Princess Royal plants tree and meets community organisations during Aden Country Park visit

The Princess Royal has met a number of community organisations in Aberdeenshire during a tour of Aden Country Park.

Princess Anne visited a number of Aberdeenshire attractions, including MACBI Community Hub and the Peterhead Prison Museum, and she also planted a tree to commemorate her visit to Aden.

Greeted at the 230-acre country park by provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Judy Whyte, alongside Aberdeenshire council leader Gillian Owen, local councillors and officers, she was invited to tour a range of facilities and attractions which have recently undergone a multi-million pound package of improvements.

The site’s visitor information centre has been developed as part of the £2.13m project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Princess Anne visited a number of Aberdeenshire attractions and planted a tree aberdeenshirecouncil via Supplied

The funding has also supported the restoration and redevelopment of Aden’s historic buildings, landscape, and facilities, including improvements to park interpretation, accessibility, signage, and a programme to enhance biodiversity.

The Princess Royal was given a brief overview of the Book of Deer Project and also viewed a display of historical artefacts uncovered during archaeological digs throughout Aden Country Park.

Friends of Aden volunteers explained the work of the volunteer group and how it supports a wide range of activities including the ‘Music at Aden’ performances hosted throughout the year within the country park.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Judy Whyte said: “We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to Aden Country Park today and I am sure she was impressed with not only the beautiful surroundings but also the incredible community spirit we have here in Mintlaw.

“It was tremendous seeing the volunteers being so relaxed and talking so enthusiastically about all the wonderful activities they undertake, the events they host and the knowledge, skills and pride in local history they instill in others.”

The Princess Royal met by a number of community organisations aberdeenshirecouncil via Supplied

Council Leader Cllr Gillian Owen said: “I am delighted that all the efforts of our landscape staff, council officers, our band of dedicated volunteers and, of course, our generous funders received such enthusiastic recognition from Her Royal Highness as she toured the various elements of Aden Country Park.

“During the last five years the Aden redevelopment project has enhanced, promoted and conserved Aden’s rich heritage and will ensure that this impressive visitor destination will have a very bright future for many years to come.”