As part of a series of planned visits, members of the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee visited various Tillydrone community facilities on Wednesday to hear from local service users, staff and volunteers.
Committee members visited the Tillydrone Community Flat, Tillydrone Community Campus and the recently opened Wallace Tower.
At each location, members were given a tour of the facilities and had opportunities to meet with staff as well as members of the public using the services on offer.
Councillor Christian Allard and Councillor Desmond Buchanan at the Tillydrone Community Flat
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Whilst visiting the Tillydrone Community Flat and Community Campus today, it has been extremely beneficial to hear not only about the vital work being done within this community, but also to listen to the challenges they are currently facing so that the Council can look at ways to support their efforts.
“It was fantastic to also visit the recently opened Wallace Tower which is now offering a welcoming community café. I wish to commend the Tillydrone Community Development Trust for all they have achieved so far with this project and I look forward to seeing their future plans come to fruition.”
Committee Members at the Tillydrone Community Flat
Vice convener Councillor Desmond Buchanan said: “The facilities that we visited today all play a vital role in the Tillydrone community for the people who live here.
“The visit was beneficial for us as a committee to hear about the challenges and difficulties that are faced whilst still providing much needed support and the new offerings at the Wallace Tower will provide a welcome boost to the community.”
Committee Members and local community representatives at the Tillydrone Community Campus.
Susan Thoms, Treasurer of Tillydrone Community Development Trust said: “We were delighted to welcome the committee to the Wallace Tower to see the work we are doing to develop this iconic historical building into a first class facility for the people of Tillydrone. It is so rewarding to see our vision for the once derelict building taking shape, following a Community Asset Transfer from the Council and over a decade of work from many residents, volunteers and supporters.
“Since opening, our café has been very busy, and we are delighted with the interest and support from local people, and visitors from across the city. We are currently in the process of renovating the upper floors to provide more community space, bringing this much-loved building back to life, and open to the public for the first time since it was moved to Seaton Park in the 1960s.
The Committee regularly visits local third sector organisations and partners to explore the work they are doing to support individuals and families in Aberdeen. The visit to the Tillydrone community follows previous visits to Fountain of Love Church, AberNecessities, Aberdeen Cyrenians, Cairncry Community Centre, Aberdeen Foyer, Community Food Initiatives NE (Cfine) and Station House Media Unit (SHMU) Radio.