The Barn in Banchory is delighted to announce that they have secured two major funding awards that will allow the Walled Garden project to move forward into delivery: support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via Aberdeenshire Council, and funding through the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund. Together, these significant investments mark a major milestone for the project and will enable the Barn realise a long-held, community-led vision for the Walled Garden.
Funding through the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund is awarded solely via public vote, and The Barn would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to vote in support of the project. This achievement would not have been possible without the encouragement of the wider community.
A Project Shaped by Our Community
From its earliest stages, the Walled Garden has been developed in close collaboration with the community. The design, created by Christopher Palmer Associates, was shaped directly by public consultation, local insight and shared ambition. This is a space designed with the community, not just for it, and The Barn is excited to now begin bringing that shared vision to life.
Funding
Funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Aberdeenshire Council, enables the Barn to begin Phase One of the project. This investment builds on earlier support received in 2024, when the Fund awarded the Barn a fully funded feasibility study delivered by Definity Consulting. In October this year, further UK Shared Prosperity funding was confirmed, allowing them to progress from planning into delivery. As a result, local contractors Terra Foras will be able to break ground in early 2026.
The funding received from the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund is awarded solely through public voting, and will support Phase Two of the Walled Garden. This ensures that the project continues to be shaped and endorsed by local people.
The Barn would like to extend their sincere thanks to everyone who took time to vote for the Barn – support which has been instrumental in making this phase possible.
In addition to the UK Shared Prosperity and Just Transition awards, the project has also benefited from a grant from the Morrison’s Foundation, which enabled local contractor CRC to remove old tarpaulins and clear natural debris, preparing the site for regeneration.
A Garden for Everyone
Thanks to the combined support of both the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund, the Walled Garden will become a fully accessible community space. It will be a place where people of all ages can get creative outdoors, learn regenerative growing practices, connect with others and enhance wellbeing.
The garden is already home to a 100-year-old apple tree, which will be carefully preserved as part of the renovation. Regeneration of the space will also create new habitats for native wildlife. With panoramic views of Scolty and Clachnaben, the Walled Garden will grow into a thriving, inspiring environment for the whole community.
Supporting New Futures
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, focuses on delivering visible improvements to places and communities, alongside investment in people and opportunity. The Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund, funded by the Scottish Government, empowers local residents to direct investment towards community-led, green projects that support the North East’s transition to Net Zero.
A spokesman from The Barn commented:
In Case You Missed it:
£1 million community fund opens for public vote across North East and Moray
Wood Group CEO steps down amid leadership turmoil ahead of critical shareholder vote
Aberdeen to become Floating Wind Testing hub as major mooring rig project secures funding
SBP Secures Seven Figure Royal Bank of Scotland Funding for CLS Marine Ltd
“We are proud that the Walled Garden contributes meaningfully to both of these initiatives, supporting place-based regeneration, climate action and community wellbeing.
Our sincere thanks go to our funders, partners, staff and volunteers, and to everyone who engaged with consultations and took part in the Just Transition public vote. Community participation has not only helped secure funding for the Walled Garden, but has also supported other local initiatives, including the Forget-Me-Not Club and Banchory Greenpower.
We look forward to sharing further updates as the Walled Garden moves from vision to reality.”
