The Birse and Feughside Parish is an area of some 140 square miles on the south side of the river Dee between Banchory and Aboyne. The river Feugh joins the Dee at Banchory.

The population is approximately 1,400 with 480 households. The principal settlements are Birse, Ballogie, Finzean and Strachan. They retain their unspoiled rural character, but have grown in recent years with considerable new building, particularly in Strachan. There is now a good mix of young families, some new to this area, as well as more established families, born and bred here.

The Parish, Image reproduced by kind permission of local artist Mel Shand

Lying in glorious countryside, there are many small farms, forestry and upland moorland.

The location of the parish means that there is easy commuting into Aberdeen, some 25 miles away from Finzean. Many people living in the parish work in the oil and gas industry and  young people can attend the college of education in the city.

Aberdeen is a vibrant multicultural city with a population of over 220,000. It has a rich cultural heritage with two universities, Robert Gordon’s and Aberdeen University.

There is a range of museums, an art gallery, theatres, concert venues, shops and restaurants.

There is a good bus service into Aberdeen from Banchory.

The local towns of Banchory and Aboyne have good facilities for shopping and recreation. There are medical practices in Banchory and Aboyne, and both have community hospitals.

There is a swimming pool and other excellent sports facilities at Aboyne Community Centre, and a swimming pool at Banchory Academy shared by the school and community.

Left; a view of Birsemore Hill and Craigendinnie Hill from Birse, with the Fungle drove road between them

There are village halls at Strachan and Finzean and a small hall next to Birse Church. All are used for various community events, exercise classes etc. on a regular basis.

There is a busy farm shop at Finzean, serving coffees, lunches and afternoon teas, retailing fresh and frozen produce, books and other gifts, and displaying art by local artists.

             Finzean Village Hall

There are well- respected secondary schools in Banchory and Aboyne, and a local primary school in Finzean, as well as local nursery schools.

The previous minister was chaplain to the local primary school and part of the chaplaincy team at Banchory Academy. She also visited the local nursery at Ballogie (roll 24)

The school uses the church regularly for well attended end-of- term services, plays and concerts.

The parish has active community councils, and many sports, musical and social groups.

Despite being in a rural area with a relatively small population, this is a very lively place to live.