Community Projects
The MacRobert Trust works closely with the local community to support projects which benefit the Tarland area and the people who live-in, work-in or visit the area. The Trust provides support in variety of ways: by providing monetary funding for specific projects, by gifting or leasing land for community use, or by providing resources for the community to use.
With a strong emphasis on supporting projects which align closely with the Trust’s values, the Trust has supported a wide range of initiatives in Tarland and the local area in recent years. The MacRobert Trust is dedicated to creating lasting change, fostering sustainability and a positive future for the local rural community.
The Tarland Golf Club
The MacRobert Trust leases the golf course and club house to the Tarland Golf Club on a nominal rent of £10 per year.
This beautifully maintained 9-hole parkland course designed by Tom Morris in 1908 and is open throughout the year, subject to course conditions.
By providing the course and club house for the community, the Trust is supporting a fantastic local amenity, which supports social activity and encourages young people to access sport. The golf club is open to all and also runs a membership scheme. For more information, visit www.tarlandglofclub.co.uk
Tarland Trails
The Tarland Trails Drummy Woods are a set of mountain bike tracks that opened to the public in 2015 following a collaboration with The MacRobert Trust, Tarland Development Group and members of the local community. The MacRobert Trust provided land and funding to get the project off the ground. These mountain bike trails are designed for all ages, with a particular focus on encouraging families to be active and enjoy the great outdoors.
Following the success of Tarland Trails, Tarland Trails 2 opened in 2023, on the outskirts of the village of Tarland. The MacRobert Trust provided part of the land for the trails, at a nominal annual rent to allow the project to go ahead. The trails are Aberdeenshire’s only purpose built mountain bike trail centre. This has brought more visitors to the area and boosted the local economy.
Community Vegetable Garden
The Tarland Community Garden opened in 2013 and is a Tarland Development Group project. It provides an inclusive and accessible community growing space for local residents. It has an indoor polytunnel, outdoor raised beds, plus communal planting areas. It is a place for members to grow, produce, learn, share and have fun. The MacRobert Trust provided the land for the community garden and grant funding to bring the project to life.
Old Walled Garden at Oldtown
The Old Walled Garden at Oldtown is located just outside the village of Tarland. It is a community facility which is home to a Bee Group, the Seed Swap Group and The Apple Pressing Group. These groups are open to all. There is a community apiary which is used as a teaching space the summer months. The MacRobert Trust provided the land for the community facility at Oldtown.
MacRobert Hall
The MacRobert Memorial Hall (the Tarland Hall to many) was built on the site of the former Cromar Hall in Tarland Square. Opened in 1953, it was gifted to the community by Lady MacRobert. Today it continues to thrive, and is a centre for community activities, markets, meetings, functions and stage performances.
The Tarland Hall is run on behalf of the community by the Tarland Welfare Trust, a group of volunteers who give their time and skills to help promote and look after the hall. From time to time. The MacRobert Trust has provided grant funding to the Hall to allow it to continue to serve the community.