MacRobert Trust Gives £45,000 for Tarland Community Projects

We have officially launched our new 10-Year Strategy by awarding £45,000 to two community projects that aim to make a meaningful difference to the people of Tarland and Cromar.

We recently unveiled our ambitious plan, 10 Goals for 10 Years, in September 2025. One of these Goals is the creation of a £1 million community fund dedicated to supporting local initiatives within Tarland and the surrounding area. Importantly, the allocation of this fund will be decided by the community, for the community.

The first two beneficiaries were announced at our annual farming dinner, held at Douneside House. A total of £45,000 has been awarded, with £30,000 going to the Coull Trust and £15,000 to the Tarland Pavilion project.

Support for the Coull Trust

The Coull Trust is a newly formed community group aiming to purchase and renovate Coull Kirk—an important local heritage site with deep personal significance for many residents. With the support of a £30,000 grant from The MacRobert Trust, the group hopes to secure the building’s future as a space for community gatherings, including weddings, funerals, ceremonies, and small events. The Coull Trust will now continue its fundraising efforts to bring the project to life.

Daniel Robertson, Convenor of the Coull Trust, said: “Our family has a long history with the Coull Kirk and The MacRobert Trust, so having The MacRobert Trust step in to help secure the Kirk’s future means a great deal to us. The £30,000 donation has enabled the Coull Trust to purchase the Kirk, which is a significant step. It will ensure it can continue to be a place for the community to gather, celebrate, and share our local heritage for generations to come. On behalf of the Coull Trust, our sincere thanks to The MacRobert Trust for this generous donation”.

Investment in the Tarland Pavilion

The Tarland Pavilion Steering Committee was formed by local residents to safeguard and revitalise the village Pavilion as a valuable community asset. Throughout 2025, the Committee hosted several open days that clearly demonstrated strong public support for preserving and transforming the building. This year, the Pavilion has already welcomed a variety of activities, including food-waste groups, bike-repair workshops and craft sessions.

The MacRobert Trust has awarded £15,000 to support the group’s efforts to regenerate the building and secure its long-term future.

Frank Paterson, who leads the Tarland Pavilion Steering Group, said “The Tarland Pavilion Transformation Steering Group, on the behalf of all in the community who support this project, sincerely thank The MacRobert Trust for their generous donation.

Our engagement exercises and ongoing events have demonstrated that the Pavilion holds a special place in the heart of our community.

This grant is pivotal in the transformation initiative as it provides the means of funding the surveys and repairs necessary to secure community governance of the building, a major step towards realising the vision of a vibrant, multi-purpose space able to serve a wide range of community interests.”