News

Find out about new wheelchairs, our events, fund raisers, training, opening, new funding, and press coverage

Training for volunteers. You can also follow us on Facebook to keep up to date.

2024

New season & chairs for 2024

We welcome 2 new chairs to our fleet which currently makes us the biggest provider of beach access available in Scotland. Find out more about our beach wheelchairs and equipment.

We are now available from the Sand Bothy on Saturdays and Sundays. Weekday bookings available by phoning to book on 07854 350989 or 07541 112377

We have a Changing Places facility, accessible with RADAR key in the Country Park, this includes a ceiling hoist and adult size changing table and a wheelchair accessible sink.

2023

Kellas funding
We are delighted to be working for the next 3 years with Kellas Midstream who have pledged us £3000 each year toward maintenance and running costs of the project. Their staff will also be working with us to help our volunteers look after our visitors and make sure they reach the beach. Many thanks to Kellas Midstream!

Opening for 2023 Season on Sunday 2 April - 12 noon to 3pm

In 2023 we will be open on Sundays 12 to 3, from April to October. Other days and times may be possible depending on availability of volunteers – give us a call to discuss.

Changing Places facility

We have a Changing Places facility, accessible with RADAR key in the Country Park, this includes a ceiling hoist and adult size changing table and a wheelchair accessible sink.

2022

Re-opening Sunday 3 April 2022

We are now open again on Sundays 12 noon to 3pm. Please follow current covid guidelines during your visit. Find out more about how to book.

New equipment - walkers and baby buggy

We have new walkers / rollators for walking on the beach and a beach baby buggy. Take a look at the new equiment and find out more.

Refurbished disabled toilet

The newly refurbished disabled toilet in the Country Park now includes a ceiling hoist and adult size changing table and a wheelchair accessible sink. Access to the disabled toilet is with a RADAR key

New inclusive play area

There is now an inclusive play area next the Sand Bothy in the Balmedie Country park. The play park includes inclusive swings, which have bucket seats and harnesses and a wheelchair accessible roundabout.

2021

Temporary change of phone number - June 2021

Our phone is currently not working so please use our tempory number 07541 112377 to get in touch - thank you!

Re-opening Sunday 25 April 2021

We are now open again on Sundays 12 noon to 3pm. Please remember to bring your face masks, keep a 2 meter distance and clean your hands during your visit. Find out more about how to book.

Inclusive play equipment for the Balmedie Country Park in 2021

We want to make Balmedie Country Park an inclusive play area for children of all abilities. We have already installed an inclusive roundabout which has had great feedback from the community, being used by both disabled and non disabled families. We want to install some inclusive swings, which would allow disabled children more opportunities to play at the park and feel included. You can donate through the Just Giving page.

2020

Corona virus statement - 2020 season

Belhelvie Community Trust, which runs Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs, has taken the decision to postpone our reopening until further notice. We need to protect our visitors, their carers and families and also our volunteers without whom there would be no project, and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

We will let you know when things change here and on our Facebook page. In the meantime we will look after the chairs, and the access to the beach, and hope to see you as soon as possible.

Fiona will be happy to talk to you about Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs and give you all the information and advice you need. Please keep in touch! Phone Fiona on 07864 350 989

2019

Youth Philanthrophy Initiative winners!

Earlier this year a group of students from Ellon Academy approached us and asked if they could represent the Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs in the YPI (Youth Philanthropy Initiative). If they were successful the prize would be £3,000! On 20 November we attended the finals in this years competition......... and WE WON! Congratulations to a wonderful team. It was a great, informative and entertaining presentation! We were so proud to be there to watch you win. Well done! See the photos on Facebook

Fundraising charity sale at the Balmedie Congregational Church - Saturday 16 November, 10am - 4pm
Stalls selling new and pre-owned jewellery, toiletries, stationary, stocking fillers, Sand Bothy calendars and refreshments. In aid of the Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs & disabled toilet refurbishment.

End of the 2019 season

Sunday 13 October is the last day we are open this season. But we will still be available for bookings if we have volunteers available. Remember to come and see us again when we re-open in Spring 2020!

Charity quiz night - Friday 20 September 2019
The Belhelvie Community Trust are holding a quiz night at Forsyth Hall to raise funds for the Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs and the disabled toilet refurbishment. Friday 20 September 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Bring your own refreshments. £5 per person, £3 concessions. UPDATE: We raised over £850 at the quiz, big, big thank you to everyone who helped run the event and everyone who took part!

Cycling at the Sand Bothy - Sunday 18 August 2019
Free, fun inclusive cycling session with adapted bikes and a chance to try out our beach wheelchairs, or bring your own bike! Sunday 18 August 10.30am - 4pm. Find out more on the Sand Bothy Facebook post.

Changing Places toilet campaign

We are currently raising funds for a Changing Places toilet at the Balmedie Country Park so that disabled people, their families and carers can enjoy our lovely beach. Find out more on our donate page.

Appeal for more volunteers for north-east beach wheelchair project (Evening Express website)

"An appeal has been launched to attract more volunteers to help people gain access to a popular north-east beach..."

New season starts

Our 2019 season starts on Sunday 7 April. We will be open from 10am to 4pm (with our last booking at 2.30pm). We really recommend you call to book in advance. Find out more on our booking page.

Easter egg hunt at The Sand Bothy (The Sand Bothy on Facebook)

Come and join the hunt for Easter eggs, beach wheelchairs are available to hire.

Volunteer training in March 2019

We are running volunteer training from 10am - 12.00 noon on Friday 22 March, Sunday 24 March, Friday 29 March and Sunday 31 March. Please contact us to find out more.

Website launch
Find out about our chairs, facilities, how to book and keep up to date with the beach wheelchair project on our new Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs website

Call for volunteers
We are looking for more people willing to join our pool of volunteers at Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs. If you think you can spare a few hours a couple of times a month then please get in touch for a chat. More information about how to get involved.

2018

Aberdeenshire cafe’s new wheelchairs help make beach accessible to all (Press and Journal website)
“A beachside community cafe has helped make one of the most popular parts of the north-east coastline accessible to all…”

Fundraising success (Just Giving site)

We raised £1,271 to help fund a new HIPPOCAMPE beach wheelchair for Balmedie Beach

Balmedie beach takes delivery of special all-terrain wheelchair (Press and Journal website)
“A beachside community cafe has taken delivery of a specially-designed all-terrain wheelchair…”

Project dog sitting in front of the Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs sign

Contact us

Phone: 07864 350989 or 07541 112377

Email: info@balmediebeachwheelchairs.co.uk

How to find us

Park at the main Car Park in Balmedie Country Park, AB23 8XG, near the Sand Bothy. Follow signs to All Access route to beach, and you will find The Bunker on the left of the path.

Opening hours

Saturdays & Sundays 12 noon to 3pm. Other days and times may be possible depending on availability of volunteers – give us a call to discuss.