News

Stonehaven Open Air Pool to reopen as Platinum Jubilee marked

Stonehaven Open Air Pool will be opened to the public on Thursday, June 2, this year – the first day of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and tying in with the public holiday.

‘It was refreshing to see such excellent and musical performances’

The winners of the Aberdeenshire Regional Scottish Young Music Competition have been announced.

Community focus at Peterhead Academy to make a difference to Ukranian refugees

Pupils in S1 at Peterhead Academy have been making cards and small gifts this week to share with Ukranian refugees as a ‘Welcome to Scotland.’

Awards put spotlight on industry-leading food and drink manufacturers

The achievements of north east Scotland’s pioneering food and drink producers are set to be recognised as the industry navigates unprecedented changes in consumer behaviour and markets and invests in its future sustainable growth.

Parking Buddies aim to improve road safety awareness at Fraserburgh school

Aberdeenshire Council has taken an innovative approach to improve road safety awareness at St Andrews School in Fraserburgh.

Traditional horse-power helping in tree-felling operations across Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Council is continuing its efforts to tackle the devastation caused by storms Arwen and Corrie.

Council shares thanks and appreciation for foster carers

With Fostercare Fortnight (9-22 May) underway, Aberdeenshire Council is keen to recognise the immense contribution made by foster carers across Aberdeenshire.

What matters to colleagues and young people is shaping regional improvement plans

The Northern Alliance Regional Improvement Collaborative has shared the latest edition of its newsletter with teachers and practitioners.

Detection dog Boo sniffs out hidden illegal cigarettes

A dedicated detection dog called Boo helped find a haul of illegal cigarettes worth thousands of pounds.

Motorists now able to deposit old tyres at trade waste centre for a small charge

From May 16th, Aberdeenshire Council will allow motorists to deposit old tyres at its Macduff waste transfer station.

Do you fancy taking part in a conversation about Autism?

We are pleased to announce that we plan to host an Evening Discussion/Working Group to share ideas and discuss the development of our next Aberdeenshire Autism Strategy.

Communities urged to apply for Buchan Area Committee grant funding

Aberdeenshire Council is inviting community groups to apply for a share of the £61,500 allocated to the Buchan Area Committee Grant Scheme 2022.

Special concert to raise funds for Ukraine

Aberdeenshire Instrumental Music Service is holding a special concert to raise money to support the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Bervie Braes to remain closed for remainder of year

Following investigations into the stability of Bervie Braes at Stonehaven following a minor landslip late last year, we have had to close the route to vehicular traffic for the remainder of the year with immediate effect.

Children’s Hearings Scotland: area convener sought for Aberdeenshire

Children’s Hearings Scotland is looking for a volunteer area convener to provider local leadership for the area support team in Aberdeenshire.

Iconic Macduff Cross to get major refurbishment

A major 12-week refurbishment of the iconic Macduff Cross is about to get underway.

Parent survey: Have your say

Aberdeenshire Council will be running a survey to give parents a chance to share your views about your child’s school and how well staff engage with parents and carers.

Essential Works to take place on the C8M Glen Muick Road

The C8M Glen Muick Road will be closed from Monday, April 25, for up to 5 days to allow essential repairs to a landslip near Aucholzie.

Tree planted to commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee

Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire Rev Kenneth MacKenzie joined tenants and staff to plant a tree in honour of Her Majesty The Queen at Sluiemohr Sheltered Housing in Ballater.

Community testing schedule wc 4.4.22

A reminder that Aberdeenshire Council will cease its Covid mobile testing and community collect programme at close of play on Thursday, April 14.

Funding confirmed to tackle poverty and inequalities

Funding for a wide-ranging programme of activities to tackle poverty and inequalities across Aberdeenshire has been approved.

Aberdeenshire seasonal garden waste points to operate from April 2 to October 29

Aberdeenshire Council seasonal garden waste points will operate on a Saturday from April 2nd till October 29th this year.

Meldrum Academy Scoops Top European Award for Digital Education Practices

Meldrum Academy, in Oldmeldrum Aberdeenshire has become one of the first schools in Europe to achieve European Digital Schools Awards status.

Instrumental Music Service set to perform in person for first time in two years

Aberdeenshire Council’s Instrumental Music Service will be holding its first live concerts in two years.

Plans for office, library and family centre on former Ellon Academy site supported

Planning permission has been granted for the development of a council office, public library and family centre at the former academy site at Schoolhill in Ellon.

Mental health and wellbeing projects supported through Participatory Budgeting

Members of the Education and Children’s Services Committee learnt what projects Aberdeenshire pupils chose to fund through Participatory Budgeting.

Anti-bullying policy endorsed by committee

Members of the Education and Children’s Services Committee approved the latest version of an anti-bullying policy which will apply to all Aberdeenshire schools.

Councillors support continuation of business improvement districts

Councillors have agreed to support the continuation of the ‘We Are INverurie’ and ‘Rediscover Peterhead’ business improvement districts (BID) as they look to achieve another five-year term.

Council provides response to national litter and fly-tipping consultation

Aberdeenshire Council has agreed a consultation response to the Scottish Government’s proposed new national litter and fly-tipping strategy.

‘They are keen to lead and try new initiatives’

An Inspector has praised the positive relationships between children and staff at Aberchirder Primary and Nursery School.

Aberdeenshire Council launches new round of funding for coastal communities

The third year of the Aberdeenshire Council’s Coastal Communities Challenge Fund (CCCF) programme is now live.

Trio of environmental projects nets £88,000 in Coastal Communities funding

Three community projects have been awarded £88,000 in funding from Aberdeenshire Council’s 2021/22 Coastal Communities Fund.

A £5.2m procurement plan approved for Kincardine and Mearns

Councillors have approved a £5.2m procurement plan for environmental and infrastructure projects in the south of Aberdeenshire.

Major new investment to safeguard iconic Stonehaven Harbour

A major infrastructure programme to safeguard the long-term future of the iconic Stonehaven Harbour will commence in May.

‘I love the children’

Louise Anderson is the new Head Teacher of Marykirk Primary School.

Ukraine situation: a message from Aberdeenshire Council Leader Cllr Andy Kille

As the distressing situation in Ukraine continues, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Andy Kille has underlined the council’s support for those affected.

Aberdeenshire communities join to support Ukraine

Individuals and communities across Aberdeenshire continue to show great support for those affected by the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

Trees planted to commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee

The Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire Douglas Fowlie joined pupils, teachers, and staff to plant trees at Kininmonth Primary School near Peterhead as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

New housing investment plan for Aberdeenshire

More than 2,000 homes could be built across Aberdeenshire over the next five years under Aberdeenshire Council’s latest strategic housing investment plan.

Events programme to support kinship carers

A programme of events has been put together to celebrate this year’s Kinship Care Week.

New app to help young people access free bus travel

A new Transport Scot Pass Collect app lets people aged 16 – 21, who already have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC) (or non-Young Scot branded NEC), to download free bus travel onto their existing card.

‘There’s not a better job out there’

Katie Finch has been appointed Head Teacher of Midmill School.

AJ Bell Tour of Britain national land art winner picks up her coveted award

The Aberdeenshire winner of the AJ Bell Tour of Britain national land art competition has been presented with her coveted award.

Councillors listen to suggestions from young people on balancing the books

If you were the Director of Education and Children’s Services what would be your service’s spending priorities? This was just one question put to young people when they participated in a meeting with councillors and senior officers.

Aberdeenshire schools recognised with Eco-Schools Green Flag Award status

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has awarded a number of schools and nurseries in Aberdeenshire with an Eco-Schools Green Flag. The international award recognises nurseries and schools which have demonstrated a commitment to the Eco-Schools Scotland programme and over two years have engaged their whole school community in local climate action.

Community-based mental health services contract awarded

Following a competitive tendering process, the contract to deliver Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership’s (AHSCP) community based mental health services has been awarded to Penumbra Mental Health.

Central care at home service receives positive results in latest inspection

The outcome of a recent inspection revealed excellent results for the Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s central care at home service.

Latest Northern Alliance newsletter now online

Colleagues working with children and young people across Aberdeenshire may be keen to pick up on the latest news from the Northern Alliance regional improvement collaborative.

Councillors provide comment around proposed continuation of business improvement districts

Councillors have this week discussed the proposed continuation of the We Are INverurie and Rediscover Peterhead business improvement districts for second five-year terms.

‘It’s all about the young people’

Neil Hendry has been appointed Head Teacher of Inverurie Academy.

Additional funding approved for Friends of Tarlair

Councillors have approved a £71,000 grant for the Friends of Tarlair Community Group.

Consultation launched into Inverurie and Kintore and District community council boundary proposals

Aberdeenshire Council has launched a consultation on the proposed boundary change between Inverurie and Kintore and District Community Councils.

‘I would like kids who don’t have the means to buy a bike to enjoy the benefits of cycling’

Ellon Academy pupils will be literally getting on their bikes thanks to a new cycle loan scheme.

Accessible Aden project gets underway thanks to Rural Tourism Infrastructure funding

Work has started at Aden Country Park, following Aberdeenshire Council’s successful £375,000 funding application to the VisitScotland Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (RTIF).

Councillors listen to young people’s thoughts on the future of education

Young people have been telling Aberdeenshire’s councillors how they think assessments should be carried out in the future and what the priorities should be for Scottish education.

Apple trees available to all schools across Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Council’s Greenspace Project team is offering each school in Aberdeenshire one heritage apple tree to plant in their school grounds or in the community. This is part of the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund to address the biodiversity and climate crisis.

Council rent increase could be limited to 1.5% this year

Aberdeenshire Council will be asked to consider limiting an increase to rent charges to 1.5% this year to take account of Covid-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living for tenants.

‘A happy environment for children’

An Aberdeenshire nursery has been praised by inspectors for its communication, friendly environment, and strong and effective leadership.

Storm Malik/Corrie update Wednesday, February 2

Storm Malik/Corrie public briefing Wednesday, February 2, as of 11.30am.

It takes a village: “If you come into contact with chidlren and families… you can make a difference.”

An annual report on the progress of Aberdeenshire’s Child Protection Committee was presented to the local authority’s Education and Children’s Services Committee last week, underlining efforts to ensure anyone coming into contact with children and young people through their work is clued up on how to play a role in safeguarding.

Storm Malik/Corrie update Tuesday, February 1

Storm Malik/Corrie public briefing Tuesday, February 1, as of 11am.

Storm Corrie public briefing Monday, January 31 @ 11am

Storm Corrie public briefing Monday, January 31 @ 11am

Storm Malik – council services

Latest information on Sunday 30 Jan on Storm Malik.

Storm Malik Update 2 29.1.22 @ 09.30

Storm Malik update 2 issued at 09:30 on 29.01.2022

Storm Malik Update 1 28.01.2022

Storm Malik public update 1

Storm Malik Update 3 29.01.2022 @ 13.15

Storm Malik Update 3 issued 29.01.2022 @ 13.15

Councillors approve construction of 37 new affordable housing properties at Kirkton, Fraserburgh

Councillors have approved the construction of 37 new affordable housing properties at Kirkton, Fraserburgh.

Committee learns about support offered to Young Carers

The Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee considered the progress over the last year of the Aberdeenshire Young Carer Strategy 2021-2023.

New Machar Primary School latest to adopt the WOW Walk to School Challenge

Aberdeenshire Council has teamed up with Living Streets – the UK charity for everyday walking – to encourage more families to walk to school and promote active daily journeys as part of WOW, the Walk to School Challenge.

‘I want people to feel happy and welcome when they walk into school’

Michelle Strachan has been appointed the new Head Teacher of Rothienorman Primary School.

Identifying meaningful measures to address the attainment gap

Northern Alliance regional improvement collaborative colleagues are working with the Data for Children Collaborative on a project to explore how to make better use of data to assess the poverty-related attainment gap across eight local authorities, including Aberdeenshire.

Recycling centre systems to remain in place with improvements to customer experience

Recommendations have been agreed by councillors to improve the public’s experience of household recycling centre (HRC) systems following a review of current protocols.

New active travel route to be created between Braemar and Invercauld

Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority are to share equally the costs of creating a new active travel route between Braemar and Invercauld.

Aberdeenshire Council continues review into complex issue of urban gulls in north-east communities

Aberdeenshire Council is continuing its detailed review of the way it tackles the extremely complex issue of urban gulls across the region.

Macduff Nursery praised for safety and child protection by inspectors

An Aberdeenshire nursery was praised by inspectors for keeping children safe and protected.

Aberdeenshire Local Outdoor Access Forum seeks new members to continue excellent work

A body which seeks to continually develop, manage and promote outdoor access across the Aberdeenshire is encouraging new members from community groups or land managers to join its ranks.

Proposed active travel routes across Garioch take a step forward

Proposed active travel routes between Kemnay-Kintore and Kemnay-Inverurie have taken another step closer after councillors gave the green light for options to be progressed to the design phase.

‘I have never wanted to do anything else’

Jill Moir has been appointed the Head Teacher of Monymusk Primary School.

Uryside School’s community support from staff commended by inspector

The Head Teacher and staff of Uryside School and Nursery have been praised by an inspector for the support they have shown to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duke of Rothesay visits Haddo to view storm damage

His Royal Highness the Duke of Rothesay today visited the Haddo estate in Aberdeenshire, to see for himself the scale of damage from Storm Arwen.

“Outstanding” physics teacher wins national award

A Turriff Academy teacher has been recognised for his dedication to physics by the professional body representing the scientific subject.

New outdoor space at Ellon Day Opportunities to have a positive impact on members of community

Works have now been completed on the new outdoor space at Ellon Day Opportunities, which will provide staff and service users with an improved area for recreational activities and rest.

Inspectors praise staff for building strong relationships with children and parents

Inspectors have concluded Fraserburgh North Nursery has addressed recommendations set out in a previous inspection.

Patience appreciated as we catch up on waste collections

As Aberdeenshire’s waste teams navigate wintery weather alongside the impact of colleagues having to self-isolate and other winter illnesses, some customers may have noticed missed bin collections.

Collect Only service for lateral flow kits

Next week we will be providing a Collect Only service from 10am-2pm for rapid lateral flow self-test kits at the following locations.

Aberdeenshire Council: public holidays and access to services over the festive fortnight

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

Green Canopy tree planting ceremony commemorates The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Hundreds of trees have been planted at Fordyce Primary School to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

Banff’s Bridge Street to re-open before Christmas after major improvement works

Banff’s Bridge Street is being reopened this week having undergone a transformation over the past seven months.

Celebrate like it’s 1981 – 40 years of Mintlaw Academy

Mintlaw Academy has been celebrating reaching 40 this month, with a number of celebrations for pupils and staff. Dressing up ’80s style’ was a highlight, along with a senior pupils’ ceilidh and tree planting.

Aberdeenshire Council and community celebrate £1.4 million funding for Tarlair lido pavilion renovation

Aberdeenshire Council and the community of Tarlair are celebrating the announcement that they are to receive £1,458,000 from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to breathe new life into a former lido pavilion.

Fraserburgh celebrates after receiving coveted 2021 SURF Award for Most Improved Place

Fraserburgh is celebrating after claiming the coveted title of ‘Most Improved Place in Scotland’ in the 2021 SURF Awards.

Councillors welcome valuable report into roads asset investment scenarios and projected impacts

Aberdeenshire councillors have welcomed the publication of a new report highlighting the region’s roads management assets and the cost of maintaining and improving that infrastructure over the next 20 years.

Aberdeenshire Council unveils its 10-year bridge prioritisation programme

Aberdeenshire Council has unveiled its prioritisation programme for the region’s bridges and structures over the next decade.

Northern Alliance recognised by world-leading expert on educational reform

The Northern Alliance Regional Improvement Collaborative (for education and children’s services) is very pleased to share a special edition of the #Collaboration newsletter. World-leading expert on educational reform, Michael Fullan offers reflections 10 months into his journey of presenting the ‘Right Drivers for Whole System Success’.

Communities Committee pays tribute to “incredible spirit� and legacy of Hannah Miley on retirement

Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee has paid tribute to the incredible spirit and inspiring career of local star Hannah Miley on the news of her retirement from competitive swimming.

Consultation on the closure of Longhaven School approved by committee

Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee agreed for a statutory consultation on the proposal to close Longhaven School to proceed.

North-east waste project donates £50,000 to local organisations

A local Energy from Waste (EfW) project has donated £50,000 to dozens of North-east groups, charities, and organisations as part of its commitment to its surrounding areas.

Storm Barra public update 8.12.21

The latest information on welfare arrangements across Aberdeenshire.

Storm Arwen/Barra public update 7.12.21

As the recovery from Storm Arwen continues, council services and partner organisations are ready to respond to any impacts cause by Storm Barra.