In the spring of 2017, a local Mum approached The Sand Bothy team about how Balmedie Beach and Country Park could be made more accessible. Her son, a full-time wheelchair user, was unable to get to the beach and enjoy the exhilaration of being close to the sea.

At around the same time a local charity called Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS) got involved with the Sand Bothy and were very supportive of making the beach more accessible on a more permanent basis so those young and old, big or small could get to the Beach and Park.

We carried out some market research with over 150 families in the Autumn of 2017 and were overwhelmed by the support we got from families all over the region to make this a reality.

The Sand Bothy team consulted Aberdeenshire Council staff about access to the beach and they agreed that an access for all route should be maintained at all times. Aberdeenshire Council also agreed to us using a large shed (now known as The Bunker) in Balmedie Country Park to store wheelchairs and other equipment. We then spent time making The Bunker a clean, comfortable place where families can go to meet the volunteers and collect a beach wheelchair for their trips.

Between January and August 2018 we worked very hard to raise funds, recruit volunteers and get expert advice on what equipment to buy. We also found out what safety standards we would need to observe, what training would be required for volunteers and how we should run the project. As part of this we made sure that all our volunteers are Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme checked.

On Sunday 12 August 2018 we were delighted to have our wheelchairs in use on the beach for the first time!

We are very grateful to the individuals, families, carers, businesses, organisations, professionals and volunteers who have helped us get us going in all sorts of ways, with generous financial help, advice and support. This really has been a team effort!

We rely on volunteers and funding to make this project work. Although we now have an excellent fleet of beach chairs and buggies, we still need to cover running costs, like electric, insurance, maintenance and any other costs that may pop up along the way.

With thanks,

Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs,

Belhelvie Community Trust

SC045563

Contact us

Phone: 07864 350989 or 07541 112377

Email: info@balmediebeachwheelchairs.co.uk

How to find us

Park at the main Car Park in Balmedie Country Park, AB23 8XG, near the Sand Bothy. Follow signs to All Access route to beach, and you will find The Bunker on the left of the path.

pening hours

Saturdays & Sundays 12 noon to 3pm. Other days and times may be possible depending on availability of volunteers – give us a call to discuss.