What you told us - What we're doing

Share What you told us - What we're doing on Facebook Share What you told us - What we're doing on Twitter Share What you told us - What we're doing on Linkedin Email What you told us - What we're doing link

Thank you for taking part and sharing your thoughts!

On this page, you’ll find details about our past community engagement, how we have used your feedback, and what we’re planning next.

Thank you for taking part and sharing your thoughts!

On this page, you’ll find details about our past community engagement, how we have used your feedback, and what we’re planning next.

  • Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy

    Share Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy on Facebook Share Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy on Twitter Share Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy on Linkedin Email Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy link

    What you told us

    We were seeking views in respect of our proposed gambling policy for 2025 to 2028. The consultation on the policy was extremely wide with views sought from licence holders, community councils, relevant bodies, statutory partners and members of the public.

    No comments were received in respect of Parts A, B and C of the policy. The following general feedback was received:

    • “It is a good document and sets out clearly how the Board will implement the policies.”
    • “I think the draft is well written and uses language which is easy to absorb and understand. It also uses very few acronyms which helps immensely.”
    • “The short list of changes helps navigate the document.”


    In terms of the local area profile(s) which sit alongside the policy the following feedback was received:

    • “I think it describes the area in general terms well and could guide any researcher to specific areas for investigation and consideration in regard to any assessments needed to furnish an application.”
    • “Contains a useful summation of data despite not being overly wordy”.


    What we are doing

    Based on the feedback received, no fundamental changes were made to the policy as a result of the engagement exercise, thereafter, the proposed policy was considered and approved by the Aberdeenshire Licensing Board at their meeting on the 29th of October 2025.

    In line with the legislation, officers arranged for the relevant notice to be published in the Press and Journal on the 7th of November 2025, confirming that the Board intend to publish the approved policy on the 5th of December and that this would take effect from that date.

    Members of the public were informed through this notice and the others put up by officers within our offices and libraries of their entitlement to inspect the policy prior to its adoption.

    In line with the legislation and notice the policy was published and took effect on the 5th of December 2025.

    Although positive comments were received in respect of the local area profile that sits alongside the policy, we are continuing to work on this with a view to improving these further so that licence holders and communities are well informed when it comes to the licensing position within their area and Aberdeenshire more generally.

    As always the Board is happy to receive feedback in respect of its policies.

    You can view the original project here: Aberdeenshire Licensing Board's Gambling Policy | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • Place Standard Tool: Community Safety Survey

    Share Place Standard Tool: Community Safety Survey on Facebook Share Place Standard Tool: Community Safety Survey on Twitter Share Place Standard Tool: Community Safety Survey on Linkedin Email Place Standard Tool: Community Safety Survey link

    What you told us

    As part of a second phase of a Pilot Project conducted by Public Health Scotland and Scottish Community Safety Network, Aberdeenshire Council issued a survey focussing on community safety to be used in with the Place Standard Tool and its themes.

    The tool is a way of assessing places – whether the place is well-established, undergoing change, or is still being planned, the tool can help to identify the strengths of the place and where improvements may be needed.

    The survey was published alongside the Town Centre Health Check survey and respondents directed to complete the survey should they wish. The survey focussed on the towns which are part of the Town Centre Health Check this year: Banchory; Banff; Ellon; Fraserburgh; Huntly; Inverurie; Peterhead; Stonehaven; and Turriff. The survey was published online in September 2025 for a period of six weeks and received a total of 176 responses.

    The tool uses a 1 to 7 scoring system, where 1 means there is a lot of room for improvement and 7 means there is very little improvement needed. In the survey, respondents gave a wide range of ratings across all themes, reflecting differences in how safe they felt and how each theme influenced their sense of safety.

    What we’re doing

    The ultimate expectations of the Pilot Project from Public Health Scotland and the Scottish Community Safety Network side is to support and enable communities in identifying what works well in helping people feel safe, what requires improving and what solutions can potentially be implemented.

    The survey results will be shared within the published Town Centre Health Checks and help to inform future service delivery across the Council. The survey results will also be shared with relevant Council Services for action, where appropriate, and will be used to feed into all Council Plans regarding Place.

  • Town Centre Health Checks

    Share Town Centre Health Checks on Facebook Share Town Centre Health Checks on Twitter Share Town Centre Health Checks on Linkedin Email Town Centre Health Checks link

    What you told us

    As part of the Town Centre Health Checks, respondents were invited to rate and provide comments on several aspects of their town centres. The questions centered around the themes that are part of the Place Standard Tool framework.

    The surveys are conducted every two years and this year the Town Centre Health Checks were conducted for the following towns: Banchory; Banff; Ellon, Fraserburgh; Huntly; Inverurie; Peterhead; Stonehaven; and Turriff.

    The survey was published online in September 2025 for a period of six weeks and received a total of 644 responses. Across all town centres, the common themes which emerged from the surveys were:

    • Opportunities to enhance care and maintenance in the town centres;
    • Potential to improve parking affordability and availability;
    • Number of vacant units and seek more of variety of shops;
    • Improve visitor experience in the town centres and feeling of safety.


    What we’re doing

    The results from the survey will be incorporated into the published Storymap reports for each town centre and benchmarked against previous years’ surveys and will form part of the Town Centre Health Check annual review in 2026, and future years.

    The reports are anticipated to be published early 2026.

    The survey results will also be shared with relevant Council Services for action, where appropriate, and will be used to feed into various Council Plans regarding Place.

    You can view the original project here: Town Centre Health Checks | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community

    Share Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community on Facebook Share Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community on Twitter Share Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community on Linkedin Email Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community link

    What you told us

    We wanted to know where new sites should go, what kind of sites are needed (permanent, transit or stopover), and what should be on them - like chalets, toilets, showers or play areas

    This is to help shape the next Aberdeenshire Local Development Plan from 2029 to 2039. There will be other opportunities for Travellers and the wider community to get involved in the next stage of the consultation on the future Traveller site provision in Aberdeenshire in the Local Development Plan.

    You told us that there was no one single type of provision which would suit everyone. A mix of provision would be ideal. The preference for permanent Travellers' sites with static caravans/chalets and additional transit sites was about the same.

    • 58% of respondents said that a permanent Travellers Site would best meet the future needs for families and the preference is for larger pitches.
    • All respondents agreed that the current site provision in Aberdeenshire is not sufficient for needs of Travellers in general.
    • 63% of respondents responded that they would prefer sites out in the country while 21% would prefer to be closer to local facilities and amenities.
    • 68% of respondents told us that they were not aware of any land in Aberdeenshire which would be suitable for private or council development for site provision.
    • 89% of respondents told us that pitches/stances must be able to accommodate more than one caravan and still adhere to Fire Safety Regulations.


    You provided a variety of energy efficiency/net zero measures you would like to see on a site, such as solar panels, air source heating, cheaper electric. You would also like to see individual amenity blocks on each pitch, play areas and a common room on sites. You also asked for improved facilities on transit sites.

    There was a preference for restricted CCTV, lockable barriers, security lighting.

    79% of respondents would want to be responsible for their own utilities and Wi-Fi suppliers.

    When asked which one action Aberdeenshire Council could take to improve the accommodation for Travellers in the area, reposes varied from:

    • Building more permanent, residential sites with chalet provision which could accommodate statics.
    • Transit sites located throughout Aberdeenshire to allow Travellers more opportunity and option to move around to different parts of the area.
    • Provide smaller sites which Travellers could rent back from the council.
    • Larger houses as an option for Travellers


    Other comments included:

    • Disappointment was expressed that no new sites have been provided.
    • Travellers prefer to live on sites but there are not enough available, either permanent or transit, to accommodate Travellers.
    • Travellers experience discrimination when living in houses.
    • It would be helpful if the Council could provide smaller private sites.


    What we’re doing

    We have analysed the feedback, and have fed this into the ‘Call for Sites’ in the Local Development Plan for 2029 to 2039, to look at opportunities for identifying suitable locations for future Traveller Sites. We will also feed the information into the ‘Call for Ideas’, the consultation for which closes at the end of the year.

    We are in constant discussion with colleagues who monitor the Asset Disposal Register which identifies land and buildings which are no longer required by Aberdeenshire Council, to look for possible new sites.

    We also work with the Planning Service to maximise opportunities for potential new sites in Aberdeenshire.

    Conclusion

    We concluded that no size fits all and that we will continue to engage and consult with members of the Travelling community to examine opportunities for future sites in Aberdeenshire.

    You can view the original project here: Planning for Future Traveller Sites in Aberdeenshire: Survey for the Gypsy/Traveller community. | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • Draft Adult Carer Strategy

    Share Draft Adult Carer Strategy on Facebook Share Draft Adult Carer Strategy on Twitter Share Draft Adult Carer Strategy on Linkedin Email Draft Adult Carer Strategy link

    What you told us

    Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership (AHSCP) consulted on its updated Draft Adult Carer Strategy, which was first published in 2018. The updated draft Adult Carer Strategy aims to set out objectives for supporting adult carers in Aberdeenshire over the next five years.

    We invited feedback on the Strategy, including priorities and actions identified from engagement with adult carers and people supporting adult carers in 2024. We conducted an online survey on Engage Aberdeenshire, with paper copies available on request from Aberdeenshire Council Libraries and Service Points. Surveys were shared widely via social media, the Aberdeenshire Carer Support Service (VSA) and our network of other services supporting adult carers within AHSCP and local communities. The consultation survey was open from 8th July to 1st September 2025, and asked adult carers and those supporting them for their views on the following:

    • How clear the draft strategy explained issues carers may face, with the option to add additional comments
    • Were the right priorities being committed to in the strategy, with suggested Priorities of: Carer Identification; Carer Support; Carer Involvement in Hospital Discharge; Carer Breaks; Valuing and Respecting Carers. Each priority question gave the option to add additional comments
    • Any other comments on the draft Aberdeenshire Adult Carer Strategy


    Who responded

    A total 144 survey responses were received, 123 of which were from adult carers or former carers. Responses were also received from Health & Social Care Teams (8), Professionals (7), Organisations (2), Groups (1) and Others (8). A small number of respondents (5) gave multiple answers, for example unpaid carer and professional. Responses were received from across north, central and south Aberdeenshire, 79% of responses were female carers and the majority of carers were aged between 45 and 64 (57%).

    How clear the draft strategy explained issues carers may face

    The majority of respondents indicated the draft strategy was either somewhat clear (45%) or very clear (27%) in explaining the issues carers may face, followed by neutral (15%), not clear (8%) and very unclear (5%). 68 additional comments were provided and included the following themes:

    • A wide range of carer experiences, including mental, physical and financial challenges such as having to give up employment to provide care
    • Concerns around limited resources, reductions in services and budgets, and limited access to breaks and respite
    • Readability of the strategy: some found it clear and comprehensive, and appreciated both the full and summary versions; others described it as lengthy, repetitive, overly professional in tone and lacking clarity on targets and timescales
    • Additional challenges for minority ethnic carers and carers supporting individuals with severe mental health needs

    “I think the strain and burden that carers face is recognised within the strategy but the challenges that carers face cannot be underestimated.”

    “It's all very well reporting on the issues we face but what we want is action not words.”


    Are we committing to the right priorities for adult carers in Aberdeenshire?

    Priority 1 - Carer Identification

    43% of respondents agreed the right actions were being taken to identify carers. 34% were not sure and 23% did not agree. 69 additional comments were provided and included the following themes:

    • The need for more training for professionals to help them identify and support carers with a focus on GPs, health staff and social care workers
    • Improve carer identification in the community and awareness of support available, with posters in GP surgeries, community notice boards and public places
    • Some carers do not recognise themselves as carers, particularly older spouses. Some only realise their caring role after prompted by peers who signpost them to support
    • Barriers to identification include digital exclusion, particularly among older generations, and cultural factors affecting recognition
    • Reduce the stigma of identifying as a carer
    • Acknowledge a broader range of caring roles

    “Not enough information out in the public domain.”

    “The difficulty is that carers don’t always recognise the role that they are in so don’t identify themselves as a carer. Perhaps this role needs to be spoken about more by health professionals”


    Priority 2 - Carer Support

    42% of respondents agreed the right actions were being taken to continuously develop carer support services available to carers. However, 30% did not agree and 28% were not sure. 73 additional comments were provided and included the following themes:

    • The need for increased peer or community support
    • Improve awareness of support and availability of information
    • Funding and budget concerns, limited access to respite and breaks for carers
    • Carer Support Service received positive feedback although some concerns were raised around waiting times and communications
    • Improve access to training to support carers in their caring role
    • Improve emotional and mental health support
    • Practical barriers such as location, transport and digital exclusion
    • Establish a Carers Forum, link with those with Lived Experience

    “I do feel that a lot of the time I am missed. I am not a young carer or care for an older person. There seems more visible activities available for those group”

    “Peer support is a lifeline, offering the opportunity to meet with others facing similar experiences and as such, there must be opportunities available at different times of day to suit individual needs.”

    “Great support & understanding from carer advisor has made an amazing difference in our family life.”


    Priority 3 - Carer Involvement In Hospital Discharge

    44% of respondents were not sure if the right actions were being taken to support carers to be involved in hospital discharge of the cared for person, whilst 38% agreed and 18% did not agree. 53 additional comments were provided and included the following themes:

    • Lack of carer involvement in discharge planning, despite legal right to do so, highlighting a need for better communication and promotion
    • Earlier identification required of the carer in the hospital journey
    • Recognise carers as equal partners in care, with their valuable knowledge of the cared-for person’s needs
    • Carers input sometimes overlooked or felt undervalued, with hospital staff not fully engaged in involving the carer in a timely meaningful way
    • Poor communication around discharge
    • Limited support after discharge
    • Positive experiences from a small number of carers, where hospital staff involved them in discharge planning and some professionals shared good practice examples, including prompt referral to the Carer Support Service

    “It is always important to involve carers here as they know the cared for person best.”

    “Respectful communication and legal inclusion under the Carers Act are essential to improving outcomes and reducing stress “


    Priority 4 - Carer Breaks

    43% respondents agreed the right actions were being taken to support carers to access breaks, however 34% disagreed and 23% were not sure. 86 additional comments were provided and included the following themes:

    • Lack of respite services, being either unavailable, reduced, or difficult to access. Comments included closed respite centres, long waiting lists and limited options for cared-for individuals with complex needs
    • Funding and financial concerns or insufficient funding for breaks, reduced budgets and financial barriers to access breaks
    • Feeling unsupported, with some carers having never received help to access breaks or unsure where to seek assistance
    • Improve awareness of available breaks
    • Additional challenges for rural carers and those without access to transport
    • Emotional barriers, with some carers expressing guilt taking breaks or the emotional stress making it difficult to step away from caring
    • Positive feedback, a smaller number of responses highlighted helpful support from organisations or individuals, as well as Self-directed Support (SDS) for the carer

    “Respite has been taken away. No help whatsoever unless you know who to ask and where to go for help.”

    “No idea there was any help available.”

    “I feel guilty if I go away and not sure how to deal with this feeling.”


    Priority 5 - Valuing and Recognising Carers

    39% of respondents agreed the right actions are being taken to ensure carers feel valued and recognised, closely followed by 35% who disagreed and 26% who were unsure. 73 additional comments were provided and included the following themes:

    • Carers felt unseen, undervalued and unrecognised in their caring role
    • Actions are required not just words, to show carers they are valued. Involve carers in planning and decision-making, as well as opportunities to provide regular feedback
    • Improve communications and information for carers
    • Improve carer recognition in health and social care services, employers and wider public
    • Positive experiences by a smaller number of carers, particularly when support is personalised and responsive to their needs

    “Forums were great for helping carers feel heard & valued.”

    “We are unseen and unvalued.”

    “Carer Advisor (VSA) came out & she could not have been nicer or more helpful.”


    Involved in Planning and Shaping Carer Support

    37% of respondents agreed the right actions are being taken to support carers to be involved in planning and shaping carer support across Aberdeenshire. However, 35% were not sure and 28% did not agree. 58 additional comments were provided and included the following themes:

    • Carers felt excluded from planning and decision-making
    • Genuinely involve carers, some felt only consulted for feedback after decisions already made
    • Establish a regular carer focus group, link with people with lived experience
    • Improve inclusion in planning and shaping services, such as older carers, rural carers, minority ethnic carers and carers of adults with complex needs
    • Improve communications to carers

    “Carers need to be involved in planning and shaping support in Aberdeenshire.”

    “Ensuring rural communities are aware of your services is important. There is a lack of care provision in rural areas so unpaid carers often through no choice have a bigger role to keep loved ones at home. Once identified, focus groups could be set up in local community areas or surgeries to gain views and help share the support they need.”


    Other comments on the draft strategy

    46 additional comments were provided regarding the draft Aberdeenshire Carer Strategy and included the following themes:

    • Lack of practical support, limited respite and breaks, concerns around funding and reduced services
    • Carer Wellbeing, some carers felt exhausted, overwhelmed and at breaking point
    • Strategy requires clear actions for delivery
    • Greater focus on equalities for carers with protected characteristics

    “Carers play a vital role and deserve as much support as is possible as many do not speak up as they are overwhelmed so they would need encouragement and time to come forward”

    “The Strategy is good - it's the actions on how it's achieved that matter.”


    What we're doing

    Consultation on the draft Aberdeenshire Adult Carer Strategy provided a wealth of carer experiences. While we may not be able to implement every suggestion due to financial or practical constraints, we want to acknowledge and thank you for raising these important points, which have been carefully considered as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting carers. Feedback is being used to develop the final version of the Strategy and Delivery Plan, which will go to the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) in January 2026. Following IJB approval, the final Strategy will be launched and made available on Local carer strategies - Aberdeenshire Council and shared widely with our networks.

    You can view the original consultation here: Adult Carers | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Planning

    Share Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Planning on Facebook Share Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Planning on Twitter Share Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Planning on Linkedin Email Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Planning link

    What you told us

    As part of the Aberdeenshire Council Place Strategy, we are working with you to create Place Plans for each academy town and the surrounding area. Stonehaven is the first of these for Kincardine and Mearns focusing on the Mackie Academy school catchment area.

    The Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Plan Survey was open from the start of June to the middle of September 2025 and we received over 150 responses from across the catchment area. We also held in-person engagement events in our communities to engage with groups who may be less likely or able to access the online survey.

    Through our recent engagement activities, you have shared what’s important to help you live well in this area. The feedback highlighted both strengths and concerns which we have grouped into main themes. These can be found in Mackie Academy Catchment Place Analysis: Documents | Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Planning | Engage Aberdeenshire

    What we’re doing

    We will examine each of the emerging themes in detail and ask you if we are missing anything. This will involve local groups, the existing community plans, and individuals, ensuring that the Place Plan for the Mackie Academy catchment area is shaped by the community’s views and needs. We’ll continue to work closely with our partners in the NHS, Fire Service, Police Scotland, and community groups. If you’d like to be involved in the next stages, please contact us using the email address under ‘Who’s listening’ on the project page linked below. Thank you to everyone who has already expressed an interest.

    Once the Place Plan is ready it will be shared with the Community and on the Council website.

    You can view the original project here: Mackie Academy Catchment (Stonehaven area) Place Planning | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • Tattie Holiday Fun 2025

    Share Tattie Holiday Fun 2025 on Facebook Share Tattie Holiday Fun 2025 on Twitter Share Tattie Holiday Fun 2025 on Linkedin Email Tattie Holiday Fun 2025 link

    What you told us

    Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) wanted to understand your experiences and gather your thoughts on our Tattie Holiday Fun programme.

    We asked you to share:

    • Whether you and/or your family live or stayed on holiday in or outside Aberdeenshire.
    • The age range of participants/potential participants.
    • How you first found out about our Tattie Holiday Fun 2025 programme.
    • What types of sessions you and/or your family- attended or wanted to attend.
    • What impact the sessions had on you/your family.
    • Suggestions for future improvements.


    Participation

    We received a strong indication that attendees would be local residents, with families travelling across Aberdeenshire to enjoy a wide range of activities. Participation by age group included:

    • 34 participants aged P1–P3
    • 25 participants aged P4–P7
    • 12 participants aged Pre-School
    • 10 participants aged S1 and above


    Marketing and Promotion

    You told us that our communication channels are working well. The Live Life Aberdeenshire App and Social Media were the most effective platforms for reaching you.

    Future Programmes

    71.6% of respondents were satisfied with the programme content and expressed interest in attending future holiday activities. Many praised the 3 to 4 hour session format and variety of activities. A smaller number suggested that there were limited options for preschool and older children, with sessions booking out quickly. Some respondents suggested that there was a lack of activities in certain areas (e.g. Stonehaven, Portlethen) and they would suggest adding more variety or repeating popular sessions, particularly for ASN.

    What we're doing

    Based on your feedback, we will endeavour to:

    • Continue offering longer sessions and popular activities like multi-sports, biking, skiing, and culture sessions.
    • Expand the number of sessions in high-demand areas such as Fraserburgh and Stonehaven.
    • Increase the number and variety of ASN-friendly sessions, including swimming, archery, and cycling.
    • Explore new activity ideas that are more inclusive for all age groups.


    Conclusion

    The ‘Tattie Holiday Fun’ programme was clearly valued by families, with many reporting positive impacts such as increased confidence, enjoyment, and skill development. However, demand was outstripping supply in several areas, and accessibility remains a challenge for some families. By addressing these gaps and building on what works well, we can ensure future holiday programmes are even more inclusive, engaging, and accessible for all.

    Thank you for helping shape the future of our holiday programmes.

    You can view the original project here: Tattie Holiday Fun 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • Live Life Aberdeenshire, Huntly Community Engagement

    Share Live Life Aberdeenshire, Huntly Community Engagement on Facebook Share Live Life Aberdeenshire, Huntly Community Engagement on Twitter Share Live Life Aberdeenshire, Huntly Community Engagement on Linkedin Email Live Life Aberdeenshire, Huntly Community Engagement link

    What you told us

    As part of our ongoing commitment to support place planning in Huntly, Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) undertook a consultation to review how its venues in the town are operating. The aim was to help shape the place-based vision for the LLA service, ensure appropriate use of our buildings, and identify opportunities for facility and programme development.

    The consultation also sought to clarify LLA’s role within the context of the Huntly Campus Place Plan, ensuring that any recommendations for future LLA provision in Huntly complement the work already being carried out by the community.

    A simple survey was made available to individuals and community groups between 23rd July and 18th August 2025. This was followed by three in-person engagement sessions held at the Linden Centre in late August 2025. The survey was promoted online through LLA’s social media platforms and via app notifications sent to over 6000 customers who had been active on the Huntly app site over the previous six months. Hard copy surveys were also advertised and made available at LLA venues in the Huntly area throughout the consultation period.

    We received 260 participant responses to the online survey, with 91% of respondents doing so as individuals and 9% associated with a group or organisation. Three in-person sessions took place at the Linden Centre, with representation from many different stakeholders.

    Responder usage

    Membership:

    • 148 respondents held a library membership

    • 121 held a gym/pool/group exercise membership

    • 43 had no membership

    Frequency of Use:

    • Weekly: 69.3%

    • Monthly: 18.9%

    • Occasionally: 11.9%

    Most Used Venues:

    • Huntly Swimming Pool (182)

    • Huntly Library (149)

    • Stewarts Hall (106)

    • Nordic Ski Centre (83)

    • Linden Centre (79)

    Facility Satisfaction

    Most Satisfied:

    • Huntly Swimming Pool: 91 satisfied, 55 very satisfied

    • Nordic Ski Centre: 44 satisfied, 40 very satisfied

    • Stewarts Hall: 72 satisfied, 26 very satisfied

    Least Satisfied:

    • Linden Centre and Huntly Library had higher neutral and dissatisfied responses

    Key themes (online survey and in-person):

    Lack of Awareness

    A significant number of respondents (122) cited a lack of awareness about available services and activities as a barrier to using LLA venues. This concern was echoed during the in-person sessions, where participants suggested the need for improved communication and marketing to better inform the community. Recommendations included opening times listed on buildings to more effective use of local community social media pages.

    Facility Access

    Sixty-seven respondents identified opening hours as a barrier. During the in-person discussions, the rationale behind changes to facility opening hours and operating standards - implemented to ensure service sustainability - was explained. Participants expressed interest in exploring extended or more flexible access options to improve usage and accessibility. Suggestions included re-evaluating how the swimming pool and gym could better meet the needs of residents who wish to use the facilities early in the morning or after work.

    Feedback on access also covered the costs and processes involved in hiring buildings. Friends of the Stewarts Hall expressed concern that pricing was discouraging groups from hiring the venue. There was discussion around the use of promotional pricing to encourage bookings - better some usage than none. Participants also discussed recent changes to booking procedures and the need to make the hiring process less bureaucratic and more user-friendly.

    Accessibility

    Accessibility was identified as a barrier by only 9 survey respondents. However, feedback from the in-person sessions highlighted specific issues, particularly the lack of lift provision in Huntly buildings. This was noted as a concern at both the Brander Building and the Linden Centre where many of the users are young children with buggies or older adults, in a town with an ageing population.

    Underutilised Venues

    There was strong community interest in revitalising local spaces. Participants agreed that the buildings themselves contribute to the town’s pride, and that it is important they are maintained and not left empty - regardless of their specific use.

    The Linden Centre, Huntly Library, and Stewarts Hall were most frequently identified in the survey as venues that could benefit from redesign or programming review. In-person discussions recalled the Linden Centre’s former role as a community hub, which included a café and drop-in access.

    Integrated Services

    A significant majority (67.5%) supported the integration of different services or activities within the same building. This reflects strong community support for co-located or shared-use facilities, which could improve both efficiency and accessibility.

    Examples from other areas were discussed, demonstrating how co-location has increased service opening hours, availability and increased usage.

    Facility Condition and Toilet Access

    Concerns were raised regarding the condition and usage of facilities such as the Cooper Park and Market Muir pavilions. Feedback focused on the need for public toilet access, particularly around Cooper Park, to support families using play equipment and visiting tourists. As LLA does not operate public toilet facilities, the service confirmed it would declare these buildings surplus to its requirements and return them to the Council’s Estates Team. Discussions at the in-person sessions also outlined the financial limitations of the capital budget, highlighting the need to prioritise spending on essential infrastructure.

    Heritage

    A recurring theme was the desire for a dedicated heritage space to support tourism and celebrate local history. LLA remains committed to supporting the Museum of Aberdeenshire and welcomes any community-led initiatives to explore heritage provision in Huntly.

    Other developments

    The provision of soft play was highlighted as a potential market, as families in Huntly currently need to travel elsewhere to access such facilities.

    Suggestions were also made to expand the tarmac area at the Nordic Centre to further support the development of activities taking place at this unique facility.

    What we are doing

    Post-Consultation Update

    Following the consultation, a feedback meeting was held with the Huntly Town Team in October to share the general findings and outline the next steps.

    Estate Planning

    Live Life Aberdeenshire has updated its estate plan and confirmed that the Cooper Park Pavilion and Market Muir Pavilion will be declared surplus to LLA’s facility portfolio. The intention is now to encourage community groups to propose new uses for these buildings.

    Facility Investment Potential

    LLA is working with the Council’s architectural team to explore options for investing modestly the Linden Centre, to create into a more inclusive community hub.

    This process will include a mapping exercise to review the current use of the LLA buildings in the town and identify the potential use of available space.

    There is also potential for a district heating power system at the Linden Centre. LLA will facilitate a discussion with property service and the community at the nearest opportunity.

    Stakeholder Engagement

    Direct engagement is now underway with stakeholders, including community groups and service providers at LLA facilities, to discuss the service intentions and help them and understand their own future planning.

    Hires & Charges

    We will continue to gather customer feedback on how the new hire process is bedding in and will maintain benchmarking of facility charges to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

    You can view the original project here: Live Life Aberdeenshire, Huntly Community Engagement | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • Draft Housing Land Audit 2025

    Share Draft Housing Land Audit 2025 on Facebook Share Draft Housing Land Audit 2025 on Twitter Share Draft Housing Land Audit 2025 on Linkedin Email Draft Housing Land Audit 2025 link

    What you told us

    The Draft Housing Land Audit 2025 was published for consultation in July 2025 for a period of six weeks. This is an annual consultation to engage with stakeholders to update the status of all sites available for housebuilding across Aberdeenshire.

    Responses to the consultation were received from a range of developers, agents and key agencies. This included comments on around 75 individual sites within the audit, covering issues such as expected programming, possible constraints, and queries relating to infrastructure provision, ownership and marketability. In addition, there were general issues raised relating to new Housing Land Audit Guidance from the Scottish Government and the presentation of data within the audit, together with the ‘Call for Sites and Ideas’ process for the next Local Development Plan.

    We we’re doing

    Amendments were made to sites across the area in response to comments received and a meeting was held with stakeholders in September 2025 to discuss outstanding issues. The final Housing Land Audit 2025 report will be published towards the end of 2025 on our website Housing market statistics - Aberdeenshire Council.

    You can view the original project here: Draft Housing Land Audit 2025 | Engage Aberdeenshire

  • The Old Council Garages, Alford

    Share The Old Council Garages, Alford on Facebook Share The Old Council Garages, Alford on Twitter Share The Old Council Garages, Alford on Linkedin Email The Old Council Garages, Alford link

    What you told us

    Alford and District Men’s Shed (ADMS) made and Asset transfer request for the former council garages on Murray Terrace, Alford. The group will use it as a community storage facility to open up space in the main men’s shed venue for wider project use and activity

    We received no representations in relation to the proposal. All of the documents relating to the Asset Transfer request can be viewed on the Council’s website by clicking on the following link: Publications - Aberdeenshire Council

    What we're doing

    The Asset Transfer Request was considered by the Marr Area Committee on 2 July 2024 and was agreed. The Council will transfer title of the council garages to ADMS. You can read more about the request here: The Old Council Garages, Alford | Engage Aberdeenshire

Page last updated: 22 Dec 2025, 04:02 PM