for public liability being paid by Aberdeenshire Council.  However, we are still required to pay additional premiums for the play park, bonfire night and the Gala.

Like the Amenities Committee we expect that the new Council will have broadly similar administrative functions such as receiving relevant correspondence and that it is consulted and can comment on matters such as planning applications.  We are also represented on local groups in Formartine including the Formartine Partnership, Formartine Community Council forum, the Community Safety Partnership and Ellon Community Development Group.

Additionally, we expect to continue in looking after the interests of the community, by helping to maintain the physical environment, for example by organising work parties, planting flower tubs and equipping and maintaining the play park.  Just as importantly, is the organisation of social activities and events throughout the year such as the senior citizens Christmas lunch and the Gala.

Over the last year or so, we have taken on the additional role of helping to support the work of the Harbour Trustees, who are presently not able to function independently. The pier is in need of major repair works, and the Community Council hopes to contribute to achieving its restoration over the months to come. We currently hold money in a high interest account specifically for the pier, as well as a smaller amount in a “working fund” for day to day repairs as they might occur.  This summer we instructed that new hand holds be provided to ensure safe access to boats from the pier ladders.