What you told us - What we're doing

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. Portlethen is the second of these for Kincardine and Mearns focussing on the Portlethen Academy school catchment area.

The Portlethen Area Place Planning Survey was open from the start of March to the end of May 2026, and we received over 240 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. Pupils at Portlethen Academy and two Portlethen primary schools provided valuable insight into what matters to them about where they live.

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 Portlethen & District Partnership Place Plan: Place Plan at a Glance | Portlethen and District Partnership Place Plan | 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 Partnership Place Plan for the Portlethen 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: Portlethen and District Partnership Place Plan | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council is exploring a new walking and cycling path between Kennethmont and Ardmore, including a connection near Kennethmont School, to provide the local community with options for active travel. We asked for opinions from local families and residents about whether this could be helpful for everyday journeys, getting to school, or enjoying time outdoors safely.

Summary of the key findings

• 54 people responded to the survey
• 85.2% of respondents stated that the car is one of their main modes of transport
• 61.1% of people responded that if a route were provided here, they would travel more actively, other respondents were unsure (16.7%)
• 46.3% responded they would use the route at least 2-3 times a week, mostly by walking (68.5%) instead of cycling or other wheeling modes
• When asked what the main barriers people felt existed to active travel, 74.1% of responded stated the lack of safe routes was the reason. Weather, and lack of time were also stated as reasons
• 70.4% of people stated they felt investment into active travel links will help limit the impacts of climate change
• 81.5% of people agreed a link between Kennethmont and Ardmore would improve health
• 75.9% stated such a path would be appealing to use and 87% stated that a 3m width path would suit their needs. 53.7% agreed a drybound path finish was suitable, 35.2% supported a fully bound / overlain path, 11.1% were unsure
• 53.7% of people felt the proposed crossing was in a suitable place, with others (20.4%) stated it wasn’t or (25.9%) stating they were not sure.

What we're doing

The results from this survey will be taken into consideration within the proposed design for this route. The proposed crossing location is supported by Council safety policies and standards. The path finish will depend upon further maintenance discussions.

A traffic regulation order has been sent through committee to request a speed reduction for a small section of road west of Ardmore Cottages. This would allow the path to tie into the pavement along Ardmore Cottages. If this is successful, design and landownership discussions will continue to progress the path project.

What you told us

As part of the naming process, staff, families, pupils and the wider community were invited to vote on the proposed names for the new Early Learning and Childcare setting at the St Andrew’s School site in Fraserburgh.

The consultation generated strong engagement, with the 5 most popular names going to the Banff & Buchan Area Committee this morning for the final decision, with Fraserburgh Central ELC @ St Andrews receiving the highest level of support.

What we're doing

With the name now formally approved, it will be reflected in future communications, admissions information, signage and promotional materials as preparations continue for the opening of the new setting. The name recognises both the setting's central location within Fraserburgh and its close connection to the St Andrews campus and wider school community.

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership carried out a period of engagement on a proposal to move the Vaccination Clinic in Duff Street, Macduff to Chalmers Hospital in Banff. The reason for the proposal is that the building in Macduff is not in a suitable condition to deliver healthcare services long-term and would require substantial capital investment, but we do not have funding available for these works especially as there is a suitable alternative available at Chalmers Community Hospital. The proposed move allows us to ensure that the service can continue in a safe, efficient and sustainable way. A short survey was issued on the Engage Aberdeenshire website running from 13th May to 3rd June 2026. This was actively promoted across social media channels and including Community Councils and Elected Members to enable as wide a representation from across the communities affected to give their views on the proposed move.”

A total of 198 responses were received with residents covering a range of communities. The survey findings show that views were mixed. A significant proportion of respondents reported no impact, but a material minority identified that the proposal would have a substantial effect on them and/or their family. This is important context, as it indicates that while the proposal may be manageable for many service users, there are specific groups for whom the change could create additional barriers.

The most frequently raised issues related to parking and access at Chalmers Hospital, followed by concerns regarding increased travel time, transport difficulty and additional cost. Respondents also highlighted the potential for disproportionate impacts on older people, disabled people and carers, as well as concern about the loss of local access in Macduff. At the same time, some respondents recognised the benefits of providing the service from a single, more sustainable site. These findings have informed the Integrated Impact Assessments and the identification of mitigations to reduce negative impacts where possible.

What we’re doing

The Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership has considered the impacts and concerns raised through engagement. In particular, concerns regarding parking, additional travel time and transport issues will require clear communication to service users in advance of appointments, including information on transport options and local access arrangements. This information will be contained within the appointment letter. Patients will continue to have the option to reschedule appointments to a more suitable time or venue where this is clinically and operationally appropriate. The impact on groups where some people may be more likely to experience difficulty in accessing the relocated service, including older people, disabled people and carers, will continue to be monitored as part of implementation and ongoing service review. The move of the vaccination clinic from Macduff to Banff was agreed by the Integration Joint Board on 1st July 2026. Work is underway with the involvement of all local teams to ensure a smooth service transition which is scheduled for early Autumn.

What you told us

A total of 1,710 survey responses were received.

Overall, 1,194 respondents (70%) agreed that their home address is zoned to the appropriate secondary school. Common reasons included proximity to the school, established transport arrangements, community connections and continuity from the associated primary school.

The remaining 516 respondents (30%) felt that a different secondary school would be more suitable. The main reasons given were that another school was closer, easier to access, better reflected local community ties, or was within the same local authority area as their home address and primary school. Respondents also raised concerns about longer, less reliable travel routes and limited transport options.

Among respondents who disagreed with the current secondary school catchments, the highest proportion was families and residents from primary schools in the Inverurie Cluster, where 115 respondents (64%) felt their address should be in a different secondary school catchment area. The vast majority of these respondents are currently zoned to Dyce Academy, within Aberdeen City Council. This was followed by families and residents from primary schools in the Ellon Cluster, where 121 respondents (54%) expressed disagreement with the current secondary school zones. The vast majority of these respondents are currently zoned to Bridge of Don Academy, within Aberdeen City Council. In the Portlethen Cluster, 66 respondents (51%) disagreed with the current secondary school zones, with all indicating that their address should instead be zoned to Mackie Academy. In the Stonehaven Cluster, 50 respondents (40%) disagreed with the current catchment arrangements, with more than half indicating that their address should be zoned to Cults Academy. Together, these four clusters accounted for 352 of the 516 responses (68%), showing that concerns about the current secondary school catchments are concentrated in these areas.

When asked which factors were most important in choosing a secondary school, respondents most frequently selected educational provision and subject choice (650), followed by transition from the associated primary school (330). Other factors included the zoned secondary school (160), travel time and transport links (140), proximity to the school (139) and transport entitlement (122). Existing family or sibling attendance and community ties were selected less frequently.

What we are doing

This review forms part of the Learning Estates Strategy, which aims to support a sustainable school estate.

Reviews of several school clusters have identified inconsistencies between primary and secondary school catchment areas, as well as across the boundary between Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council. Any proposals to address these issues will be developed and considered in accordance with the Schools (Consultation) (Scotland) Act 2010.

The feedback received through this survey will help inform the ongoing review of school catchment areas and the development of any future proposals.

What you told us

The Banff and Buchan Local Community Planning Group is developing a Place Plan for Banff, Macduff and the surrounding area. To help shape the plan, local residents, community groups, businesses and partner organisations were invited to share their views through surveys, workshops, drop-in events and other engagement activities.

More than 2,500 comments and ratings were gathered from people living, working and visiting the area. The feedback highlighted many things people value about the area, alongside concerns about the challenges facing local communities.

What people value

Residents told us they value:

• The area's strong community spirit and local pride
• Beaches, parks, green spaces and the wider natural environment
• Community facilities such as libraries, local hubs and community projects
• The area's heritage, identity and sense of place
• Local services and amenities that help people connect and support wellbeing.

What could be improved

Common themes raised during the engagement included:

• Public transport and connections between communities
• Roads, paths, active travel routes and getting around safely
• The condition and maintenance of public spaces, buildings and infrastructure
• Supporting local businesses, employment opportunities and vibrant town centres
• Access to services, activities and opportunities for people of all ages
• Making it easier for people to influence decisions and see how feedback leads to action

Residents also highlighted the importance of ensuring communities remain attractive, well-maintained and welcoming places to live, work and visit.

What we're doing

The feedback has been combined with local data, evidence from partner organisations and existing community plans to help identify priorities for the emerging Place Plan.

Based on what we've heard so far, work is focusing on four broad themes:

Movement and Connectivity

Exploring opportunities to improve transport connections, active travel routes and accessibility so people can move around the area safely and easily.

Town Centre Regeneration, Tourism and Business Growth

Looking at ways to support local businesses, improve town centres, encourage investment and build on the area's heritage and tourism assets.

Wellbeing, Services and Activities

Considering how access to services, community facilities and opportunities can be strengthened to support healthier and more connected communities.

Community Voice and Empowerment

Identifying ways to strengthen community involvement in local decision-making and improve communication between communities, organisations and public services.

The next stage of work will involve further discussions with community representatives, local organisations and public sector partners to help develop actions and priorities under each theme. Once this work has been completed, a draft Place Plan will be produced and shared with the community.

Please note: The Banff, Macduff and District Place Plan is still being developed. This update provides an overview of the main messages we heard during engagement. More detailed feedback and information on proposed actions will be shared as work on the plan develops.

What you told us

The charity New Pitsligo Village Projects SCIO submitted an Asset Transfer request to take ownership of New Pitsligo Public Toilets and the surrounding land. The proposal was to refurbish the building and to reopen some of the toilets for public use, under community management. The green space around the block was also to be managed and maintained by the community.

We received one representation, submitted through Engage Aberdeenshire, which was supportive of the request to transfer ownership of the asset. There were no other public representations made.

All of the documents relating to the Asset Transfer request can be viewed on the Council’s website by following this link:

What we're doing

The Asset Transfer request was considered by the Buchan Area Committee on 16th September 2025 and it was unanimously agreed that the proposal should be supported.

This means ownership of the property can be transferred to New Pitsligo Village Projects SCIO. This process is underway.

What you told us

1. Overall experience was positive

• Most families had a positive experience and would attend again.
• Children had fun, became more active, built confidence and tried new experiences.

What we're doing

• Continue delivering varied programmes focused on fun, activity, confidence and new experiences.
• Build on successful activities and maintain high-quality delivery across all services.

2. Demand is high – but availability is limited

• Sessions filled quickly and some families could not access suitable activities.
• Families requested more sessions, locations, and timing options.

What we're doing

• Increase session numbers and capacity where possible.
• Expand provision in high-demand areas and spread activities across the holiday period.

3. More local and inclusive provision needed

• Feedback highlighted gaps in local provision and demand for additional ASN opportunities.

What we're doing

• Expand ASN and disability provision through specialist hubs and inclusive programming.
• Improve staff training and collaborative delivery across services.

4. Need more choice and age-appropriate activities

• Requests for more teenage activities, younger children's opportunities, creative, digital, and outdoor experiences.

What we're doing

• Develop more activities for teenagers and broaden programme choices.
• Review age groupings and strengthen partnership delivery.

5. Cost and value for money concerns

• Most families felt sessions represented good value, although affordability remains important.

What we're doing

• Maintain affordable pricing, concessions, and subsidized opportunities where possible.

6. Communication and promotion could be improved

• Families requested clearer promotion and easier access to booking information.

What we're doing

• Improve communication through schools, social media, and community channels.
• Provide clearer booking guidance.

7. Session quality and delivery varies

• While most feedback was positive, some participants requested improved consistency.

What we're doing

• Strengthen session planning, quality assurance, and activity descriptions.

8. Booking and access experience

• Families experienced challenges in securing places on popular sessions.

What we're doing

• Improve booking support, customer guidance, and accessibility of information.

What we're doing

You told us the programme is valued and makes a positive difference - but needs more availability, greater choice and improved accessibility.

We’re responding by expanding provision, increasing inclusive opportunities, broadening activity choices, improving communication, and enhancing quality across all services.

Our Summer of Play programme has been developed using this feedback and offers a wider range of accessible, inclusive and engaging opportunities across Aberdeenshire.

What you told us

The Catalyst Community Regeneration Company (CCRC) submitted an Asset Transfer Request for full transfer (ownership) of the Ythan Centre on Station Road, Ellon for use as a community hub, providing a broad range of community focused activities throughout the week, as well as becoming the permanent home for the Catalyst Vineyard Church congregation in Ellon.

The request was published on the council’s website and a survey was posted on Engage Aberdeenshire with the public being given at least 20 working days in which to make any representation(s). A notice was sent to the community council, and placed on the building’s noticeboard and on various community noticeboards throughout Ellon. A total of 40 representations were received, 37 supporting and 3 objections. CCRC also carried out engagement with their members and the wider community which can be viewed within the business case documents on the council’s website using the following link - https://publications.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/asset-transfer-ythan-centre-station-road-ellon

What we are doing

The Asset Transfer Request was considered by Formartine Area Committee on Tuesday 28 April 2026 and it was agreed that the request should be supported.

The council will now work on conveying the transfer of the asset to the Catalyst Community Regeneration Company.

What you told us

In Summer 2025, we asked for your views on public toilets across Aberdeenshire. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback. Last year, we published a summary of what we heard and explained that your feedback was helping to shape a refreshed Public Convenience Strategy. At that stage, the strategy was still being considered and we were not yet in a position to share the full details. Since then, the strategy has been approved, and we can now provide a further update on how your feedback has influenced our plans for the future. The key messages from the survey were:

• Overall satisfaction with cleanliness was positive, with 86% of respondents rating facilities as excellent, good or fair
• Public toilets are viewed as essential for people of all ages and play an important role in supporting tourism and the local economy
• There was a fairly even split of opinion on whether moving to one public convenience per town would be acceptable
• Many people said they would be negatively affected by any public toilet closures
• You told us that cleaning should reflect levels of use, with flexibility for seasonal demand and local events
• There was a strong preference for public toilets to remain free to use
• Some respondents would like to see more facilities open 24 hours a day

What we're doing

The feedback from the Have Your Views on Public Loos Survey was a key driver in refreshing the updated Public Convenience Strategy. The strategy was approved by Aberdeenshire Councils Business Services Committee in March 2026 and will run until 2030. Aberdeenshire Council provides public toilets as a non-statutory but essential service and is the second highest provider of public toilets in Scotland.

The updated Public Convenience Strategy looks to provide efficient service delivery, high standards and financial sustainability. To achieve this the strategy aims to deliver safe clean accessible facilities using a place-based approach by:

• Maintaining cleanliness and safety standards
• Improving signage and digital mapping
• Increasing operational efficiency, rather than close toilets
• Expanding community run and comfort partnership models
• Provide 24/7 access at selected sites

Within the strategy it is recognised that public toilet provision is essential for dignity, health tourism, and inclusion. To that end the Public Convenience Strategy looks to:

• Maintain as many toilets as possible
• Adjust cleaning frequency, based on usage
• Carryout quality audits of all council provided toilets three times a year
• Seek external funding and align with other strategies

Within the survey the option was expressed that facilities should be open 24/7.

• 24/7 access is now provided at low-risk sites to improve accessibility to toilets
• Sign posting to toilets to be considered and improved

The survey suggested that there were not enough toilet facilities available. The new refreshed strategy will look to:

• Assess the suitability of council buildings to be advertised as publicly available toilets
• Improve promotion and signage of comfort partnerships and other Aberdeenshire facilities where there is a need for additional or improved access to facilities
• Continue to review incentives for business participation in the comfort partnership scheme and for communities to take on community run ventures.

There was a strong preference indicated in the survey for public conveniences to remain free of charge. If charging were to be introduced, the feedback was that both cashless and card/contactless options would be required.

• The strategy has recommended that toilets remain free of charge at the point of use. However other means of generating income such as donation boxes will be explored.

Following on from other findings from the survey the strategy includes the following recommendations:

• Expand changing places toilets
• Introduce automated locking systems
• Repurpose or transfer closed facilities

In summary with your help and input the Public Convenience Strategy places its core strategic direction to 2030 and beyond around:

• Focusing on maintaining services rather than closing facilities
• Using alternative delivery models (community and partnerships)
• Improving efficiency instead of reducing coverage
• Balancing cost control with public need

You can view the full document here: Public Convenience Strategy - Aberdeenshire Council