OUR STORY

​2001: The Beginning

Blueskate was founded in 2001 in response to increasing concerns about anti-social behaviour in Peterhead’s town centre. The initiative started as a youth-led skateboard group, supported by youth workers from the Community Learning and Development (CLD) team at Aberdeenshire Council. The group's primary aim was to find a safe and designated space for skaters—a skatepark.

 

2001 - 2007: Gaining Momentum

The group quickly evolved into "Blueskate" and worked closely with youth workers to gather public support for a skatepark in Peterhead. To gain inspiration, Blueskate members visited other skateparks across the region, gathering ideas and learning about best practices. Public consultations were held to ensure the community's input was central to the project’s development. With the help of technical teachers, the group created preliminary plans, which were later refined by a professional architect. After overcoming several hurdles, including planning approval and fundraising challenges, the group secured Meethill Park as the location for the skatepark. The project faced delays due to staffing changes within CLD, but a new youth worker, Tev Warrander —who had previously been a member of the group—stepped in to support Blueskate. In 2006, the group attended a fundraising workshop in Edinburgh and successfully applied for £50,000 from YouthLink Scotland, allowing them to commence phase one of the skatepark, using ramps and equipment from Rhino Ramps. By 2007, phase one was complete.

 

2008: A Setback and a Fresh Start

In 2008, disaster struck when the skatepark was vandalised and set on fire, resulting in the loss of an entire ramp. Rhino Ramps promptly repaired the damage, and the group decided to hold an official opening event to rally community support and deter future vandalism. The summer event, named "Sharks in the Park," was a huge success, featuring skateboarding sessions, an official ribbon-cutting by long-time supporters Tev Warrander and Johnny Brown, and graffiti workshops led by Marc from Freshpaint.

 

2008 - 2010: Planning for the Future

Blueskate continued to meet regularly, focusing on the more ambitious and costly phase two of the skatepark project, estimated at £150,000. Despite the challenges, interest in the skatepark grew, especially among younger skaters, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts. In 2010, Blueskate hosted another successful open day, featuring a battle of the bands, bouncy castles, and football, attracting over 1,000 attendees.

 

2010 - 2012: A Pause in Progress

By 2012, many of the original group members had moved on to university or employment, causing the group's activities to slow down. However, they continued to collaborate with the Peterhead Youth Forum to organise Sharks in the Park events, with local businesses sponsoring consultations and activities. The 2012 event was the most successful yet, with the skatepark bustling with energy and community involvement.

 

2014: A Turning Point

In 2014, Tev Warrander moved on from his role within CLD, leading to a lack of support for Blueskate, and the project stalled. Despite this, the skatepark remained a popular spot for local skaters, although it began to deteriorate due to neglect and ongoing vandalism.

 

2019: Revival

In 2019, Craig Duffy, a former Blueskate member, reached out to Tev Warrander to discuss reviving the group. A meeting was held at the Peterhead Community Centre, reigniting the project with the ambitious goal of building a brand-new skatepark. The group began raising awareness again through public consultations at local events, but progress was halted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

2020: Becoming a Charity

In 2020, Blueskate officially became a registered charity under the name "Blueskate Peterhead," with Daniel Bruce, Craig Duffy, and Tev Warrander as trustees. This was a crucial step forward, enabling the group to work with a local consultant on a feasibility study and a business plan to ensure the skatepark's future sustainability. The group faced the challenge of raising £12,000 to fund these efforts.

 

2020 - 2023: Rebuilding Momentum

Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, Blueskate continued to raise funds through raffles and other events. Once lockdown restrictions eased, the group held a successful community meeting, attracting new members and trustees, including Cherylanne Hannah, who played a vital role in organising events and maintaining momentum. Additional trustees, including Gemma Hannah, Tasha Rafferty, and Lewis Buchan, joined the team, and Blueskate resumed its fundraising efforts and public engagement. The group successfully revived the "Sharks in the Park" event in 2023, helping to raise the charity's profile and generate excitement for the new skatepark project.

 

2024: A New Chapter

In 2024, Blueskate achieved a significant milestone by securing funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) for their feasibility study. Glic was appointed as their consultant, with David Smart and Alice Masson visiting the skatepark to commence the study. This marks a crucial step towards realising the dream of a new, sustainable skatepark for Peterhead.

 

Next Steps

Once the skatepark is completed, Blueskate’s mission will extend beyond just maintaining the facility. The charity plans to continue organising "Sharks in the Park" events to raise awareness of wheeled sports, such as skateboarding, BMX riding, and scootering. These events will serve as a platform for community engagement and education on the benefits of these activities. In addition to these events, Blueskate aims to offer training sessions for local residents and schools. These sessions, delivered by trained professionals—ideally local skaters—will be designed to cater to various groups. For example, schools could use these sessions as an alternative learning environment for students who struggle with mainstream education, offering them an opportunity to engage in extreme sports. Similarly, mental health groups could attend sessions focused on promoting positive mental health through physical activity. Blueskate intends to provide all necessary equipment for these sessions and charge a fee, which will help cover the skatepark’s running costs. Furthermore, the charity will continue to sell merchandise at local events, both as a fundraising tool and as a means of spreading awareness about their work and future initiatives. Blueskate is committed to ensuring that the skatepark becomes a vibrant, community-focused space that supports local youth, promotes physical and mental well-being, and continues to inspire future generations of skaters in Peterhead. Blueskate's journey is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the enduring spirit of those committed to making a positive impact in their town. The project continues to inspire new generations, keeping the dream of a safe and thriving skatepark alive.