The project has been undertaken by members of Kirriemuir Youth Council, an organisation actively representing the interests of young people in Kirriemuir for the past eight years.

In autumn 2004 the group decided to develop an piece of waste ground outside Fairlie House as a social area which could be used by all users.

"This had originally been a wildlife garden when Fairlie House was a nursing home, and we are keen to keep this area as environmentally friendly and wildlife friendly as possible," explains a Kirriemuir Youth Council spokesperson.

"We set up a competition to get a design for the area, which was won by Barney Grieve.

"We succeeded in obtaining funding and put up a lap-and-panel fence to screen the area from the car park and to pave it. The picnic benches were built by the Criminal Justice Service in Arbroath.

"We then consulted Ann McArthur Garden Designs, who gave us good advice on what types of plants to incorporate and advice on a water feature.

"Also secured was a free hedge pack from the Woodland Trust, which will be planted at the back of the area to screen it from the houses behind and to encourage wildlife.

"The area is now in use, but we have more ideas for developing it further. We would like a water feature. We have a design for one and are seeking funding to complete this.

"We have had a lot of support from parents and members of the community and would like to say a big thank you to all the people who have helped us."

The area was officially opened at a barbecue attended by 48 young people, including guests from Forfar Youth Council and Westmuir Youth Club.

Music was provided by the band Sense of Fear, who are members of Fairlie House Music Group.

If you are interested in joining Youth Power in Kirriemuir contact Ellie Fiddes, community learning and development worker, Fairlie House, Kirriemuir DD8 4HU (tel: 01575 574989).