Aberdeenshire Decides

BT is currently holding a consultation regarding the potential removal of 19 public phone boxes in Aberdeenshire .

We are encouraging individuals and local communities to take part in this consultation if they believe there is a valid reason to retain any of the phone boxes. This should be backed by evidence or examples that can be presented to BT for review before making a decision on removal. Find out more and how to leave your feedback here: Proposed Removal by BT of 19 Public Call Boxes in Aberdeenshire | Engage Aberdeenshire

Last month, we told you about an exercise in the Stonehaven area where communities could vote on designs for upgrading playparks. The voting has closed and details can be found here: We Asked, You Said, We Will | Engage Aberdeenshire. It's a great example of how communities have the final say on the playpark upgrades.

If you make use of playparks in Stonehaven or Laurencekirk, get involved and vote for new play equipment!

There are 4 designs to choose from, provided by different suppliers. Voting is open until 17 March and the supplier with the most votes will selected to begin upgrading the playparks. The funds for this project come solely from the Scottish Government Play Park Renewal Fund, allowing the community to decide how the funds are allocated.

Get involved here: K&M playpark upgrades | Engage Aberdeenshire

We have recently launched our Playpark survey for 2025

We would love to hear how you make use of your local playground, or any playpark across Aberdeenshire. This will help us when thinking about any changes and improvements to the playpark estate. If you don't use a playpark, please feel free to pass on the survey to anyone who might be interested. The survey is open until 15 March and can be found here: Playground Survey 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

If you live in Banff, Fraserburgh or Sandhaven, or know anyone who does, we are also looking for feedback on some potential food growing sites Details of that survey can be found here: Banff and Buchan Food Growing Sites | Engage Aberdeenshire

Last year, we asked for your views on equality and diversity across Aberdeenshire. We have listened to what people told us and developed a set of 'Equality Outcomes' for the next few years.

Our Equality Outcomes aim to eliminate discrimination and promote equal opportunities for people living in Aberdeenshire. They also detail how we plan to improve the life chances for residents, especially those with protected characteristics such as age or disability.

We would like to know if you agree with these outcomes, and any other comments you have. You can get involved by taking part in our survey here: Proposed Equality Outcomes for Aberdeenshire 2025-29 | Engage Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week took place between 4th and 10th November 2024 and we would love to hear your views if you visited any restaurants.

If you, or anyone you know took part, please take 10 minutes to complete our survey. As a thank you, you can choose to enter a free draw to win a £50 Aberdeenshire Loves Local Gift card!

You can take part here: Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week | Engage Aberdeenshire

Also, did you know you can find out how we use feedback from communities to help make decisions? Find out more here: We Asked, You Said, We Will | Engage Aberdeenshire

The Youth Music Initiative (YMI) is Scotland's commitment to put music at the heart of children and young people’s lives and learning.

We have a new dedicated space where young people can have their say. If you know a young person who is interested in music, or learning more, please ask them to take part here: Youth Music Initiative for Young People | Engage Aberdeenshire

This will really help to shape the Youth Music Initiative in Aberdeenshire!

Separately, we have had almost 4000 people take part in our budget survey. If you haven't yet, you can have your say here: Budget Engagement for 2025/26 | Engage Aberdeenshire

It's budget engagement time - we are asking people across Aberdeenshire what they think about proposed savings ideas to help shape the budget for 2025/26.

A new survey has been launched, asking people to prioritise services, give views on savings proposals and help explain what a rise in Council Tax might mean for you.

We would really appreciate your help by taking part in our survey.

You will find the survey here: Budget Engagement for 2025/26 | Engage Aberdeenshire

It would be really helpful if you could complete it by 15 November so we can provide an update to Councillors at their meeting towards the end of November.

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership is a part of Aberdeenshire Council and provides a wide range of care and support for people of all ages. For example, the partnership includes nurses and social workers. Over the coming weeks our teams will be out and about across Aberdeenshire to speak to people about how we continue to deliver health and social care services in the face of increasing need and smaller budgets. You can find a public session near you or take part in our survey by following this link: Health and Social Care in Aberdeenshire | Engage Aberdeenshire

Have you seen the photos we have received of Summer in Aberdeenshire? There are some beautiful photos from Banff marina in the North to Stonehaven bay in the South, and everything in between! You can like and comment on your favourite photos here: Summer in Aberdeenshire | Engage Aberdeenshire

There is still time to share your views about equality in Aberdeenshire. Have you faced any form of discrimination or prejudice, or know someone who has? Please let us know so we can work towards making Aberdeenshire a safe place for everyone to live .You can get involved by taking part in our short survey here: Views on Equalities in Aberdeenshire | Engage Aberdeenshire

Thank you to everyone who has sent in their photos of Summer in Aberdeenshire! We will shortly publish these and let you decide which is your favourite . To share your photo of Summer in Aberdeenshire, please see our earlier post which you can read here: Summer in Aberdeenshire | Aberdeenshire Decides | Engage Aberdeenshire

Have a nice weekend!

Now that it's September and summer is coming to an end, we'd love to see your photo's of summer in Aberdeenshire.

Do you have a favourite place to visit in the summer? Is it a beach, village or annual event? Or perhaps a walk up one of our many hills and mountains?

To share your photos of Summer in Aberdeenshire, please email them to us at engage@aberdeenshire.gov.uk. We will publish photos on this page and help you decide where to visit next in Aberdeenshire!

When submitting your photo, please let us know the location, the date it was taken, and if you’re happy for your name to be published. Any photo you submit must be your own and you must have permission from any people featured in your image. Please don’t put yourself at any risk while taking a photo and don’t enter private property without permission. Images may also be shared on Aberdeenshire Council’s website, social media channels, and other council platforms. Please see our privacy notice for more information: Summer in Aberdeenshire photography privacy notice | Aberdeenshire Decides | Engage Aberdeenshire

We look forward to seeing all of your summer photos.