Garden Shelter for Elderly Residents in Dufftown
Aigan Court Sheltered Housing is a purpose-built residential complex for older people consisting of 22 one and two bedroom flats, near the centre of Dufftown.
Built in 1988, it is wholly owned by Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association Ltd, a registered charity. Aigan Court Residents Association is run by a small committee of residents who organise activities and small projects for the benefit of residents.
In 2020, the group raised funds to build a patio in the communal garden area of the complex, which is wheelchair and assisted-walker friendly, allowing all residents to enjoy more time outdoors.
The patio area was particularly beneficial during lockdown in 2020 as it provided a space for socially distanced meetings, encouraging social interaction and preventing isolation. It also enabled other members of the community to visit residents. However, the Committee felt that the space could be enhanced with a simple shelter to allow residents and visitors to enjoy time outdoors more often, providing shade on hotter days and a shelter when the weather is poor.
The Association received an award of £1,500 from the EDF Renewables Dorenell Wind Farm Fund and, along with an award of £300 from the Co-op, was able to contract a local tradesman to construct a shelter.
The shelter was built in April 2021 and is already proving popular with the residents, increasing their enjoyment of time outdoors and their opportunities to socialise.
“Our shelter is up and already in use. It’s lovely and looks great in our garden.”
Donna Smart, Aigan Court Manager