Young visitors to Chapelton are in for a double treat next week with the launch of one of the North-east’s most popular family events – the Chapelton Scarecrow Festival – as well as the unveiling of a new playground.
A firm fixture in the annual Chapelton calendar, the Scarecrow Festival attracts hundreds of visitors each year and significant funds for local groups and charities. This year the theme is open to all and traditionally there has been more than 60 fun and imaginative creations gracing the gardens of residents.
Donation points are situated throughout the town, including in Brae café and the three winning scarecrows will be awarded a sum of the donations for the charity of their choice.
Visitors will be able to enjoy the new junior park alongside the families who live at Chapelton. The park features a willow maze, bringing even more opportunities for outdoor play and adventure. The new playground sits alongside the existing Patey Park, which was unveiled in May 2022, offering a complementary experience tailored to younger age groups.
Developed by Elsick Development Company (EDC), the new junior playpark is the result of a close collaboration with local businesses and craftspeople, including Scott and Simmons Landscape Architects who created the concept.
A key feature is a maze-like area made from woven willow fencing, which encloses a variety of age-appropriate play equipment. The imaginative space was brought to life with contributions from several rural enterprises including Alex Butter Landscaping, which was responsible for installing the hard landscaping and play equipment within the willow maze.
Peter Holmes Training sourced the willow and constructed the fencing, delivering the work before the growing season began. Peter also trained the EDC team in fence maintenance and led hands-on community workshops for Chapelton residents.
The Duchess of Fife, Director of Elsick Development Company, said August was set to be an exciting time for all those living in and visiting Aberdeenshire’s newest town.
“We are all very much looking forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide when they come to take part in the Scarecrow Festival, which is always lots of fun for young and old alike,” she said.
“We are also very proud of our new play area, and the creativity that has gone into designing and delivering it for our Chapelton community. We all had a great time learning about willow and how to maintain the new maze.
“This was more than just building a playpark—it was about sharing skills and strengthening community spirit. It really builds on Chapelton’s reputation as a town deeply rooted in community values and heritage.”
Studies show that natural playgrounds foster longer, more active playtimes and promote skills such as risk assessment, decision-making, and problem-solving. The new junior play area is designed to encourage exploration, creativity and connection with nature from an early age.
It highlights Chapelton’s commitment to creating sustainable, walkable communities that prioritise natural surroundings and community wellbeing.
In 2022, EDC received the inaugural ‘Building a Legacy Community Award’ from His Majesty King Charles’ Foundation (formerly The Prince’s Foundation), a prestigious recognition of developments that embrace walkable, mixed-use communities and support long-term local well-being.
To commemorate the award, a beautifully crafted stone bench and wall were unveiled in Patey Park, created by master dyker Steve Denham of Scottish Stoneworks using locally sourced stone and turf, which sits next to the play area entrance.