What you told us - What we're doing

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

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
  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What you told us

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan, or SHIP, outlines the potential affordable housing investment programme over the period 2026-2031 across Aberdeenshire. The main outcome of the SHIP is to enable the delivery of high quality, energy efficient affordable housing. In summer 2025 people were asked to provide their views and feedback on Aberdeenshire Council’s SHIP 2026-2031.

Survey participants were asked to rate the eight main aims of the SHIP 2026-2031 in order of importance, if there were any further broad aims they felt should be in the SHIP, and if they had any further comments regarding the SHIP 2026-2031.

There were 36 responses to the survey and the feedback has been collated.

The main aims of the SHIP which were deemed as the four most important by survey participants were:

• Provide social housing for rent
• Provide appropriate housing and support for older people
• Provide appropriate housing and support for people with a physical or learning disability
• Provide affordable home ownership

Survey participants commented on:

Place

There was a strong emphasis on place-based approaches, recognising the value of healthy environments including improving local infrastructure, creating green spaces, and maintaining the natural environment to support community wellbeing.

Local communities

Some respondents emphasised the importance of supporting local communities through housing provision and allocation policies. There was a call for more affordable housing in rural areas to help young people remain in their communities, alongside concerns about the impact of high property prices and holiday homes. In terms of allocations, participants advocated for systems that prioritise local people enabling families to stay together across generations and supporting wellbeing.

Suitable homes for older people and people with particular needs

Survey responses highlighted the need for a range of housing options for older people and those with particular needs. This includes home adaptations, ground floor accommodation, and support services to enable households to live independently within their local communities close to family, friends, and support networks.

Affordable housing

A common theme in the responses was the need for more affordable housing, with calls to increase opportunities for both renting and buying. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting young people to remain in their local communities, ensuring they can live and work in the areas where they grew up.

What we're doing

We will take into consideration all feedback which will play a vital role in shaping and guiding future housing developments across Aberdeenshire.

The draft SHIP 2026-2031 will be presented to the Communities Committee on the 6th November for consideration and approval.

You can view the original project here: Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 - 2031 | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council carried out a survey between 24 June and 22 July 2025, to gather feedback on a proposed visitor levy in Aberdeenshire. We received 767 responses. The survey results are broken down as follows:

• 650 individuals and 114 businesses/organisations participated, with 3 responses from unknown.
• The majority of individual respondents were residents of Aberdeenshire (533), invest in property but do not live in the area (14), followed by business owners (120). Visitors (23), community groups (22), groups of businesses or tourists (14), work in Aberdeen but do not live in the area (12), and others (29).
• 496 (65%) were not supportive, followed by 217 (28%) were supportive, and 55 (7%) of respondents were unsure about the visitor levy. Overall, the presentation provides a comprehensive overview of the survey results and the various opinions and suggestions from the respondents regarding the proposed visitor levy in Aberdeenshire.
• If a levy was introduced, there was a mix of respondents on how much this should be, with 424 saying that a levy should not be introduced. Between 1% and 5% received largely average acceptance, with 4% being by far the lowest preference. Many commented that a fixed nightly fee or per-person fee would provide clarity and consistency.
• The cap on the number of nights was varied, with the majority saying that a levy should not be introduced, and a mix between no preference and 1,3,5,7 nights, averaging similar responses, and more than 7 nights the least preference in terms of number of nights.
• If a levy was introduced, the questions around the levy being applied to all areas or certain area provided a response of 299 saying all of Aberdeenshire, 272 not sure or no preference and 196 saying specific areas of Aberdeenshire and this largely focused on high tourist areas such as Royal Deeside, Ballater, Braemar and the Cairngorms.
• 289 said yes that the levy should be exempt for a certain group of people, with 242 not sure or no preference and 236 saying no. The exemptions were largely focused on residents with a strong consensus that residents of Aberdeenshire should not be subject to the tax

Feedback

• Opposition to Levy: Many respondents view the visitor levy as unnecessary, fundamentally disagreeing with its introduction. There are concerns that it will increase costs for already struggling tourism and hospitality businesses and be unfair to local residents.
• Economic Context and Cost of Living: The levy is seen as an added cost during a time when individuals and families are already financially stretched.
• Negative Impact on Tourism: There are fears that the levy will deter visitors and reduce tourism in a region already facing challenges in attracting tourists.
• Lack of Trust: There is widespread scepticism that the funds raised will be used effectively or reinvested in tourism.
• Administrative Burden and Complexity: Concerns about the cost and complexity of administering the levy, especially for small businesses.
• Fairness and Equity: Ensuring the levy is applied fairly, avoiding penalisation of less affluent visitors or small accommodation providers.

Opportunities

• Public Transport and Facilities: The most popular suggestions for spending the levy include public transport and public facilities (e.g., toilets), which would benefit both visitors and residents.
• Support for Local Businesses: Emphasis on helping local tourism and hospitality businesses, including support for staffing and accommodation.
• Environmental Cleanliness: Strong calls for better litter management, more bins, and improved recycling facilities, especially in rural and scenic areas.
• Infrastructure and Roads: Repeated concerns about the poor state of roads, potholes, and the need for better transport links and bridge repairs.
• Encouraging Off-Season Tourism: Waiving the levy during quieter months could help attract more visitors, support local businesses, and spread tourism more evenly across the year.
• Tourist Card or Value Add: Offering a tourist card that provides access to services or discounts, making the levy feel more like a benefit than a tax.

What we're doing

We will report the results of the survey to Full Council, followed by a formal consultation (date to be confirmed).

You can view the original project here: Aberdeenshire Visitor Levy Survey | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Landscape Services is planning to refurbish playparks at Cairntack Road in Belhelvie, Edmonside in Pitmedden, Laverock Road in Newburgh, Old Mill Crescent in Balmedie, Panmure Gardens in Potterton and Westbank in Oldmeldrum. A short survey was carried out to gather your views, and your feedback is shaping the next steps. You said you’d like to see playparks that include climbing, swinging and sliding activities.

What we’re doing

We’re using your feedback to shape the design of the new play equipment. A specification is being developed to ensure that all supplier proposals include the features you asked for. The tender process will begin shortly.