I’ve expressed my concern at the announcement by the Banff Vinery Project that staff are at risk of redundancy owing to funding difficulties.
The Vinery, which is operated by Aberdeen Foyer, offers important services, including health and well-being programmes, community lunches, and critical food provisions for those in need of help. The potential loss of these services would leave a significant void in Banff and Macduff.
The Vinery itself was an important regeneration project for Banff and it has been great to see it being used for so many important functions which have given a great benefit to the community in Banff, Macduff and surrounding area. Aberdeen Foyer and the team there deserve great credit for the important work they do.
I’m concerned that this is now at risk. There are funding sources out there but tracking them down and submitting the right applications can be a big task and time-consuming. I’ve therefore written to the Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council if he will commit to providing support to access additional funding.
Meantime, I have been in touch with the Vinery to say I am willing to make any further approaches they would deem helpful in their efforts.
Photo with Clare Bancroft, Project Lead and Anne Kain, Head of Service at Aberdeen Foyer
