News

Exciting Macduff Aquarium plans unanimously approved by Banff and Buchan councillors

Exciting plans for the extension and upgrade to the North-East’s award-winning Macduff Marine Aquarium have been unanimously approved by local councillors.

Funding to continue tackling poverty and inequalities in Aberdeenshire approved

Almost £2 million of funding for a wide range of projects to support ongoing work to tackle poverty and inequalities in Aberdeenshire has been approved.

7-year regeneration programme provides firm foundations for future development work in Peterhead

A report celebrating the completion of a seven-year regeneration strategy for Peterhead has been warmly welcomed by local councillors

Banff and Buchan Area Committee celebrates a partnership journey

Councillors have applauded the collective efforts of communities, businesses and Aberdeenshire Council through a range of innovative regeneration projects undertaken in Banff, Macduff and Fraserburgh

Communities Committee round-up

A round-up of the latest Communities Committee.

Construction work begins on improved access project at The Haughs, Turriff

The much-anticipated construction of an improved access project at The Haughs in Turriff has begun.

Reed beds protect the environment from landfill leachate water

Aberdeenshire Council completed improvements to a reed bed system in Banchory that ensures any leachate water draining from its landfill site is clean and leaves the environment unharmed.

Good progress made in first year of Aberdeenshire Council procurement development activity

Aberdeenshire Council’s Procurement Development Officer has supported more than 140 businesses across the region in their first full year in the new position

Operational changes to Aberdeenshire Council Service Points

Amidst economic uncertainty and significant financial challenges for Aberdeenshire Council and its residents, the local authority set its 2024/25 budget on February 22.

Another 4-star visit awaits as Bennachie Visitor Centre regains coveted Visit Scotland tourism status

Visitors to the popular Bennachie Visitor Centre will enjoy another 4-star experience when it opens for the 2024 season on Good Friday (March 29)

The whole of Aberdeenshire will be on three weekly bin collections in April

Aberdeenshire Council will soon complete its rollout of kerbside bin collection changes that introduced new orange lid bins to improve the quantity and quality of what is recycled across the region.

National Trust for Scotland attractions sign up to the Aberdeenshire Loves Local Gift Card

Seven National Trust for Scotland attractions in Aberdeenshire have signed up to the region’s Loves Local Gift Card

Review of Inverurie, Oldmeldrum and Daviot active travel route options gets underway

Aberdeenshire Council has commissioned consultants to undertake a comprehensive review of options for the development of an active travel route linking Oldmeldrum, Inverurie and Daviot.

New out of school care lets approved from August

Aberdeenshire Council has provisionally approved lets applications for out of school care providers across nine council-owned settings from August.

Scottish youth parliament elections in Aberdeenshire

An election for the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) is now open with young people across Aberdeenshire encouraged to vote.

Aboyne Bridge update 29.2.24

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to join us at the community drop-in event on Wednesday 21/02/24 at Aboyne Scout Hut organised by Mid Deeside Community Council.

Exciting new project in Aberdeenshire aims to kickstart local economies with community-led business support

Aberdeenshire Council has launched a new project with a dedicated team to support locals in starting and growing their own businesses.

Council budgets for the coming year set

Aberdeenshire Council budgets for the coming year have been set today.

Sustainability Committee February 2024 roundup

Aberdeenshire Council’s Sustainability Committee, held on 21 February 2024, began by congratulating the River Dee Trust on winning the Nature & Climate Action Award for its Million Trees Campaign project.

Green-fingered volunteers encouraged to support gardening projects in Fraserburgh

As part of a new initiative to enable more food growing in and around Fraserburgh, several primary schools and care homes are turning over part of their grounds where a whole host of vegetables, fruit and salads can be produced.

300,000 bulbs planted across Aberdeenshire by community groups to support biodiversity

Aberdeenshire Council’s greenspace officers worked with more than 100 community groups across 68 settlements to plant over 300,000 bulbs in a bid to improve biodiversity and help beautify the region.

Councillors debate Gorrachie Bridge petition

Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee recently heard and debated a petition raised with regards to Gorrachie Bridge in the King Edward area.

New look North East Scotland Food Drink Awards to support growth of ambitious businesses

Judges from key customers for north east Scotland’s food and drink sector are part of the revamped industry awards set to support the growth of ambitious businesses across the region.

Aberdeenshire Council refreshes waste strategy to account for Covid and biomass fuel

Aberdeenshire Council has reviewed and extended its waste strategy to allow a full implementation of improvements that aim to maximise reuse and recycling across the region.

Consultation launched on Aberdeenshire Council’s Development Plan Scheme 2024

Every year Aberdeenshire Council has to prepare and publish a document called a Development Plan Scheme.

Decorative lighting in Huntly town centre to be removed on safety grounds

Aberdeenshire Council is to remove ten decorative lampposts in the centre of Huntly on safety grounds after serious corrosion was discovered in their bases.

Work and Play Expo

Aberdeenshire’s Local Employability Partnership – Employment CONNECT is holding a free event for parents and children.

Aberdeenshire Council confirms new 2-year partnership with North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group

Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to participate in the North East Scotland Fisheries Local Action Group (NESFLAG) for a further two years.

At risk Banff Bridge tops Aberdeenshire Council’s workbank prioritisation programme

Banff Bridge has been placed at the top of Aberdeenshire Council’s workbank prioritisation programme after serious structural issues were discovered during investigations

‘Warm and comfortable homes’ a priority for tenants as 5% increases proposed for council rents

Aberdeenshire Council is to be recommended to increase council rents by 5% in each of the next three years, as a result of detailed discussions involving tenants.

Early learning and childcare funded place applications 2024/2025

Children born between August 22, 2019 and April 13, 2022 are entitled to free early learning and childcare in the 2024/25 school term.

Nominations now open for Aberdeenshire heroes who make a difference

The celebration of people that make a difference to their communities is now open for nominations.

Have your say on the future of transport in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire residents are being encouraged to give their views on current and future transport provision across the region.

Initial designs unveiled and public engagement launched for new multi-million pound regional museum

Initial designs for a new multi-million Aberdeenshire regional museum and a new Peterhead Library have been unveiled.

Aberdeenshire’s Registration Week for Primary 1

Aberdeenshire’s Registration Week for Primary 1 admission is Monday, January 15 to Friday, January 19.

Storm Gerrit updates

UPDATE 5PM 28.12.23

Final whistle for Blue Toon fan and Ellon Academy teacher of almost 50 years

After almost five decades in the profession at Ellon Academy, guidance teacher May Watt is retiring.

Warning to shopkeepers as underage sale of vape products ends in court prosecution

Aberdeenshire Council’s Trading Standards has stressed it will not tolerate retailers breaking the law and selling tobacco or nicotine vape products to anyone under the age of 18.

Kellands Primary School receives ADHD Friendly School Award

The staff at the Inverurie school have gone above and beyond to ensure that their learning environment is inclusive to all children, whatever their needs.

Aberdeenshire Council to provide support grant funding for VisitScotland Connect 2024

Aberdeenshire Council is to provide support grant funding for north-east small and medium-sized enterprises to attend VisitScotland Connect 2024 on April 17-18.

Aboyne Bridge update 18.12.23

As we confirmed last week, a tender was issued for structural consultancy advice and we await responses from interested parties.

Energy from Waste facility begins full operation

The NESS Energy from Waste facility, located in East Tullos, has begun full operation following the successful completion of testing.

Access to Aberdeenshire Council services across the festive fortnight for 2023/24

The opening arrangements for Aberdeenshire Council over the festive fortnight have been confirmed, with essential services continuing throughout.

Aberdeenshire Council launches round six of its Coastal Communities Challenge funding

Aberdeenshire Council has launched round six of its Coastal Communities Challenge Fund.

Aboyne Bridge update 8.12.23

Firstly we would like to thank the residents of Birse, Aboyne and surrounding area for their ongoing patience and understanding during the current closure of Aboyne Bridge.

Changes agreed to Additional Support Needs Enhanced Provision Support

Changes have been agreed to how children with Additional Support Needs (ASN) will have their needs met in Primary 1 and Primary 2.

Battery bags are for battery recycling only—not vapes

Aberdeenshire Council is facing a new recycling contamination problem as “disposable” vapes find their way into household battery collection bags.

Positive news around Reinforced Autoclave Aerated Concrete within Aberdeenshire Council estate

Investigations by both Aberdeenshire Council building surveyors and structural engineers continue to progress apace across both the schools estate and wider property portfolio through assessments, visual inspections and intrusive surveys.

Applications invited for Storm Babet support funding

Applications are now being invited from residents and businesses whose properties were impacted and damaged by flooding during Storm Babet.

Cars to be allowed access to majority of household recycling centres without booking

Aberdeenshire Council will allow cars to visit all household recycling centres except for Inverurie and Westhill without booking from Monday 8 January 2024.

Aberdeenshire Council hits carbon budget target for 2022-23

Aberdeenshire Council beat its decarbonisation target for the 2022/23 financial year by more than a thousand tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Committee round-up: Communities Committee 2.11.23

The work of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service beyond fighting fires and a new housing investment plan were among matters discussed at the meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee on Thursday, November 2.

Aberdeenshire councillors welcome valuable relationships, connections and ongoing work to support our Armed Forces

Aberdeenshire councillors have applauded the continuing relationships, connections and work which both elected members and officers undertake in respect of the Armed Forces.

Long term traffic closure for Aboyne Bridge as council conducts further investigations

Aboyne Bridge is to remain closed to traffic for the foreseeable future after an invasive examination of the structure revealed significant concerns over its condition.

Aberdeenshire Council reviews policy on installation of public access defibrillators

Public access defibrillators (PADs) provide a vital resource in our communities which could potentially save a life until emergency services arrive.

Tribute paid to former Provost of Aberdeenshire Raymond Bisset OBE

Tribute has been paid to former Provost of Aberdeenshire Raymond Bisset OBE following his death at the weekend.

New report highlights efforts to tackle child poverty in Aberdeenshire

The work that has taken place over the past year to tackle child poverty in Aberdeenshire, and details of new and ongoing initiatives, have been published in the latest Child Poverty Local Action Report.

Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Award 2023 winners announced

The winners have been announced in this year’s Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards (AALDA).

Help Val the Forgotten return to his Viking home with an interactive adventure around Ellon!

An interactive scheme to get people of all ages out into the fresh air and enjoy some exercise while helping a lonely lost Viking has been launched in Ellon.

VOLUNTARY SEVERANCE SCHEME 2023/24

A Voluntary Severance (VS) scheme has opened to all council employees that is being run to address the budget considerations in this financial year. Full details of the scheme can be found in an FAQ, timeline and briefing documents.

The VS opportunity is available to all staff across Council Services and is open for applications from Monday, 30 October 2023.

At this stage, any application for VS will be treated as an expression of interest only and considered based on future skills requirements, affordability, scale of requests and overall capacity within the Service.

If you would like to explore VS, please complete the online application form by Monday, 13^th November 2023.

For further information on any matters relating to Voluntary Severance or if you have any difficulty accessing the online form, please refer to the above documents or contact askHR by email titled Voluntary Severance to askhr@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone on 01467 534400. Relevant details, including the above documents and application form can be found on the askHR portal.

The trick is to turn your pumpkin into a treat

Aberdeenshire Council is hoping to reduce the food waste problem this Halloween by asking residents to put pen to pumpkin and consume their gourds instead of carving them this year.

Aberdeenshire Council looks to develop active travel route between Montgarrie and Alford

Aberdeenshire Council is looking to develop an active travel route between Montgarrie and Alford.

Storm Babet update

Storm Babet briefing 21.10.23

There’s treasure to be found as Aberdeenshire Council launches another exciting AdvenShire

Do you fancy solving a puzzle? Do you see yourself as a Long John Silver or a Captain Jack Sparrow? Then why not join us on an exciting AdvenShire?

Aberdeenshire’s new kerbside bin collection rollout passes the halfway point

Aberdeenshire Council has passed the halfway point in its enhanced recycling rollout that asks households to separate paper, card, and cardboard at the source to improve the quality of what is recycled.

Aberdeenshire Council has become accredited as a Living Wage employer

Aberdeenshire Council has been accredited as a Living Wage employer.

Views sought on draft Aberdeenshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2024-2029

There’s still time to share views about Aberdeenshire’s Strategic Housing Investment Plan, or SHIP, which details the potential affordable housing investment programme across the area from 2024-2029.

Decades of dedication recognised at community council long service awards

The dedication of community council members from across Aberdeenshire has been recognised in an awards ceremony.

Small gas cylinder thought to be cause of fire at Westhill recycling centre

Aberdeenshire Council believes the recent fire at Westhill recycling centre was caused by a gas cylinder alongside a substantial amount of electricals incorrectly disposed of in a general waste skip.

The Duke of Edinburgh tours Inverurie Community Campus

School pupils and voluntary groups were just some of those who met The Duke of Edinburgh at Inverurie Community Campus on Saturday (Oct 7).

Review of Council Tax single person discount entitlements in Aberdeenshire to begin

Aberdeenshire Council is to undertake a review of households that currently receive a single person Council Tax discount.

New Foundation Apprenticeship launches

Aberdeenshire Council’s Foundation Apprenticeship Team has launched a new qualification in accountancy.

His Majesty The King formally opens new Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge on Royal Deeside

His Majesty The King formally opened Aberdeenshire Council’s new Gairnshiel Jubilee Bridge on Royal Deeside today (Thurs, Oct 5).

Peterhead Community Campus plans submitted

Plans for the new Peterhead Community Campus have been submitted for planning approval.

Historic James Hunter Fountain at Banchory is rebuilt

Works to relocate and rebuild a historical memorial in Banchory have been completed.

Aberdeenshire Council approves £3.4m in Shared Prosperity funding for 21 local projects

Aberdeenshire Council has approved funding for 21 local projects from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with a combined value of £3.4m committed in Round 1.

Aberdeenshire Council joins the Trusted Trader network

Aberdeenshire Council has joined the Trusted Trader network with the launch of the Aberdeenshire Trusted Trader scheme and is inviting applications from local businesses.

Scots Language Awards winners include Aberdeenshire school and two teachers

The winners of the Scots Language Awards 2023 include an Aberdeenshire school and two teachers.

Aberdeenshire Council moves to next stage on new primary school build

Plans for a new primary school in Fraserburgh are a step closer.

Aberdeenshire Council urges businesses to attend free economy-boosting staff rewards and incentives event

The team behind the successful Aberdeenshire Loves Local Gift Card is encouraging businesses and organisations to register for a free 30-minute webinar looking at how the initiative can be used in staff reward and incentive programmes, boosting the local economy at the same time.

Aberdeenshire town centres health checks community and business surveys now live

Ten town centres across Aberdeenshire have benefited from a health check to assess their strengths, weaknesses and resilience.

Funding provided to help communities develop their own Local Place Plans

Aberdeenshire Council is providing funding for community organisations to help them develop Local Place Plans to highlight issues, gather ideas and express aspirations for the future.

Have your say on the future of three primary schools

Residents urged to have their say on future plans for three Aberdeenshire primary schools.

Host of projects benefit from Aberdeenshire Council Coastal Communities Challenge funding

A wide range of projects within Aberdeenshire’s coastal communities have benefited from more than £283,000 in funding this year.

Infrastructure Services Committee August round-up

During its meeting on Thursday, August 24, Aberdeenshire Council Infrastructure Services Committee discussed supplementary guidance around developer obligations and affordable housing, a proposed extension to a speed limit on the A93 near the Inchmarlo Retirement Estate and the work required to tackle ash dieback disease within the region’s woodland.

Public engagement events around Banff and Macduff active travel bridge options

The communities of Banff and Macduff are being encouraged to share their views on two design options for a new active travel bridge across the River Deveron.

Work to begin on new family centre, library and council office in Ellon

The ground has been broken to mark the start of construction of a multi-purpose building comprising a new family resource centre, library, and council office at Bridge Street, Ellon.

Swift nesting boxes showing signs of success

More bird-nesting boxes are planned to help combat the declining swift population after an Inverurie-based project by Aberdeenshire Council showed early signs of success.

Aberdeenshire Council renews support for Fairtrade

Aberdeenshire Council has renewed its commitment to Fairtrade for the region after the authority’s Sustainability Committee approved the application for Fairtrade status on Wednesday 30 August.

Aberdeenshire Council to develop prioritised action plan to tackle growing issue of Ash Dieback Disease

Aberdeenshire Council is to develop a prioritised action plan to tackle the growing issue of Ash Dieback Disease.

Undoing carbon emissions with crushed basalt rock

Thousands of tonnes of crushed basalt rock from Aberdeenshire Council’s quarries are being spread across local farms to improve soil quality and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Jock’s Daunder Roon Monymusk nominated for coveted Scots Language Awards 2023

A book written and published in Doric by pupils of an Aberdeenshire primary school has been nominated for the coveted Scots Language Awards 2023.>

Aberdeenshire Council raises the ‘Red Ensign’ at Saltoun Square in Fraserburgh

The brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars have been remembered with the raising of the Red Ensign in Fraserburgh.

Positive feedback on Aberdeenshire Council Local Transport Strategy Consultation

Aberdeenshire Council has reported positive feedback from more than 1,500 residents who have engaged in its Local Transport Strategy consultation.

Aberdeenshire Council confirms completion of Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme

Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed that the much-anticipated Stonehaven Flood Protection Scheme has completed construction of the flood walls, the flood barrier system and has re-opened the historic White Bridge.

Aberdeenshire Council welcomes newly qualified teachers

More than 100 probationer teachers were welcomed at a special induction event at Meldrum Academy on Friday (August 18).

Swapping the classroom for the workplace

Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) students have been speaking about their experiences in swapping the classroom for the workplace.

Aberdeenshire Libraries’ successful Dog-friendly Saturday scheme is extended to include four more libraries

Last December, Banff and Stonehaven libraries introduced Dog-friendly Saturdays as part of a six-month pilot scheme, following requests from the public. The pilot scheme was reviewed and following its success, it has been decided to include more libraries in the scheme.

Getting the ratio right for Aberdeenshire Council’s trade customers and their recycling

Aberdeenshire Council is giving its trade customers a 240-litre orange-lid bin at no extra charge during the 2023/24 financial year as the new twin-stream recycling collections roll out across Aberdeenshire.