Neighbours Together group in Edzell Woods originated and was instigated locally by Aberdeenshire Council. It was/is an attempt to get communities to do some “identifying and tackling of issues in the area” – as it’s Community Action Plan reported after wide consultation in Edzell Woods and among its residents.

Neighbours Together was established in 2005 in an attempt to implement some of the needs and aspirations. While the Neighbours Together group is independent of Edzell Woods Community Trust, which deals with fundamental concerns and issues with regard to the operation of the Estate (Roads, Sewage, Lighting, Estate Management) to some extent Neighbours Together sees itself as the “icing on the cake” focusing more on amenity and social activities. Neighbours Together previously operated as ‘Planning for Real’. The current chair of Neighbours Together is Ken Senior.

The Neighbours Together group has instigated the upgrading of the Children’s play park and the provision of litter bins etc. In the last year the Neighbours Together group has organised a community event at Loch Wee at the former Base and a children’s Christmas Party. While Neighbours Together group tries to stimulate community involvement the lack of community facility inhibits the implementation of the ideas and hopes expressed in the community consultation.

Neighbours Together group liaises with EWCT and has good links with Aberdeenshire Council whose agents consult with it e.g. “Community Food Initiatives” the vegetable van (Wednesday afternoon), the “Comet” educational van etc. The Convener serves on the Mearns Area Partnership.