Councillors Hail Broch Launch of Royal Conservatoire's NE Hub

Councillors from the SNP/Labour Partnership in Aberdeenshire attended Friday night’s launch of the North-east Hub of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Fraserburgh’s Dalrymple Hall.

Bringing an RCS Hub to Fraserburgh was one of the key commitments of the SNP/Labour Partnership when in Administration in Aberdeenshire Council to assist in the area’s cultural and artistic regeneration.

The launch event on Friday night was attended by former Chair and Vice-Chair of the council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee, Councillors Alison Evison and Charles Buchan, as well as former Provost of Aberdeenshire Hamish Vernal.

Cllr Alison Evison (Scottish Labour-North Kincardine) said:

"It was really exciting to be able to attend the official launch of the Royal Conservatoire's North-east Hub on Friday, marking an important step in the evolving collaboration between Aberdeenshire Council and the Royal Conservatoire, which had been set in train by our innovative and visionary SNP/Labour Administration in February 2017.

“With our consistent focus on music, art and culture as key contributors to individual and community development as well as to the local economy, we had recognised how the opportunities offered by the Royal Conservatoire could enhance the existing arts tradition in Fraserburgh and other Aberdeenshire towns.

“The value we place on this activity is clear - not only through this Hub, but also in our active support for music tuition in schools; our recognition of the key skills which visiting specialists have to offer and in another development on which the SNP and Labour led when in Administration - the setting up of Aberdeenshire's own pipe band."

Cllr Charles Buchan (SNP-Fraserburgh & District) said:

“We quickly realised that regeneration of Fraserburgh was not only about economic development. We had to help the development of our local heritage and culture to improve our pride in our town. The tie-up with the world-leading Royal Conservatoire of Scotland was an ideal opportunity to serve our young people through dance, traditional and other music, theatre skills and song.

“I’m so pleased that the showcase we saw in Fraserburgh has proved the immense value of the tie-up. Bringing the Conservatoire to Fraserburgh is proportionally equivalent to the arrival of the V and A Museum to Dundee. I’m delighted that this project, championed by the SNP and Labour when we were in Administration in the council, has come to fruition.”

Former Provost of Aberdeenshire Hamish Vernal added:

“I was delighted to be invited to attend the formal launch of the Fraserburgh Hub. It was clear from speaking to those involved that this will be a very welcome addition to the town and the enthusiasm of the youngsters who were performing was a pleasure to see.”

Andrew Comrie, Director of Academic Innovation, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland said:

“This is a ground-breaking and innovative programme designed in partnership and with the initial aim to provide local access for young people in the North East to our Junior Conservatoire programmes in music, acting, dance and film as well as to our successful Transitions 20/40 programme which provides access to immersive training for young people living in the most disadvantaged parts of Scotland who show potential and commitment to pursuing study in the performing arts.”

Read more...

Blackett Hails Start of Ballater Old Royal Station Redevelopment

Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside SNP councillor Geva Blackett has hailed the start of the project to reinstate Ballater’s popular Old Royal Station, destroyed by fire nearly two years ago.

The B-listed building, owned by the council, was historically used by the Royal Family travelling to nearby Balmoral Castle and was hit by a fire which broke out in May 2015.

The building had been leased to VisitScotland for the last 15 years and housed a Visitor Information Centre, restaurant, museum, clothes shop and photography business.

Although much of the building was severely damaged by the fire, a replica Royal carriage survived, as well as various undamaged display cases.

Aberdeenshire Council committed to rebuilding the station and subsequently submitted a successful planning application to the Cairngorms National Park Authority.

There will be changes to how the internal space will be used – both the Visitor Information Centre and the restaurant will return and these will be joined by a library and an enhanced exhibition space. The Royal Carriage will be reinstalled as one of the main attractions.

The project, expected to cost in the region of £3million, is expected to be completed in December of this year, all being well.

The principle elevations of the original building will be reinstated matching the Victorian architecture and detailing, including Queen Victoria’s Waiting Room.

Commenting, Cllr Geva Blackett said:

“This marks the start of the restoration of this iconic building that plays such an important role in Ballater and indeed the whole of Royal Deeside. Watching the first turf being dug makes me hugely optimistic that the fortunes of this beautiful village have turned a corner.”

Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal marked the start of the project by cutting the first turf with a ceremonial spade and wheelbarrow used to start the construction of Ballater Railway Station by the Great North of Scotland Railway Company in 1865. He said:

“Ballater has had a tough time lately. The fire was a terrible tragedy along with the devastation suffered as a consequence of Storm Frank.

“However, I can see real progress with many shops open for business again and more and more residents returned to their homes. Therefore, it is great to see another milestone achieved through the start of the construction work to redevelop the Old Royal Station.”

Morgan Sindall area director, Mark McBride, said:

“Morgan Sindall has a successful track record of delivering public sector projects and we’re proud to have been selected for one that has such significance to people not only in the local area, but across Scotland as a whole.

“It’s our first contract awarded through Aberdeenshire Council’s main contractor framework and we’re pleased to get work underway.

“Ballater Old Royal Station has a rich cultural history and is integral to the region’s tourism industry. We’re mindful of the need to retain as many of the original heritage features as possible during the restoration process and confident that the finished building will be well received.”

The station was opened in October 1866 by the Great North of Scotland Railway and was the nearest station to Balmoral Castle. It closed in February 1966.

Read more...

Make Your Nomination for Inspiring Aberdeenshire

Organisers of an Aberdeenshire award ceremony have extended the deadline for nominations.

People have already been nominating those in their communities for an Inspiring Aberdeenshire Award and this year organisers have extended the deadline by a fortnight, to allow for even more recognition. You now have until Wednesday 15 February at noon to get your submissions in.

To mark the extension, Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal was joined by pupils from Banff Primary who have been knitting, naming and decorating six butterflies, the theme of the event, to promote Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2017.

Six pupils from primaries one to four joined the Provost along with the butterflies that they named - Spot, Garfield, Sally, Joshua, Blueberry and Brandon.

Dorothy Reid is their teacher. She said:

“The pupils have been really excited by this project and getting to take part in something to promote such an important event is an honour. They really enjoyed taking part and their work is very impressive.”

Aberdeenshire Provost, Hamish Vernal, said:

“I have been in many photos in my time as Provost of Aberdeenshire, but never before have I shared the screen with butterflies, not least ones as special as these. To also be joined by the pupils who created them was a great way to mark this nomination extension.

“I hope that people are inspired by our butterflies, and by the pupils’ hard work, to get their nominations in for this year’s awards.

“Anybody can nominate a person or group for an Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2017 award – and we want to recognise as broad a range of community heroes as possible.”

There are ten award categories, including a ‘Best Of’ honour for each of Aberdeenshire’s six administrative areas: Banff and Buchan; Buchan; Formartine; Garioch; Kincardine and Mearns; and Marr.

There are also four special awards:

• Outstanding Leader Award: awarded to someone who can demonstrate outstanding examples of leadership
• Young Leader: a person aged 25 or under who has shown leadership skills by helping others or contributing to their community
• The Doric Award: awarded to an individual or group promoting Doric in Aberdeenshire, such as within a school, community or heritage group
• Pupil Voice: nominated and voted for by pupils

Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader, Cllr Richard Thomson, said:

“Inspiring Aberdeenshire is a great opportunity to recognise those who are doing that bit extra to improve their communities for the benefit of everyone.

“I’d encourage everybody who has seen the good work done by others to put them forward for recognition in our 2017 event.”

To cast your nominations, please fill out the online form at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/IAbsh2017 by midday on Wednesday, February 1, 2017.

It’s important to fill in the form completely, otherwise your vote won’t count. Nominations cannot be taken forward without fully explaining the reasons for the recognition. For a print version, email: news@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

If you are an individual or business interested in supporting Inspiring Aberdeenshire through sponsorship, please email Lynne Gravener: lynne.gravener@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Read more...

Provost Hosts Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards

The Inspiring Aberdeenshire awards ceremony organised by Aberdeenshire Council took place at Haddo House near Ellon on Friday to celebrate the work of people in the area who support their communities.

The annual event is in its fourth year and recognises the achievements of residents and staff and is attended by councillors, officers and volunteers with local performers also taking to the stage.

The winners, which were selected from over 160 nominations, include people who provided community information and support during flooding in the area at the start of the year and a pupil who raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity inspired by his brother who is undergoing treatment.

Ethan Turnbull, a pupil at Mackie Academy in Stonehaven who was awarded the Pupil Voice award, has raised over £10,000 for Clic Sargent, as his little brother is undergoing cancer treatment.

Shelley Milne collected the Outstanding Leader award after setting up and maintaining Hope Floats Deeside, a community action Facebook page of great assistance during flooding that affected most of Aberdeenshire at the end of December 2015 and beginning of 2016.

The Ballater Charitable Chiels won the ‘Best of Marr’ award for the charitable work the group does in the area and also the help members of the group provided to people to recover from the flooding.

The finalists of the new Doric Award, open specifically for people promoting and celebrating the local language, were also honoured with Inverallochy School taking the top spot.

Commenting on the evening, Provost of Aberdeenshire Hamish Vernal said:

“The theme for the awards is butterflies and the winners tonight are really flying high in recognition of the support they have given their communities, family and friends.

“We’ve all been inspired by the stories we’ve heard of kind-hearted people who work tirelessly to support others, from young people raising money for causes close to their hearts to those who helped communities during the floods in Aberdeenshire in December and January – all of the winners make Aberdeenshire the great place it is.”

Council Co-Leader Councillor Richard Thomson, who presented the Young Leader award, said:

“Inspiring Aberdeenshire gives us the chance to celebrate the groups and individuals who have gone out of their way to help others and it was a hard task choosing winners as everyone who was nominated deserves a trophy.”

Council Co-Leader, Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes, added:

“The stories of inspirational people in Aberdeenshire never cease to amaze me. When I hear of the people winning this year who have worked to help communities recover from flooding, who have kept traditions alive, raised money for charity and supported others it shines a light on Aberdeenshire.”

Read more...

Provost Launches Live Bus Time Information System

Provost of Aberdeenshire, Cllr Hamish Vernal, has launched a new bus information system to help passengers plan better and make public transport a more attractive option. The new Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI) system being introduced across Aberdeenshire means bus users can see the actual time buses will arrive at stops, rather than their scheduled arrival.

With more accurate and reliable information on bus times, customers will be able to make more informed choices about their travel plans. The system can be accessed by a mobile phone app and online, so passengers can make decisions while on the move or before heading off to the bus stop.

Passengers at any Aberdeenshire bus stop with a timetable case will also be able to use an enabled smartphone to scan the Quick Response (QR) “tag” to access the information. Accurate times will also be displayed on the Council’s electronic departure information screens, located at principal bus stops across Aberdeenshire.

Providing real time travel information is a key objective in Aberdeenshire Council’s Bus Information Strategy.

Aberdeenshire Provost, Cllr Hamish Vernal, who launched the RTPI system in Aberdeen yesterday, said:

“I am delighted that Aberdeenshire residents now have access to higher quality bus information than has ever existed before,” he said.

“By providing real time departure information we hope to enhance the service provided to our existing customers and improve the perception of public transport among non-bus users to hopefully encourage greater use of the bus service.”

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr David Aitchison, said:

“This is an important development in public transport in Aberdeenshire and a major step forward in the provision of bus information in the region.

“We believe this will be extremely well used by people travelling in our area, allowing them even more confidence when planning a journey by public transport, but also minimising any time wasted standing waiting for a bus which is running late and allowing them to get on with other aspects of their lives.”

The new system tracks the actual location of the bus, comparing this to the scheduled timetable to provide customers with much more reliable information on when a bus will depart from their stop.

The information can be accessed on the Aberdeenshire Council and Traveline Scotland websites, and using the Traveline Scotland smart phone app.

The project was developed by Aberdeenshire Council with the software supplier Trapeze Group and in partnership with bus operators, in particular Stagecoach North Scotland, Bain’s Coaches and First Aberdeen.

Aberdeen City Council and Nestrans contributed, allowing the information to be provided region-wide by using Aberdeenshire Council’s RTPI system to provide real-time departure information at city locations for rural bus services.

Stagecoach has developed a vehicle tracking system that interacts with Aberdeenshire’s RTPI system, allowing all of its local services to be included.

A similar system is used by First Aberdeen which also now links to Aberdeenshire’s RTPI system.

Bus services operated by other companies in Aberdeenshire will also show real time departures using Aberdeenshire Council’s vehicle tracking system.

Read more...

Kindrochit Castle Rises from its Ruins

A 1,000-year-old castle in the heart of Braemar has been officially opened by the Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal following the completion of substantial conservation works.

The ruins of Kindrochit Castle are steeped in uncertainty but now historians, tourists and residents can explore the structure and discover more about it. The original castle was built in the late eleventh century by Malcolm III, King of Scotland, and was originally named Ceann-drochit meaning bridge head.

from Wikipedia

A bridge was built nearby across the River Clunie making it the only place to cross for several miles and thus a strategic point for a castle to be located. Additions to the original primitive structure, including the construction of a stone tower, were made in the 1300s when the castle was used as a royal residence.

Consolidation and conservation works have been carried out thanks to joint funding of £216,000 from Aberdeenshire Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA).

As well as the repair and repointing of walls and returfing of wall heads, access routes have been created to allow visitors to explore inside the castle.

Interpretation panels have also been installed detailing the history of the castle and some of the interesting finds discovered there, including the Kindrochit Brooch, found in the prison area in the early twentieth century, currently housed in the National Museum of Scotland.

Provost Hamish Vernal said:

“Kindrochit Castle really is at the heart of the Braemar community and it is wonderful that it is now open to the public.

“The top quality work that has been carried out by the North East Scotland Preservation Trust means that the ruins are now accessible to all and I’m very pleased that the castle has attracted hundreds of visitors already.

“I especially like the flag flown at the castle which was designed by pupils from Braemar School and I would like to thank the Friends of Kindrochit Castle for their continued support in ensuring the castle can be enjoyed throughout the year.”

SNP councillor for Aboyne, Upper Deeside & Donside Geva Blackett said:

"After years of this historic site being nothing but a pile of rubble, nettles and over grown grass, we now have a smart site befitting the importance of one of the oldest castles in Scotland and another reason for tourists to visit Braemar.

“I may have led the effort to get the work done but it could not have been achieved without the enthusiasm of Stephen Archer, the Council's Director of Infrastructure Services and his team, or the craftsmanship of Alastair Urquhart and his son Stuart who are leading experts in lime mortar work."

A small group of local people have formed the Friends of Kindrochit Castle to monitor the structure, pick up litter in the surrounding area and carry out promotional activities.

The project won a Highly Commended Award at the 2014 Aberdeenshire Council Design Awards.

Read more...

Provost Signals Backing for Merchant Navy Day

On Merchant Navy Day, 3 September, Aberdeenshire Council will fly the Red Ensign at its Woodhill House headquarters in Aberdeen to raise awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers.

Aberdeenshire Council is supporting a nationwide call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Hamish Vernal raised the flag at 10.00am on Thursday as councils across the country join to mark the occasion.

The UK relies on Merchant Navy seafarers for 95% of its imports, including half the food we eat. The UK has the largest ports industry in Europe. 75% of its exports (by volume) are shipped from UK ports, some of which are supporting the campaign by encouraging visiting ships to sound their horns at 10.00am on 3 September.

Provost Vernal will be joined for the ceremony by Aberdeenshire Council’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Allan Hendry.

Provost Vernal said:

“Aberdeenshire’s relationship with the sea is a key part of the area’s identity, not least in the heart of our coastal communities and for the generations of people for whom the waves have been their workplace.

“We are very pleased to be supporting this campaign to recognise the work of the Merchant Navy.”

Read more...

Provost Launches New Guide to Aberdeenshire's Pictish Heartlands

A guide to showcase some of Aberdeenshire’s best examples of Pictish Stones is now available to the public.

As the school holidays arrive, it’s a great time to get out and explore the area’s rich heritage. Ranging from prehistoric stone circles and medieval castles to the remains of World War II defences, a wide variety of historic sites help tell the story of how the region and its people have developed.

To help inspire visitors and residents, Aberdeenshire Council’s Archaeology service in conjunction with the Tourism Team in the Economic Development service has produced a new guide to some of the historic sites on offer.

Aberdeenshire is considered to be one of the heartlands of the Pictish people, and the new trail highlights the best surviving and most easily accessible examples of Pictish Stones in the region.

The Picts, who lived in Scotland between the 4th and 9th centuries AD, are famed for their elaborately decorated symbol stones, although the exact purpose of these enigmatic monuments, and the meaning of the various symbols, continues to be the subject of much research and debate.

The Pictish Stone Trail is a guide to 10 of the best local sites and was launched at the Maiden Stone, near Inverurie by Provost of Aberdeenshire Hamish Vernal and council archaeologist Claire Herbert.

Aberdeenshire Council archaeologist Claire Herbert with
Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal at the Maiden Stone, near Inverurie

Funded in part by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), it follows hot on the heels of a Stone Circle Trail leaflet.

The Stone Circle Trail, produced in 2014, highlights 10 of the best stone circles in Aberdeenshire, with particular focus on the recumbent style of stone circle, which is unique to the north east.

Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal said:

“Many of us who know and love this area are aware of lots of these sites through knowledge passed down through generations.

“But we need to make more of our fantastic local history and enourage others to value it as we do and to learn about what has made and continues to make Aberdeenshire a great place.

“If the sun’s shining, and even if it’s not, there’s a whole range of historical points of interest in Aberdeenshire set in a beautiful landscape so I’d encourage anyone to go out and find out what’s on their doorstep, or to visit us and spend some time here.”

Copies of both leaflets will be widely available for free at local visitor information centres and libraries throughout Aberdeenshire, and are available online: http://bit.ly/TouristTrails

They are also available from the reception area of Aberdeenshire Council’s Woodhill House headquarters in Aberdeen, where another Pictish Stone, the Rhynie Man, can be seen.

If you’re keen to visit more historical sites in Aberdeenshire, there’s more information on the Archaeology Service section of our website: http://bit.ly/SitesToVisit

Read more...

Colourful History Brought to Life on Peterhead Town Trail

A walking trail which leads visitors around the historic town of Peterhead has been developed to highlight some of the town’s best history – and darkest secrets.

As part of regeneration efforts taking place locally, the Peterhead Town Trail links and highlights some of the most interesting parts of the area’s largest town. Smugglers, secret passages, heroes, poets, influential ladies, ghosts, war, witchcraft, murder, rebellion and piracy – all easily taken in on a day out in Peterhead.

From the haunting tale of Auld Harry in the Harbour, to witch trials and the dubious business of the Baron Bailie Alexander Elles, a colourful history is brought to life. Walkers on the trail can meet Fisher Jessie, see the gift William I of Prussia sent to the people of Peterhead and find out how a loving aunt’s legacy caused terror and wiped out over 300 people.

People can also learn how cannons salvaged from a wrecked galleon from the Spanish Armada saved the town and why it’s called the Blootoon.

The trail has two loops – one long and one short - featuring 21 story boards located at points of interest around the town. Both trails start at Kirk Street and end on St. Peter Street, at the Arbuthnot Museum.

The boards feature interesting history from the immediate vicinity, showing images and telling tales from the past.

A leaflet to accompany the town trail and guide visitors is being made available and further information can be seen on a dedicated website: www.peterheadtowntrail.co.uk.

Provost of Aberdeenshire, Cllr Hamish Vernal, who officially launched the trail, said:

“It’s great that the exciting and varied past of Peterhead can be highlighted in such a simple, direct way.

“Not only does it provide a fascinating walk around the area for visitors, it should help increase local footfall and have a knock on effect for businesses.

“We’re very grateful for the support shown by the community and local businesses for this trail and we hope it’s a useful addition to what Peterhead has to offer.”

Buchan Area Committee vice-chair, Cllr Anne Allan, who has offered important input into the project, said:

“Many locals already know about and value the rich history and tradition of Peterhead, as evidenced by the involvement of some of them in this project for their expert advice.

“We already get lots of visitors from further afield, but we want to welcome more, and offering more attractions and things to do around the town can play a big part in that.

“Local people can also enjoy the trail and I can imagine it will be popular with families who want to learn more about the colourful history of our fascinating town.”

Read more...

Provost Officially Opens New Buchan Council Headquarters

A £5 million council office in Peterhead has been officially opened, marking a milestone in the improvement of local services.

Buchan House, a one-stop-shop for a range of council services, is Aberdeenshire Council’s new area headquarters. Located in the centre of the town on a former brownfield site, it now houses a range of council services which had been spread across a number of local offices.

The new building has transformed a derelict and brownfield site at St Peter Street, contributing to ongoing regeneration efforts in the town. The whole project was based on reducing the whole-life costs of the building and ensuring efficiencies could be reinvested in public services in the area.

The design team were given a brief to apply the Council’s Worksmart policies and to design a modern interpretation of a civic building to respect the site, location and flexibility of customer uses.

It is now a hub for both employees and residents, offering access for customers to 16 different services. Staff spanning Communities, Education and Children’s Services, Infrastructure Services and Business Services are located within the new office.

They have been providing services to local residents from Buchan House since last month, but Aberdeenshire Provost Hamish Vernal formally opened the facility this week.

Provost Hamish Vernal said:

“It is important to see this building as a stepping stone in the future of Peterhead and Buchan – for a north- eastern coastal port town the level of economic activity remains very high.

"This building has already seen decisions taken on a potential world-first carbon capture project which, subject to decisions later in the year, could be a truly significant contributor to an already vibrant energy industry with proven success in engineering excellence.

“It is just one example of several significant developments planned for the future and bodes well for the economic opportunities in the Buchan Area.”

Chairman of the Buchan Area Committee, Cllr Stuart Pratt, said:

“It is a building to serve not just Peterhead but all of Buchan. I think it exemplifies some of the best of modern design and it will be a building which will become a local landmark, used by the public for many years to come.”

In his opening speech, Provost Vernal welcomed the news that the range of public services will be extended by co-location with Police Scotland and NHS Grampian.

Aberdeenshire Council awarded the £5million contract to Robertson Construction Ltd following a competitive tender exercise.

Keith Taylor, Regional Managing Director for Robertson, said:

“Working in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, we are proud to have delivered a building which will have a lasting impact on the local community.

“The use of local skilled tradespeople and local supplies has been key to the successful delivery of the project and involvement with the local community at every stage. We look forward to seeing Buchan House serve Peterhead for years to come.”

The council is marketing the buildings it has vacated in Peterhead, with a focus on attracting occupants which will benefit the area and has already sold the former area office at Arbuthnot House and the adjoining building to an expanding local firm.

Read more...

Aberdeenshire Council - SNP and Progressive Alliance reach agreement with Democratic Independent Group

The SNP and the newly-formed Progressive Alliance on Aberdeenshire Council have reached an agreement with the Democratic Independent Group, which will allow the groups to press ahead with forming a new administration for the authority.

The agreement to work together on a 'confidence and supply' basis means that the combined groups will have the support of 34 Councillors in the chamber, meaning that a new administration will have the necessary support to change the current council leadership, to appoint new committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs and to pass its annual budget.

Commenting following the agreement, SNP Group Leader Cllr Hamish Vernal said:

“We're delighted that after some intensive negotiations over the past few days, we have been able to reach an agreement with the Democratic Independent Group which reflects the broad and progressive policy consensus across our respective groups.

“It's clear that together, we now have the numbers required to effect an orderly change of administration in Aberdeenshire and that's what we aim to do. We'll be taking advice from the Chief Executive in the days ahead on how best to now proceed.”

Read more...

Aberdeenshire SNP Group Comment on Affordable Housing Proposals

Commenting following today’s meeting of Aberdeenshire Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, where councillors agreed to allocate £2.2 million pounds towards the provision of affordable housing, SNP Shadow Council Leader Hamish Vernal said:

“The SNP Group very much welcomes this paper. Increasing the supply of affordable housing for rent has long been a key priority of our councillors and while this is clearly not enough on its own, it at least represents a start in tackling the shortage we face.

“It’s worth noting the similarity between today’s plans which reallocate £2.2m from the Council’s ‘Innovation Reserve’ and the additional £2m earmarked for affordable housing in the SNP budget in February, which proposed drawing on the same funding source.

“Although we were disappointed in February to see the SNP budget voted down, it’s encouraging to see at least one of our proposals being taken up with such speed.”

Read more...

SNP Comment on Aberdeenshire Council Budget

Commenting on the passing of today's 2015/16 revenue budget by Aberdeenshire Council, SNP Shadow Council Leader Hamish Vernal said:

"I welcome the £5m uplift in funding made available to Aberdeenshire Council this year thanks to changes in the local government distribution formula. I also welcome the continued commitment of the Council to meeting key Scottish Government priorities through the freeze in Council Tax and the commitment to enhanced early years provision in education.

"The Council Tax Freeze for the lifetime of the current Parliament has helped to keep money in the pockets of hard pressed families in difficult times. We need to do more to ensure that we are spending every pound as effectively as we can before we go looking to the taxpayers of Aberdeenshire for more.

"It's disappointing that the internal politics of the Alliance administration have meant that it wasn't possible to present a shared budget with the SNP on this occasion, despite the clear support which there was across the chamber for many SNP initiatives, particularly in terms of road safety, investment in social housing and reviewing the council's structures.

"We will continue to pursue these initiatives through other avenues, and pledge to work constructively with the administration in order to best deploy the increased Scottish Government resources which are being made available to help meet the challenge of maintaining teacher numbers."

Read more...

Council Backs Scottish Government Scheme for More Rented Housing Provision

Aberdeenshire Council has given its backing to setting up a National Housing Trust partnership in order to tackle the housing shortage in the North-east.

The National Housing Trust model is a Scottish Government scheme backed by the Scottish Futures Trust to deliver affordable housing at a mid-market rent working together with local developers.

Commenting, Shadow Leader of the Council and SNP Group Leader Cllr Hamish Vernal said:

“The Scottish Futures Trust was brought in by the SNP Government to replace the discredited PFI (Private Finance Initiative) scheme which was brought in by the Conservatives in the 1990s and continued by the Labour/Lib Dem Scottish Executive and succeeded mainly in delivering fat profits for the private sector at the expense of the taxpayer.

“This scheme allows the council access to new streams of funding which it wouldn’t normally be able to do in an effort to address the housing situation in the North-east and I very much welcome it.”

Shadow Chair of the Social Work & Housing Committee Cllr Anne Allan said:

“With around 11,000 people on the waiting list for a council house and the housing stock having been greatly reduced as a result of the right-to-buy legislation, a radical new approach is needed to tackling the problem of a lack of affordable housing in Aberdeenshire.

“Thanks to the SNP Government making funding available, we’ve seen the first new council houses built in Aberdeenshire for decades. While this is welcome, there is more to be done and I’m pleased that the Scottish Futures Trust as a taxpayer-friendly body is on board with this.”

Read more...

'YES Aberdeenshire' Welcomes Successful Inverurie Referendum Events

'Yes Aberdeenshire' - the local political umbrella group campaigning for a 'Yes' vote in September's Independence referendum - has welcomed the success of events which took place in Inverurie last week aimed at those who want to find out more about Independence.

There was a full house at the Kintore Arms Hotel last Thursday (10 April) for a public meeting, chaired by Inverurie & District Councillor Hamish Vernal and involving Iain Hudghton MEP, as well as European election candidates Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh and Stephen Gethins.

Earlier, Ms Ahmed-Sheikh had hosted a coffee afternoon in the Inverurie Locos lounge on behalf of the 'Women for Independence Aberdeenshire' campaign group.

Speaking afterwards, a spokesman for 'Yes Aberdeenshire' said that both events had exceeded their expectations.

"The idea of holding these events was to give voters, particularly those unsure which way to vote in September, an opportunity to hear what others think and to ask any questions which they might have about independence", he said. "We're very pleased not just with the turnout, but with the range of questions which members of the public came along to ask.

"The referendum will be won by the side which is best able to persuade people of the merits of their case. In the 'Yes' campaign, we think that people are far more likely to be persuaded by their friends, their family and by open, grassroots, word of mouth events like these than by the interventions of the supposed 'great and the good' so beloved by the 'No' campaign.

"The opinion polls are indicating that the momentum in this campaign is with the 'Yes' campaign. We look forward to holding many more such events between now and referendum day."

Read more...

SNP Councillors Back 'Consensus Budget' in Aberdeenshire

SNP councillors in Aberdeenshire have backed a ‘consensus’ budget for Aberdeenshire Council.

Councillors agreed a budget of £517 million for 2014/15 to support the delivery of frontline services. In previous years the opposition SNP budget and the Administration Group budget have shared a number of objectives in the public interest.

Shadow Leader of the Council Cllr Hamish Vernal said:

“Today we are breaking from tradition and I am accepting the clear invitation from the Council Leader to join with him in finding solutions for the challenges that lie ahead for the council.

“We have outlined a number of areas – such as Town Centre Regeneration, more affordable housing stock, and transport infrastructure – where the council’s Administration shares our desire to see progress on these issues. On these areas of common ground, we can work together for the common good of Aberdeenshire.

“The SNP look forward to influencing and participating fully in the budget discussions ahead of Aberdeenshire over the coming months. We believe that we have the experience and the vision to contribute to strategic choices about the Council’s future which are best for residents.”

Commenting on the Housing Revenue Account Budget, SNP Housing spokesperson Cllr Anne Allan said:

“The Scottish Government Grant for new build housing has, for the first time in over 30 years, meant new council housing built locally. The increase in grant levels to £43k per unit means that Aberdeenshire Council can directly contribute to meeting housing needs, including making better and more effective use of developer contributions, Second Homes Council Tax and better Affordable Housing Policy output.

“Further action by the Scottish Government, through the current Housing Bill, to finally end the Right to Buy, in 2017, will stop further erosion of much needed affordable housing which is a scarce and essential resource for any balanced and healthy community.”

Read more...

Council to Highlight Positive Policing to Parliamentary Committee

Aberdeenshire Council will make a submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Sub-Committee on Policing highlighting how police reform has impacted positively on local communities.

The request from parliament for views on newly-merged Police Scotland will also highlight areas which are giving cause for concern.

Shadow Leader of the Council Cllr Hamish Vernal felt the report given to councillors was not sufficiently positive in its approach and not giving an accurate picture of the reality of policing on the ground. He said:

“I agree with the Administration where it suggests that the Parliamentary Committee should scrutinise police performance in road safety education, crime prevention and effectiveness of the police force. Where I disagree is that there is no mention in this report of the many positive aspects to local policing which have happened since police reform.

“We need to present to Parliament a balanced view of local policing but also an accurate one and I am pleased that the SNP Group was able to build consensus with the Administration Group to amend the council’s submission to reflect that.”

SNP Deputy Group Leader Cllr Stephen Smith said:

“We know – because officers attending Community Council meetings have said so – that our local police now have more access to more resources than they did under Grampian Police. That is to be welcomed.

“Recent police initiatives such as that against violent crime, which saw serious assaults fall by 84% over the same period last year, and the success just this week in apprehending several individuals in connection with a recent spate of housebreakings in Peterhead demonstrate that the decision to put ‘bobbies before boundaries’ has been vindicated.

“42 extra officers were deployed in connection with the anti-violence initiative and the Buchan Area now has an increased staffing complement compared with the situation under Grampian Police.

“It is right that the council, when asked to comment, should flag up areas of concern – and there are bound to be concerns with any re-organisation. But we should also be highlighting what is going well and being done better, so that there is a greater awareness and understanding which we can build on.”

Read more...

Vernal Comments on Aberdeenshire Underspend

Commenting on today's meeting of Aberdeenshire Council, which considered a Revenue Budget Monitoring report and the council's Unaudited Statement of Accounts, SNP Shadow Council Leader Cllr Hamish Vernal said:

“I acknowledge the work which council officials have put into preparing these accounts. While the forecasting is much improved on last year, the hard fact is that for the second year running, over £25 million pounds of Aberdeenshire taxpayers' money has once again not been able to be spent as was intended.

“People will be asking why, when the Council has underspent by £51m on core services over the past two years, so many recent painful budget cuts have been thought necessary. The present political administration clearly has some way to go before it can say it has properly got to grips with Aberdeenshire's chronic underspends.”

Read more...

Vernal Comments on Hood Resignation

Speaking in response to Cllr Fergus Hood's decision to leave the Aberdeenshire Council SNP Group and to join the Liberal Democrats, SNP Shadow Council Leader Cllr Hamish Vernal said:

“I'd like to thank Cllr Hood for his service to the SNP Group.

“Cllr Hood, like the rest of the group, was upset about the SNP not being able to move into the administration of the Council last year despite having our best ever results and, by a long distance, having the most seats and the strongest mandate of any of the parties in Aberdeenshire.

“That would have been the correct democratic procedure. However for the rest of the 27 strong group we are entirely focused on the future and being able to lead the Council at the earliest opportunity, as well as making a constructive contribution for our constituents.

“While we're obviously disappointed by what is clearly a personal rather than a political decision, we will continue to work with Cllr Hood for the good of the people of Aberdeenshire and through the Yes Campaign in the lead up to the 2014 independence referendum."

The SNP remains the largest political grouping on Aberdeenshire Council, with 27 Councillors.

Read more...

SNP Disappointment as Aberdeenshire Councillors Refuse to Rule Out Bedroom Tax Evictions

Aberdeenshire SNP Shadow Council Leader Councillor Hamish Vernal has expressed his disappointment following the defeat of a cross party bid to lift the threat of eviction from families affected by the 'Bedroom Tax'.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Vernal and seconded by Democratic Independent Cllr Paul Johnston, which would have prevented tenants being evicted for rent arrears arising from the Bedroom Tax, was debated today (25 April) in Woodhill House at a full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council. However, Conservative, Lib Dem, Labour and Independent Group members united to vote against the move, which fell by 34 votes to 30.

Speaking following the vote, Cllr Vernal expressed his regret at the outcome, but praised the overall tone of the debate and the manner in which it was conducted:

“While we’re obviously disappointed that the motion didn’t pass, the debate was a positive one, helped by the fact it stayed focused on what Aberdeenshire Council can do to help those affected by the bedroom tax", he said.

“We recognise that Council officers are already doing much to try and lessen the impact of Westminster’s welfare reforms. However, by passing this proposal, we could have copper-bottomed the existing support on offer and given some of the most vulnerable in society an important extra safeguard."

Cllr Vernal continued:

“It’s unfortunate that it failed to pass by such a narrow margin, and that the threat of eviction still remains a possibility for those most affected by the Bedroom Tax. It’s particularly disappointing that the two Labour members decided not to support a policy in Aberdeenshire which is identical to the one which their party is implementing in Edinburgh City Council together with SNP coalition partners.

“Ultimately, local authorities can only do so much to stave off the worst effects of the Lib/Con welfare reforms coming from Westminster. The best way to get rid of the bedroom tax is for the Scottish Government to take control over tax and benefits through a ‘Yes’ vote in 2014.”

Read more...