Formartine and Buchan Way improvements-min
Formartine and Buchan Way improvements
Formartine and Buchan Way
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire – one of the 32 counties in Scotland. With the introduction of the Scottish Parliament of a new system of self-government, Aberdeenshire.
Scotland Loves Local Pledge signing in IMAGE 1-min
Aberdeenshire Council makes pledge to choose local
Aberdeenshire Council has made a pledge to boost the region’s economy by choosing to support local businesses whenever it possibly can.
Rallying cry for Aberdeenshire residents to get behind region’s businesses
Aberdeenshire Council has made a pledge to boost the region’s economy by choosing to support local businesses whenever it possibly can.
Council Leader Cllr Gillian Owen has signed the Scotland Loves Local Pledge on behalf of the authority, promising to prioritise spending with enterprises in the region.
It states: “We will choose local, prioritising the people and businesses around us at every opportunity.”
Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), the organisation which spearheads Scotland Loves Local with support from the Scottish Government, believes millions of pounds more can be injected into regional economies if more residents think local first.
The statement of intent has been made ahead of next week’s Scotland Loves Local Week (Aug 26 – Sept 1) – seven days of national activity highlighting the work taking place to make communities fit for the future, underpinned by critical local support.
Local businesses, politicians and customers are being urged to shine a spotlight on the brilliant enterprises locally on social media using the hashtags #ScotlandLovesLocal and #ChooseLocal.
And it is hoped that the move will encourage other people and businesses to follow their lead, making a promise to target support and spending with those around them.
Businesses and councillors gathered in Ellon today (Friday, Aug 23) to call on everyone across Aberdeenshire to help build a better future by choosing local.
Cllr Gillian Owen said: “By choosing local, we can all play our part in keeping communities alive – protecting the jobs of our neighbours, friends and families. We are working incredibly hard to create better, more sustainable places to live, work and visit – with superb shops, amazing attractions and great greenspaces. But all of that is underpinned by having local businesses which not just survive, but thrive.
“By thinking local first for all of our needs, we can be there for businesses at a time of once unimaginable challenges of Covid and cost of living – while helping with our region’s response to the climate emergency by reducing travel and food miles.
“And by signing up to the Aberdeenshire Loves Local gift card initiative, the benefits you will get from keeping the spend local are clear for all to see – whether you operate a retail business, coffee shop, restaurant, salon or tourist destination. An ever-increasing number of businesses are appreciating that the gift card is a quick, efficient and cost-free way to encourage customer spending and that can only help drive sales within our retail and service sectors.”
Among the businesses supporting the choose local call in the region are Fraser’s of Ellon and Hybrid Gaming and Computing who joined Aberdeenshire Council in promoting the cause.
Flooring and furniture retail store Fraser’s of Ellon was established in 1930 and employs 24 staff in addition to sub-contracted floor layers.
Managing director Colin McKay said: “Every penny spent with businesses like ours is an investment in the future of our community. Our team has worked incredibly hard in recent years to be there for people when they’ve needed us most. We want to play our part in a better future for our area. But, to do that, we need people to be there for us and choose local. It’s something simple that we can all do.”
Hybrid Gaming and Computing was established in 2021 but opened in April of this year, with its team of five providing a range of IT services for both consumer and small businesses.
Owner Dave Goodwin explained: “Our strategy is to feel like a part of our local community and local support has always been a critical part of our mission. As part of that mission we also often partner with other local businesses to try and generate shared benefits. The Scotland Loves local initiative ties in perfectly with those goals as the cards can be used in a variety of shops and businesses instead of just a single outlet.”
Leigh Sparks, Chairman of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “We are delighted to see Aberdeenshire Council sign the Scotland Loves Pledge and publicly demonstrate its commitment to supporting local businesses. The power of choosing local more often – whether that be residents doing so in their daily lives or businesses supporting other local businesses – is transformational.
“Greater support for local enterprises protects jobs and businesses. And that support underpins the tireless work taking place to help communities adapt to our ever-changing world, seizing opportunities to innovate, invest and make our communities better places to live, work and visit.”
You can find out more about the Pledge at https://lovelocal.scot/sign-the-scotland-loves-local-pledge-and-show-your-support-for-choosing-local/
You can view all participating Aberdeenshire Loves Local businesses here: https://scotlandgiftslocal.com/product/aberdeenshire-gift-card/
More information about the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card – including how to sign up – go to www.lovelocal.scot/giftcard or email aberdeenshireloveslocal@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Repair works Scotstown Beach Car Park
Repair works Scotstown Beach Car Park 19.08
Repair works Scotstown Beach Car Park, Access Road – 19th August 2024
Financial support from the Crown Estate’s Coastal Communities Fund is making it possible for Aberdeenshire Council to carry out repairs to the unadopted section of the access road to this important facility on Buchan’s spectacular east coast.
Scotstown Beach is a much-loved stretch of Aberdeenshire’s Coastal route and popular with local families, dog walkers and visitors from further afield.
These repair works are the next part of improving the overall visitor experience to Scotstown Beach following the upgrade works undertaken to this countryside car park earlier this year. This will significantly improve access to this coastal asset while still being in keeping with the site’s natural characteristics and topography.
Work is due to begin on Monday 19th August and take five days to complete. During this period the road and car park will be inaccessible and closed to the public (https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/Apps/roadworks/pdf/BU6279.pdf).
Access will be available for residents/businesses only. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause.
Aberdeenshire community council nominations open 16.8.24
Aberdeenshire community council nominations open 19.08
This year, nominations to join an Aberdeenshire community council open on Monday, August 19, and will close on Sunday, September 8
Aberdeenshire’s network of around 70 community councils will be seeking interest from potential new members over the next few weeks as the area moves to a single election date for the first time.
Previously, community councils sought to fill vacancies on various dates throughout the year. From this year onwards, the nomination period will be the same for all groups in the area.
This year, nominations to join an Aberdeenshire community council open on Monday, August 19, and will close on Sunday, September 8.
Community councils are voluntary groups made up of people who care about their community and want to make them a better place to live.
Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Gillian Owen said: “Community councils provide an important voice for residents across Aberdeenshire and have been responsible for some fantastic activities and projects that have made a real difference locally.
“While in many cases previous members will want to continue representing their communities, it’s also important to attract new members to keep groups sustainable and bring new ideas to the table, and I would encourage anybody who would like to be involved to complete a nomination form.”
Deputy Leader Cllr Anne Stirling said: “Aberdeenshire Council benefits from a very close relationship with the community council network and together we can help achieve successes at a very local level.
“That’s why it’s important to ensure there are enough candidates to allow each community council to form, otherwise this could leave considerable gaps in the representation of local views and involvement in council activities. By offering just a few hours a month, a great deal can be achieved.”
Duties of community councils can include carrying out local projects, preparing community newsletters, responding to council consultations, campaigning on local issues, and organising community events.
Community councillors will be provided with training and ongoing support from Aberdeenshire Council.
Further information, including the Aberdeenshire community council nomination form and guidance, can be found at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/nominate
Thunderstorms Warning across parts of Scotland
Yellow weather warning issued for Thunderstorms Warning across parts of Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Peterhead
Monday 12 August 02:00 – Monday12 August 13:00
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 11, 2024
Thunderstorms across parts of Scotland and northern England
Valid 0200 to 1300 Monday
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/Q4JOkxYklx
Thunderstorms may cause some disruption and damage to infrastructure during Monday.
What should I expect?
- Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
- There is a small chance that some communities become temporarily cut off by flooded roads
- Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
- There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
- There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
A Flood alert has been issued for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.
The A2B dial-a-bus service benefits across Aberdeenshire
Remember to enjoy the benefits of the A2B dial-a-bus service across Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire Council is reminding residents of the benefits of the A2B dial-a-bus shopper services which operate across much of the region.
The A2B buses run on Mondays to Fridays between approximately 9.30am and 2.30pm.
A2B is a free council-run minibus service which can be used by anyone for travel if there is no other suitable bus service in the area.
If there is alternative public transport, A2B services are provided for older and disabled residents only using low-floor, wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
A2B dial-a-bus services are available for local travel from as far afield as the Mearns, Alford, Banchory and Peterhead and serve many towns villages and communities in between – in most cases offering a door-to-door service.
Where A2B operates in towns it may be able to provide transport to health appointments, depending on times.
Full service provision including operating times is available at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/public-transport/a2b-dial-a-bus
Marion Mackay from Aberdeenshire Council’s Passenger Transport Unit, explains: “Our flexible town services endeavour to pick you up at the time you requested, but as all bookings are taken on a first come, first-served basis, you may be offered a trip at a slightly different time to fit in with other passenger bookings. Rural shopper service tend to operate to a timetable, albeit timings may vary depending on the number and location of bookings.
“We are very fortunate to have such wonderful dial-a-bus services operating in many parts of Aberdeenshire which helps tremendously whether that be a trip to the shops or the Post Office, or simply a catch-up with friends and family. It’s easy to book and our drivers make every effort to make the passenger experience enjoyable.”
So how do you book? Simply call the A2B dial-a-bus service hotline on 01467 535333, open on Mondays to Fridays between 9.30am and 3.30pm, no later than the day before travel. Alternatively you can email a2bdialabus@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
For general enquiries call the hotline on Mondays to Fridays between 9:00am and 5pm or email a2bdialabus@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Ranger Service and Police Scotland
Ranger Service and Police Scotland
Ranger Service and Police Scotland
Aberdeenshire seafood festival
Aberdeenshire seafood festival 2025
Aberdeenshire seafood festival
Coastal Communities Challenge funding
Coastal Communities Challenge funding
Coastal Communities Challenge funding
Aden Country Park in Mintlaw 9.07
Aden Country Park in Mintlaw will celebrate the completion of the five-year Aden Restoration & Redevelopment Project.
Aden Country Park in Mintlaw will celebrate the completion of the five-year Aden Restoration & Redevelopment Project, at a civic ceremony taking place in the park’s central courtyard.
Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Judy Whyte will commemorate the project achievements by officially unveiling the new Visitor Information Centre, which will be opened to the public from 11am on Tuesday, July 9 following a short ceremony.
The new Visitor Information Centre has been designed to not only be the first port of call for park visitors, but also somewhere to find out about the park facilities, a place to pick up leaflets and a place to learn about Aden’s heritage and its links to farming in the north east of Scotland.
The ceremony has also been planned to tie in the ever popular Wild About Aden annual family event which offers a wide range of children’s activities including wheelie fun, bouncy mania, storytelling, science workshops, Highland alpacas experience, bungee trampolines, face painting, giant bubbles, outdoor games, music, and lots more.
A photographic exhibition showcasing the Aden project achievements will also be available in the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum theatre.
The new Visitor Information Centre has been developed as part of the £2.13 million project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding has also supported the restoration and redevelopment of Aden’s historic buildings, landscape, and facilities, including improvements to park interpretation, accessibility, signage, and a programme to enhance biodiversity.
The Aden Restoration & Redevelopment Project also attracted funding support from other match funding bodies including the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, private and community organisations and both cash and non-cash contributions from Aberdeenshire Council.
