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BBC News
09-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Could taxpayer-funded public diners be revived?
Campaigners have called for the return of subsidised civic restaurants which would provide cheap, nutritious meals in a bid to improve the nation's of diners were supported by the government and operated throughout the UK until the 1960s. But with many families struggling due to the cost of living crisis funding has been granted to a trial in Dundee in a drive to revive the group Nourish said taxpayer-funded restaurants - charging £3 to £5 for a hot meal - would benefit businesses and communities. Civic restaurants operated before, during and after both world their peak there were around 2,000 state-subsidised facilities offering cheap, healthy meals to the British public, including just under 100 in Castle Restaurant in Aberdeen, which opened in December 1941, served ''shilling meals'' and was especially busy at the time the Evening Express reported that, before it opened, many workers had to make do with a sandwich for the midday at the Castle they could enjoy ''a satisfying hot dinner of three courses''.The newspaper said 4,000 customers were served in the first month of operation, from factory workers to office staff and shop assistants. Prof Bryce Evans, of Liverpool Hope University, who specialises in food history, said the concept had a massive said: "They represented the first opportunity that many working class people had to eat out."Before that eating out was really a middle and upper class thing."At the same time they were designed specifically as cross class venues attractive to all, affordably priced, nutritious, but genuinely joyous spaces. Well decorated, clean and attractive, not places associated with shame or stigma''He said the original public diners marked a change from the Victorian approach of only feeding the very poor to the notion of nutritious, affordable food for all. Nourish Scotland has been running a series of discussion suppers around Scotland, developing the idea of revived public diners which would serve quality, affordable local food in communal recent event in Aberdeen served venison lasagne and sweet potato and chickpea curry with salad on the were also offered fruit crumble and custard for Chworow, deputy director of Nourish Scotland, said the events offered "delicious good quality food".She added: "We think there's a really strong case for bringing them back in Scotland, and the wider UK.''We would like to see phase one roll out in perhaps a couple of local authorities so we can understand how the model can work in practice, and the a further roll out nationally.''Ms Chworow said the diners would "feel very much like a restaurant" and the only difference would be behind the added: "With government support, the price point in these restaurants can rival that of a ready meal or a fast food chain."It's offering people good quality, healthy nutritious food - which is what people actually want to eat - but at prices that they can also afford.'' 'Excellent opportunity' for hospitality industry UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced funding for two trials of subsidised restaurants - in Dundee and Nottingham - as part of government efforts to tackle food a community market has secured funding in were concerns previous communal kitchens posed a threat to those in the hospitality Evans said: ''In Glasgow there was a big stonking national kitchen on Argyll Street and the restaurateurs didn't like it.''But some argue it is a way to improve Scotland's relationship with food, rather than a threat to their Haigh is a chef with Edinburgh Food Social, a catering social enterprise company which supports food said: ''This is an excellent opportunity for the hospitality industry and it shouldn't be seen as something that's negative for it but instead something that really allows it to thrive.''Whether you're someone who goes to a food bank at the moment or someone that goes to high end restaurants, you will go to a place where you can access a delicious meal that is nutritious and eat it together."We are bringing people together in a way that doesn't happen so much at the moment because it's a place where, no matter what you can afford, there is good food for you to eat and a place where you belong.'' Public diners address 'food insecurity' Leon Thompson, executive director of UK Hospitality Scotland, said he looked forward to learning more about the restaurant projects funded by added: "Scottish hospitality is known for its great food and drink, and venues across the sector are proud of the healthy and nutritious dishes they have on offer for consumers to choose from, as part of a varied menu."Hospitality businesses can play a unique role in helping our communities, whether it's charities like Only A Pavement Away, which helps vulnerable people into jobs in hospitality, or initiatives like Social Bite, a social enterprise which supports homeless people across Scotland." The Scottish government said it welcomed the idea as a way of supporting people who were "experiencing food insecurity". A spokesperson added it promoted a "cash-first approach" so people have "dignity and choice" about the food they buy and fewer need to turn to food parcels. They also said it was encouraging to see a 10% drop in the number of parcels distributed by Trussell food banks in Scotland between 2024/25 and 2023-24.
Press and Journal
09-05-2025
- General
- Press and Journal
Ballater Station's remarkable tale of surviving neglect and devastating fire
There's something about Ballater Station that embodies the beguiling glory days of steam – stepping inside is a step back in time. But this railway heritage was nearly lost forever when a ferocious fire razed most of the building to the ground 10 years ago. While its royal links, community spirit and a dose of nostalgia undoubtedly helped, it largely owes its survival to Aberdeenshire Council – both in the aftermath of Beeching and the 2015 blaze. Join us as we tell the full story of the remarkable Ballater Station, from its somewhat controversial beginnings to the star of the Deeside village it is today… Ballater Station opened as an extension of the Deeside line on October 17 1866. The 27-mile line would continue the Deeside Railway from Aboyne into the heart of the Cairngorms. Its royal patronage meant it had one of the longest platforms in Scotland to accommodate the royal train. But plans were nearly halted entirely when Queen Victoria personally objected to the scheme. She rather enjoyed the seclusion of Balmoral and didn't want filthy steam trains full of the public on her doorstep. But an agreement was reached whereby the railway would go no further than Bridge of Gairn, a mile north of Ballater. Although the new station was open, Queen Victoria initially continued to use Aboyne Station. In November 1866, the royal train was waiting for her at Ballater, but instead she travelled by horse and carriage to Aboyne and boarded the train from there. But short of its centenary, rumours arose of the station's closure long before Beeching cast his eye over it. British Railways closed Drum Station between Culter and Park in 1951 citing falling passenger numbers due to competition with buses. And disaster struck when Ballater Station was badly damaged during the Great Storm of January 1953. So, in February 1953, the Evening Express put a spotlight on Ballater Station to find out why it should be saved. Ballater long had an 'outstanding' reputation for being beautifully kept, winning prizes for its platform gardens. It was described as 'a model station', and that Aberdeen 'could take note'. Inside it was just as well groomed with a welcoming fire in the refreshment room, while the cosy men's waiting room was carpeted, with 'colourful' pictures on the walls. The proud stationmaster explained staff regularly washed down the wooden station so it was always picture perfect. Was the station's care for the benefit of the royals? Not according to the tea girl, who candidly told the EE: 'Oh my goodness no; they never come in here. 'Their train pulls up, and they walk straight across the platform into the car for Balmoral.' But one room at Ballater Station entrance was nearly always locked – the Royal Waiting Room. It was described as 'a magnificent little parlour with carpets and soft leather arm chairs'. 'We always have it ready, just in case,' the stationmaster explained, adding a little regretfully, 'but it is never used'. Sadly, passenger numbers continued to dwindle and little over 10 years later, the line was axed by Beeching. By contrast, its final day on February 28 1966 saw the station busier than it had been since the arrival of wartime evacuees. Ballater Station closed 100 years after it opened, with the P&J reporting; 'The lights in the signal cabin went out, the lights in the station went out, the doors were closed and everyone went home, leaving the silent station to its ghosts.' Within years, the once-pristine station, that was the pride of the Deeside line was going to ruin. In 1972, British Rail was condemned for the untidy and derelict state of its abandoned stations, with special mention given to Ballater and Peterhead. The former was described as 'a blot on beautiful Ballater'. The station was still languishing in 1975 when a public meeting was held to discuss demolition or development. There was shock when the community association moved to demolish the station. Local hotelier Colonel Charles Napier argued: 'You destroy it and you destroy something that belongs to Ballater – you will never replace what you condemned to death.' But the council erred on the side of heritage, and had the old station restored as its rent office and tourist information. Pensioner John Smith ran the tourist information from the same room he'd worked in for 36 years as a railway porter. The council offices were in the former royal waiting room, complete with gilt detailing on walls, and etched glass bearing elaborate regal symbols. Queen Victoria's plush loo, however, had been sold by the council to the neighbouring Loriston Hotel. In May 1979, a restaurant was opened in the station by Alice Cooper (a local woman, not the rockstar). The council made the roof watertight, while Alice renovated the inside herself retaining the marble fireplace and other period features. By the 1990s the station was also home to a hairdresser, but in 1993 there were short-lived calls to reinstate the railway itself. So many bridges had been demolished and the line had been absorbed into agricultural land in parts, the cost was insurmountable. Instead the council pressed ahead with the revamp of the station and surrounding square. In April 2001, after being restored to its former Victorian glory the station reopened as the Old Royal Station, a visitor attraction with shops and a restaurant. The jewel in the crown was the exact replica of Queen Victoria's carriage. The handmade piece was the idea of the then-Prince Charles during a visit to Ballater, and it was craned into place in 2008. When a devastating fire broke out at the station on May 12 2015, the carriage was about all that could be saved. At about 1.56am that day, fire crews were confronted by a fierce inferno that had completely engulfed the landmark. The historic wooden building proved to be like a tinderbox for hungry flames. It took 50 fire fighters, five pumping engines and five specialist appliances around three hours to bring the blaze under control. A confectionery shop, photography business, tourist information centre, restaurant and the village's railway museum were significantly damaged. Photographer Amy Muir could only watch in horror as her equipment and livelihood went up in flames. In the immediate aftermath, as the building's charred remains smouldered, there were doubts the station could be salvaged. Reports suggested 95% of the structure had been destroyed and it would be a case of starting from scratch rather than rebuilding. While quick-thinking firefighters managed to save Queen Victoria's carriage, it was described as a 'small consolation' by those involved in the station's 2002 renovation. But the Station Restaurant, where the fire was found to have started accidentally, was completely ruined. VisitScotland, which ran the museum, was left counting the costs of irreplaceable artefacts which had gone up in smoke along with the fabric of the building. Recognising it as the 'centrepiece' of the village, Aberdeenshire Council quickly vowed to restore the B-listed building, with a large input from King Charles' charity The Prince's Foundation. Work to demolish unsalvageable parts of the building began in September and the council committed to a £3 million revamp with architects Halliday Fraser Munro at the helm. The landmark was to become a community facility featuring a VisitScotland information centre, public library and restaurant. The ambitious plans received Historic Environment Scotland approval, which also offered £107,500 towards the restoration. Work began in February 2017 with construction firm Morgan Sindell carrying out the project, and the first major milestone was reached that July when the royal carriage was reinstated. And there was joy when retired joiner Ian Hepburn revealed four original panels he had been tasked with removing from the station during work in the early 1970s. Despite being told to skip them, Ian stored them for 40 years, and their discovery helped piece together that particular part of the station. History was once again the informant when it came to painting the station near its completion. The public voted to restore the station to its green and cream British Railways livery after a photograph was unearthed showing its original hues. Just over three years from start to finish, the new, old Ballater Station reopened in August 2018 after a painstaking transformation. Continuing the royal link, part of the new-look station included a tearoom run by the Prince's Foundation, now the Rothesay Rooms. There was jubilation as the ribbon was cut declaring the station open – the seemingly impossible had been achieved. The heart of Ballater had been restored.
Press and Journal
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Press and Journal
Trapped by Raac: Support Aberdeen families, download your poster today
After a great first week of our Trapped by Raac campaign, where more than 1,000 of you added your name to the homeowners' petition, we are today giving you the tools to take this campaign to every home, street and suburb of Aberdeen and beyond. As part of our continuing work to highlight the plight of ordinary people facing ruin through no fault of their own, we are today launching a campaign poster for you to use. You can either download it here, then share on social media, or print it off yourself. Or you can pick up a copy of The Press and Journal or Evening Express today where you'll be able to pull out a two-page centrefold poster right there and then. Hundreds of posters have already gone out into the streets of Torry, but there's there's still a long way to go. To show our support to all those fighting for their futures, and to get a response from Westminster we need 10,000 signatures on the homeowners' petition. We have just seven weeks to hit that target. By hanging these posters in your , , l and we'll not only be giving families Trapped by Raac a much-needed morale boost but we'll be taking the petition into every corner of the North-east. More importantly, we'll be sending a message to decision makers that this is an issue of injustice, cared about by more than just those directly impacted. Containing a QR code linking straight through to the petition, anyone who sees your poster will simply be able to scan it, to be taken directly to the campaign petition. At a community meeting on Sunday evening, Paula Fraser, a member of the Torry Community Raac Campaign, said: 'We are really grateful to The Press and Journal, and to everyone, getting behind us. 'We hope this will all help make a difference for the homeowners. 'I'll be hanging some on Victoria Road. We can all play our part.'
