James Buchan Chair of Peterhead Neighbourhood Board
James Buchan confirmed as Chair of Peterhead Neighbourhood Board to drive UK Government’s 10-year £20 million regeneration programme
Peterhead Neighbourhood Board looking for new Board Members to bring expertise in five new project areas identified in the UK Government’s updated prospectus – Plan for Neighbourhoods
12 June 2025 – James Buchan has been confirmed as Chair of the new Peterhead Neighbourhood Board, the group that will be responsible for planning and delivering regeneration projects over the next 10 years, starting in 2026, funded by a £20 million endowment from the UK Government.
James Buchan will lead a team of 14 members brought together for their expertise and experience, including five public and elected officials and nine volunteers, all committed to driving improvement in Peterhead.
The five officials are Seamus Logan MP, Karen Adam MSP, Cllr Matthew James, Cllr Stephen Smith and Chief Inspector of Police Scotland Steven McDonald. The nine volunteers are Allan Sneddon, Steven Donald, Gary Addison, Dianne Beagrie, Karen Day, Brian McCombie, Terry Moran, Linda Hendry and Scott Will.
Working closely with the local community and in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, the Board will agree an initial four-year investment plan to empower Peterhead, bringing resources to develop renewal, boost growth and address the root causes of local deprivation.
James Buchan, Chair of the Peterhead Neighbourhood Board, said,
“I am delighted to be confirmed as the Chair of the Peterhead Neighbourhood Board and I am looking forward to working with the team to create a strong regeneration plan for Peterhead.
“We currently require additional Board members to bring us knowledge and expertise in the new areas identified by the UK Government in the prospectus published in March.
“We will be listening to the views of the Peterhead community on these new investment themes as we prioritise activity in the regeneration plan.
“We will soon be releasing outcomes from the initial consultation which started at the end of last year, with recommendations for action.”
The Board is also looking for additional members to bring expertise and knowledge in line with the Government’s new prospectus for the endowment, which builds on the three original investment areas:
· Regeneration, high streets and heritage
· Transport
· Safety and security.
The new investment themes are:
· Education
· Health and wellbeing
· Work, productivity and skills
· Cohesion
· Housing
The application process is open to all but with a specific call for representatives from, or experience of:
- Housing sector (such as tenant representation, registered social landlords etc)
- Health and wellbeing (such as experience of health board, health and well-being organisations, patients’ organisations or forums)
- Skills development (such as skills development organisations or training providers)
- Education (such as secondary, further or higher education)
- Faith sector
- Youth services
Applications from young people are particularly encouraged.
The application process will open on Friday, 13th June and close on Wednesday, 2nd July.
You can apply using the link below, or collect a hard copy of the application form from the locations listed below
- Albert Hotel 75 Queen Street, Peterhead
- Buchan House St Peter Street Peterhead
- Peterhead Library Balmoor Terrace Peterhead
People wishing to apply for a role on the Board should contact peterheadtownboard@aberdeenshire.gov.uk for more information on how to apply.
The Board has already led engagement and consultation on the three initial investment areas, reaching out to Peterhead residents and businesses through events, meetings and paper and online surveys.
Further consultation with the local Peterhead community will now be essential to gather opinions on the five areas identified by the new prospectus.
Further information about the Plan for Neighbourhoods, the role of the Board and Council can be found on the Aberdeenshire Council website.
Queries about the Plan for Neighbourhoods can be addressed to peterheadtownboard@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
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