about

Age Peterhead is a deeply rooted community charity that has evolved over more than half a century to address the specific vulnerabilities of isolated and older residents.

The Early Years & Community Milestones
The charity was established in 1967 as part of a national, post-war grassroots movement across Scotland. During this era, local “Old People’s Welfare Committees” were forming across the country to investigate the rising vulnerabilities of the elderly, raise awareness of their social needs, and build structural safety nets.
 
Originally known as the Peterhead Aged and Infirm Committee, the organisation was founded largely through the dedicated efforts of local civic volunteers and community advocates in the Buchan district, including key figures like Bill McDonald. Recognising that the ageing, coastal population of Peterhead lacked formal social infrastructure, they set out to combat institutional loneliness and physical isolation.
 
From its earliest days, the committee was deeply woven into the fabric of the town’s community life. Shortly after forming, the group organised a massive, door-to-door survey, successfully canvassing 958 local residents to map out exactly where support was needed most.
 
This foundation paved the way for decades of vital community initiatives:

Intergenerational Care:
In the early years, pupils from Peterhead Academy actively helped by visiting older residents in their homes.
 
Nutritional Support:
A dedicated luncheon club was launched in 1971, which at its height provided 1,900 lunches per year to local seniors.
 
Crisis Response:
The committee coordinated vital community responses during the national coalminers’ strikes of 1972 and 1975, ensuring emergency coal was distributed directly to the homes of the elderly.
 
Accessible Mobility:
In 1974, the committee operated an innovative scheme for concessionary bus travel within the Peterhead town boundaries to keep residents mobile and connected.

Decades of Growth & Community Support
As the charity grew, so did the generosity of the community. In 1980, we introduced our first holiday caravan program a milestone made possible through fundraising support from RAF Buchan, the local Rotary Club, Peterhead Academy pupils, and local Prison Officers. Over the years, townspeople have continued to contribute generously to maintain and refresh these vital provisions.
 
In the early 1990s, the charity expanded its care by launching a dedicated Sitter Service. This essential lifeline was established under the able leadership of Mrs Jean Thom MBE, who dedicated decades of service to local families. This forward momentum has been driven over the decades by a succession of passionate, local chairpersons who volunteered their time to guide the organisation, including Jeannie Lamb, Charlie Kelman, Ian Buchanan, and Jim Brown.
 
Age Peterhead Today
In recent years, changing economic conditions and evolving legal regulations highlighted a need for the organisation to adapt to modern governance standards. With that in mind, the committee successfully transitioned its legal status to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), officially changing its name to Age Peterhead.
 
To this day, Age Peterhead relies entirely on the management and dedication of local volunteers. As we look to the future, we invite you to join us. We always welcome new volunteers to help our existing team maintain, protect, and support our community’s older generations.

Age Peterhead, Chair​

our Mission

Our mission is to provide practical, community-led support for older adults, individuals facing health or mobility challenges, and their families across Peterhead and the surrounding areas.

As an independent, entirely volunteer-run charity, we are dedicated to delivering gentle respite and everyday support through our local office guidance, home companion visits, and heavily subsidised, accessible caravan holidays.

We aim to protect the well-being of our local residents while giving full-time family carers a vital, well-deserved break

our Vision

Our vision is a warm, connected, and supportive Peterhead community where no older resident or carer feels isolated, overwhelmed, or left behind.

We imagine a future where individuals with mobility or health challenges can easily access simple local support, stay socially active, and enjoy relaxing experiences without financial or physical barriers.

Driven by peer-aged volunteers, we strive to show that growing older can be a fulfilling, shared journey supported by neighbours who truly care

our Values

• Compassion & Companionship: We believe a friendly smile, a hot cup of tea, and a listening ear are powerful tools for tackling isolation and building meaningful local connections.

• Honesty & Transparency: We are realistic about our size as a small charity, ensuring we manage expectations truthfully while keeping the needs and safety of our clients and volunteers at the absolute forefront.​

• Community Gratitude: We are deeply proud of our Peterhead roots and operate with immense gratitude toward the local community, whose kind equipment donations and ongoing support make our services possible.​