Moray Tourism Destination Development.

Submitted by Cullen & Deskford Community Council using the “add your event” form.

Following a successful Homecoming programme of fund-raising events in 2009, the Cullen & Deskford Community Council has been concentrating its efforts thus far this year on two very successful events raising funds for the Save the Cullen Beacon campaign.

A Ceilidh at the beginning of July, featuring the Strathspey Fiddlers, and a Sponsored Sail event at the beginning of August raised over £1,500 between them. Professor Ashley Mowat, Chair of the Cullen & Deskford Community Council, commented: “We were absolutely overwhelmed by the support we received for both the Ceilidh and Sponsored Sail events. The Strathspey Fiddlers are always a fantastic draw, and they certainly did us proud – with the audience of over 100 unanimous that the event was a resounding success. Great fun was had by all, and into the bargain, we raised a fantastic amount for the Save the Beacon campaign.

Difficult to beat we thought, so you can imagine our delight when the Sponsored Sail event – which could not have been possible without the Findochty Sailing Club, to whom we are indebted – raised a staggering £800 plus towards our total.”

The next event on the schedule is aimed at being more of a fun day – certainly for those of the older generation – with an assortment of classic and historic vehicles from years gone by on display on Sunday 19th September – including cars manufactured by Wolseley, Morris and Triumph – and tractors dating from the late 1930s to the early 1960s, including Fordson, Massey Ferguson and David Brown International.

Steve Liley, Secretary of the Cullen, Deskford and Portknockie Heritage Group who has been involved in drawing together the car contingent, indicated: “Despite the rain last year, there was no doubting the enthusiasm of all those who displayed their treasured vehicles. So, we were determined that we should repeat the event this year, whilst hoping for better weather. We would ask all local owners of vintage cars and tractors to come along to the Links Car Park at Cullen on the 19th. We hope the event will appeal to both the old and the young, and for the older audience bring back many happy memories of days gone by.”

Entry to the event (taking place at the Links Car Park, Cullen – beneath the viaduct and adjacent to the Golf Club) is free, and public access will be from 10.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. All are welcome, especially owners with their own historic vehicles (it would be appreciated if historic vehicles could be in place by 10 a.m.).

For further details, please e-mail community@discovercullen.com or telephone 01542 840314. Events later in the year will include a Young Talent Evening, a community Ceilidh and a Theatre Production – all in Cullen Town Hall. Full details will be displayed on www.discovercullen.com