The Association was set up in 1997 as a charity at the suggestion of Bill Pardy, a Canadian consultant employed by Aberdeenshire Council. Bill’s philosophy was that communities should be allowed and encouraged by local authorities to contribute to their economic development and government. This ‘bottom-up’ approach was embraced by a minority of officers who since then have helped to foster community spirit and involvement, particularly in environmental activi8ties including maintenance of the Cleanhill woodland. This has continued a tradition which began with the formation of an Amenities Committee when the woodland was bought by the Town Council in 1930.