The Vinery

A disused glass vinery, bothy and drying tower have been redeveloped to provide high quality social, educational and inclusive space for the local community in Banff.

Building owner Aberdeenshire Council has worked closely with charity Aberdeen Foyer to regenerate the Category A Listed Duff House Vinery, Bothy and Angel Tower which lay empty for over 10 years.

The charity is using the newly restored facility to provide activities that focus on improving health and wellbeing through mindfulness, exercise, therapeutic sessions, training and accredited learning. Working with DWP and local Job Centre plus teams, Aberdeen Foyer has identified and selected long-term unemployed people for roles at The Vinery, making it a truly social enterprise.

Extensive conservation-led structural and fabric repairs have transformed the bothy to provide a welcoming community kitchen and café. In addition, the traditional single pitched vinery was carefully repaired, restored and reglazed to provide a south facing growing environment.

The renewed buildings now offer a fully accessible community indoor growing facility and horticultural skills base to the local community.

Winner - Conservation and Building Adaption and the Ian Shepherd award - Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Awards 2023