Greyhope Bay has been raising funds through a membership framework that offers opportunities for organisations, community leaders and individuals to take part and deliver a zero waste and plastic neutral dolphin watching centre in 2020 that will breathe new life into Torry Battery.
Greyhope Bay hosted a fun-filled family event on Sunday, September 29 at Torry Battery attended by over 600 people celebrating the project’s first wave of fundraising: a whopping £92,600 raised through Greyhope Admirals, Skippers and Crew members since the programme’s launch this summer. These funds raised puts Greyhope Bay within £75,000 of its goal to break ground.
The family event was made possible by a committed group of volunteers and the Greyhope Skippers who have given heart and energy to the project through hosting their own fundraisers for the project such as bike rides, pub quizzes and afternoon teas. A unique ‘Skipper Gallery’ at the event within Torry Battery shared the Greyhope Skipper’s stories and why they have been fundraising for the project.
The first six Greyhope Admirals were also on-site to be presented with a gift in recognition of their generous support – a plant pot featuring rubble collected at Torry Battery and handcrafted by James Daniels at CRE_ATE. Greyhope Bay’s six Admirals include CNOOC International, Shell UK, Dragados UK, Dynamix Modular and NorDan UK (Aberdeen).
Ray Riddoch, managing director UK & Sr. VP Europe and Africa of CNOOC International said: “CNOOC International is a proud supporter of the Greyhope Bay project. We’re excited about the vision to create a space for everyone to experience Aberdeen’s incredible coast and marine life.
“CNOOC International is committed to working in partnership across sectors for the prosperity and sustainability of our region. Greyhope Bay is a transformational project that celebrates the north-east’s heritage and environment, of which we should be incredibly proud.
“We will continue to support Fiona and the entire Greyhope Bay Team to deliver their ambition.”
Fiona McIntyre, managing director of Greyhope Bay said “the success of our family fun day and membership programme has been inspiring, but we won’t stop here. We’re looking for one final push to take us over our target – this will ensure the Torry and Aberdeen community have a new facility to be proud of courtesy of the incredible power of community and support from local businesses, individuals and communities.”
A second wave of fundraising leading up to Christmas time is about to begin and Greyhope Bay are looking to fill four more Admiral (foundational investor) spots to complete a set of 10 that will allow the centre to open as well as an offer to individuals and communities to get involved as a Greyhope Skipper to join the Greyhope community and host fundraisers.
The project was made possible by the continued support from Professor Gokay Deveci Project Architect based at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture Robert Gordon University, Dynamix Modular and Aberdeen City Council.
To find out more or to sign up to become a member, visit our website greyhopebay.com