25 October 2019

From garden to playground: Stonehaven school benefits from cabin as flood scheme progresses

A Stonehaven school has benefited from some additional learning space following the eye-catching relocation of a garden structure, as part of the town’s flood protection scheme.

Work on the scheme has been underway for several months and involves some work at the boundaries of properties alongside the River Carron.

One of the logistical challenges for the project team was the removal of a sizeable log cabin that lay in the garden of a home at Dunnottar Avenue.

Following negotiations with the structure’s former owners, residents looked on as a striking 250tonne crane lifted the cabin from the garden on Saturday (Oct 13) and loaded it for its short but carefully managed journey to the schoolyard.

The process was completed within the day and – despite the heavy rain at the weekend – was completed without any problems.

The school will now consider how best to use the cabin, which could be converted into a skills base for senior pupils. 

Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cllr Peter Argyle said: “This is a very pleasing outcome for what was an essential but challenging part of the scheme.

“While it may have been easier to dismantle or dispose of the structure, the project team has gone the extra mile to ensure an ongoing and local use for the cabin.

“I’d like to thank the team for their hard work, and our contractors McLaughlin and Harvey, McIntosh Plant Hire and Global Port Services for their expertise in moving the cabin. I am sure the pupils of Carronhill will enjoy this new resource.”

Cllr Gillian Owen, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “This is a wonderful outcome for Carronhill School and this high-quality space offers some great opportunities for staff and pupils alike.

“I look forward to seeing how the school decides to use the cabin and would like to thank the flood protection team for their hard work to make this possible.”

Kincardine & Mearns Area Committee chair Cllr Wendy Agnew said: “It is great to see the local community getting some additional benefit from the flood protection scheme and the cabin should be a great resource for the school.

“This is a positive milestone in a scheme that will serve the Stonehaven community for years to come.”

Work on the Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme began in March this year, with the main works due to be complete in September 2020.