In 2000 the Residents' Association had obtained permission from the local council to transform four acres of scrubland into a park. For three months they did nothing but pick stones - they discovered that the park is actually situated on a quarry seam! A local businessman took pity on them and let them have the use of a dumper truck, which was a tremendous asset.
The "Hit Squad", as they became known, worked extremely hard - all of them learning new trades, including grading stones that could be used elsewhere, landscaping, making cement and planting. They worked every Sunday from 9am - 1pm and a few evenings throughout the week, weather permitting.
In 2002 they kept a record of the hours worked, purely out of interest, and the total for the year was 2,396 hours. This shows the commitment generated in Shillinghill, where the age of the volunteers ranged from 4 to 75 years.
In 2003 the Association received Community Environmental Renewal Grant of £35,015 to improve the visual amenity affected by the adjacent quarry - which allowed substantial work to begin. The weather was extremely kind in January and February 2003, and enabled all work to be completed in record time. There were however discussions with the contractor about value for money. The Shillinghill "Hit Squad" undertook some clearing and digging - this way the money went further!
All paths on a gradient in the park have now been lock-blocked in grey blocks edged with red, which blend in with red sandstone. These paths had previously been packed with quarry dust which, when there was heavy rain, were being eroded, making it dangerous for the elderly to walk on. Not only has this problem been rectified but also the paths are a feature in themselves.
The association had placed wooden barrels throughout Shillinghill but these had needed time-consuming painting each year and watering each night. With the grant money, nine red sandstone planters were built, creating permanent features which blend in well with the environment and help to distract the eye from the nearby quarry. The Association was fortunate in having most of the sandstone donated from a local distillery, which was dismantling an old wall. All have been planted to encourage wildlife and topped with six inches of bark to help retain the moisture and keep them weed free, making them very low-maintenance.
The new pathways will allow residents to have a safe and pleasant walk through the park. The planting scheme for the new raised beds aims to attract new wildlife into the area. The park creates an environmentally friendly visual distraction from the imposing quarry workings.
Contact
Shillinghill Residents' Association
33 Shillinghill
Alness
Ross-shire
IV17 0SY
Telephone: 01349 882686