With an ageing population in the surrounding villages walking the Old Deeside Railway Line is a significant source of exercise for the local inhabitants. The absence of rest areas on long stretches has been the motivation for Aberdeen Deeside Rotary to improve accessibility along the line.

Aberdeen Deeside Rotary (ADR) is based in Bieldside , Aberdeen. Bieldside is one of a row of villages (Pitfodels ,Cults, Bieldside, Milltimber and Peterculter) along the A93 – the main road between Aberdeen and Braemar.

For the past 4 years members of ADR have volunteered to paint the now old and somewhat dated benches on, or in close proximity to the A93 in each area – Pitfodels/Cults 17, Bieldside 5, Milltimber 5 and Peterculter 8. A number of these benches are in need of replacement.

In an attempt to escape the heavy traffic flow, pollution and noise on the A93 many residents – particularly the elderly – migrate to the Old Deeside Railway Line track which runs parallel to the A93 and offers attractive views of the river Dee. This track at just over 5.2 miles long, is ideal for walking and is free of vehicular traffic. It has a tarmacadam surface making it safe – even in adverse weather.

The popularity of the railway track is diminished by the absence of benches with only 21 (at 16 locations) being in place over its length, of which 14 are of wood and metal construction and largely in poor condition. This negative factor is particularly disappointing as the villages mentioned above have very little in the way of gym or other recreational facilities. There is a part-time Sports Centre (limited gym facilities) in Peterculter and at Cults Academy a swimming pool that can be accessed by the public at off peak times.

With an ageing population in the villages (2058 aged 60 or over) walking is the main exercise for the local inhabitants. The absence of rest areas on long stretches along the old Deeside Railway Line has been the motivation for ADR to try and remedy the situation. ADR have been in discussion with Aberdeen City Council (ACC) who have agreed to provide the labour to prepare the sites selected for the new benches, to lay the slabbing base and securely fix the benches to the bases.

£4,000 has already been raised through grant funding, with further grant funding being sought.