During  2007 it became apparent that the redundant BT Maritime Radio Station had been severely vandalised and was not securely enclosed to prevent the entry of unauthorised persons.  The Scottish newspaper “Press & Journal” carried a news story which explained the conditions at the radio station.  Photographs taken at the time showed police officers and an Aberdeenshire Council councillor at site and it is was apparent that people could have been sleeping rough at the premises.  Most main doors were lying open and mattresses were within the building.

Stonehaven is located on the north east coast of Scotland about 15 miles south of Aberdeen.  The radio station is located about one mile south of Stonehaven near to Dunnottar Castle and enjoys a panoramic view over the North Sea.  The radio station was closed in 2000 and subsequently listed category “C(S)” by Scottish Ministers in 2004.

The radio station is owned by BT and during the re-financing of British Telecommunications PLC in 2001 it was leased to Telereal for 131 years at two pounds sterling per year, and sub-leased back to BT for the period of 35 years at a rate determined by financial formulae.

Aberdeenshire Council were advised by local persons that efforts should be made to secure the site for community facilities.  On the 12^th November 2007 at a public meeting in the community centre a number of people agreed to be a steering group to develop proposals to save the radio station site.  The following uses were suggested at the meeting:

• Radio  Museum
• Café / Restaurant
• Youth Hostel
• Community Radio transmitter
• Ury Player drama group storage
• Visitor Centre
• Band Practice room
• Community rooms

Subsequent to the meeting the steering group members Vernon Clark, Bill Emslie, Alistair Maclean, Sheila Southam and Tim Southam discussed the formation of an organisation to undertake the project.

Aims and Objectives

It is intended to form a charitable company limited by guarantee.

The proposed objects of the charity would be broadly:

• The advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science
• The advancement of citizenship or community development
• The provision / organisation of recreational facilities

The intention is to form a trust which will enable the radio station to be purchased and refurbished to suit the intended purposes.  Thereafter the charity will make arrangements for the provision of facilities and their operation.  It will be necessary to have some income generating facility at the site and this may require a trading company to be formed at a later date.

An important matter is to ensure that on completion of selected modifications to the buildings that the project is sustainable i.e. does not require ongoing financial support.

The first steps are seen to be the following:

• Formation of Charity.
• Fundraising for a project feasibility study.
• Feasibility study of the project (renovation cost, ongoing annual income & expenditure).

On completion of the feasibility study a decision will be made concerning the best way forward.  A public appeal shall be launched for the funds to purchase the radio station site.  Once purchased from BT / Telereal the building will be adequately secured from the elements and detailed architects plans prepared.  Thereafter applications for funding will be made to the relevant bodies.

The final outcome should be a facility which meets the needs of the Stonehaven people by providing accommodation for recreational groups, safeguarding the listed building and having a resource to support local charities.  In addition employment will be generated and enhancements will be made to tourist visitor enjoyment at Stonehaven.  Being on the outskirts of the town it is envisaged that a bus service will be required.

Mission Statement

The steering group wish to retain the site as a living museum of an early radio station and within its buildings provide community facilities for the benefit of locals and visitors.

Business Plan

Under construction by the steering group

Drawings

At this early stage we have managed to secure a line drawing of the main building.  It has been marked up with some proposed uses and it attached here for information.  Once our architect gets going we will incorporate further drawings.

Donations

When the charity is formed we would invite all those interested in our project to contribute to it.  This website contains a paypal system and you can select from the shopping cart the amount to donate.

For cheques and corporate support we invite you to write to our treasurer (details to be advised later).