MARCH 2013

Due to a number of factors, the 2nd (feedback) meeting in Abernethy had to be on Halloween 2012, and was poorly attended, unlike the first.

No matter, by the time you read this the final submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund will have been made (late February).

There is a considerable number of projects in the final list for submission, including 2 specifically relevant to our village. The larger one is Ancient Abernethy (Conserving and Restoring), and the smaller is The Story of Abernethy (Access and Learning). The first will include, among other activities, conservation and repair of our churchyard. The second will include improvements to the visitor experience and wider promotion of the museum. And as part of the First Settlers project, there will be fieldwalking sessions around Abernethy, where local volunteers will be encouraged to get their boots on and see if they can find any ancient objects--supervised by professionals. Also supervised by professionals will be archaeological digs (2) on Moncreiffe Hill, I would guess on a first-come first-taken basis.

The HLF decision on the bid is due in June 2013, and the first projects may begin in September. The whole scheme has been extended from 3 to 4 years, although it is hoped that successful projects will, where relevant, develop their own momentum and continue well beyond the official schedule. Keep an eye on www.taylp.org

Angus Macintyre, (12 Sutherland Crescent, Abernethy PH2 9GA).