Accessibility

Refurbished Bennachie Centre

April 2010

Other organisations involved with the refurbishment were Aberdeenshire Council, The Bennachie Centre Trust and the Forestry Commission.

The Bailies were involved with fundraising and contributed £25,000 towards the refurbishment, which was a major factor in obtaining Heritage Lottery Funding.

The centre was opened on 25th July 2006 when Mr Angus Farquharson, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire (The Queen's representative) officially unveiled a commemorative plaque.

New audiovisual material has been installed, also improved facilities for educational groups. The displays are family friendly, appealing to and engaging children, as well as giving greater depth of information to adults enhancing the overall visitor experience with hands on activities. A small wildlife hide with an external feeder and a bird box camera encourages visitors to become "A Wildlife Detective" A cut-away kitchen display explains the role that trees play in everyday life and why forestry is so important.

Several local supporters of Bennachie featured in the displays telling of their involvement with the hill and it's heritage.

The important Bailies of Bennachie library of books and other documents associated with the area is retained for local research purposes. There is now a popular tea and coffee making machine at the centre. Further improvements planned for 2008 include enhancing the entrance and, internally, improved lighting, additional displays and refurbishing the Bailies room with new furniture and a visual display unit. 



For more news please see our current News, News 2010 and Events sections.