A community landmark is to undergo a makeover for its 10th anniversary

05 August 2016

Seaton’s Totem Pole is to be restored to its former glory after concerns were expressed it was falling into disrepair.

The Totem Pole was created with the help of Aberdeen City Council and partner organisations such as Aberdeen Greenspace during a public art project in 2006.

The project was inspired by Aberdeen born wood carver Kenny Grieves of Brotus Rural Crafts who presented the opportunity for the city to be part of a network of carved totem poles throughout Scotland.

The pole was designed and carved by residents of the area over a week long period during after-school workshops which also included a range of other community activities such as ceilidhs, gala days and concerts.

Aberdeen City Council’s community engagement team in partnership with Scottish Business In The Community will work alongside construction firm Robertson Eastern who will remove the pole on August 7 and carry out the works necessary to make the pole safe while assisting volunteers from the community to re-paint it between August 8 and August 15.

Aberdeen City Council’s Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee convener Councillor Neil Cooney said: “The Totem Pole Project was a very successful event which managed to inspire the people of Seaton to come out and engage in art and design something unique for their area.

“Now, ten years on, the Seaton Totem Pole still represents the community spirit which it inspired a decade ago and it is only right to see the restoration works completed, particularly with the help of even more community volunteers.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who will be giving their time to this fun and colourful community project in Seaton which shows the importance of culture in our communities and also a big thank you to Robertson Eastern who have agreed to carry out this work for free for the benefit of the area.”