What you told us - What we're doing

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.

What you told us

Landscape Services is planning to refurbish playparks at the Den in Turriff, Forgue Road in Rothienorman, Cuminestown Road in Fyvie, Highfield Walk in Turriff and Insch Recreation Park. 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 sliding, climbing and swinging activities, alongside balancing and rocking equipment.

What we’re doing

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

What you told us

We asked those who had received housing support to provide feedback on their support and asked for any suggestions for improving the service. The response rate was lower than expected but the quality of the information provided has been very helpful.

The key findings were that the majority of people were happy with the support they received and provided some lovely comments around their support workers and what the service had done to them - this has been passed back to the providers who deliver the support at present.

A proportion of the respondents were keen to explore the use of technology in any future support provision the council commissions, but it is recognised that most people prefer face to face support where possible.

What we are doing

This feedback has been helpful in confirming that most people are very happy with the support they receive and are not looking for things to change in any future support provision, however all comments will be considered by the project tender group over the coming months.

You can view the original project here: Housing Support Service User Views | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

We asked members of the public to provide comment and feedback on the public conveniences currently in place across Aberdeenshire. We were delighted with the high level of response we received and are grateful to all who took part. The key findings from the survey were:

• Overall satisfaction with the level of cleanliness across the public conveniences in Aberdeenshire was positive, with 86% of respondents indicating the cleanliness was either excellent, good, or fair.
• Public Toilets are viewed as essential for all ages and will support tourism and the local economy.
• There was approximately a 50/50 split in respondents in terms of whether moving to one public convenience per town would be acceptable.
• Comments received around cleaning frequency being demand driven based on usage rather than being uniform, with seasonal and event-based adjustments made.
• Significant majority of respondents indicated that they would be impacted negatively by any public convenience closures.
• A strong preference was indicated for public conveniences remaining free of charge; if charging was to be introduced, the feedback was that both cashless and card/contactless options would be required.
• Some desire was expressed for public conveniences to be open 24/7.

What We’re Doing

This feedback was a key aspect in helping to draft our updated Public Convenience strategy. This draft will be shared with all six Area Committees and will be put to Business Services Committee for approval.

You can view the original project page here: Have your views on public loos | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Live Life Aberdeenshire (LLA) wanted to understand your experiences and gather your thoughts on our Summer of Play 2025 programme. We asked you to share:

• Whether you and/or your family live or stayed on holiday in or outside Aberdeenshire
• Which geographical area(s) and activities you booked or attended
• The age range of participants
• How you first found out about our Summer of Play programme
• How likely you are to book or attend future school holiday activity programmes
• What other activities you’d like to see included in future programmes
• Whether the sessions were affordable and offered value for money

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

• 44 participants aged P1–P3
• 33 participants aged P4–P7
• 10 participants aged Pre-School
• 7 participants aged S1 and above

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.

An overwhelming 96.1% of respondents were satisfied with the programme content and expressed interest in attending future holiday activities. A small number suggested adding more variety or repeating popular sessions.

A significant 87.3% of respondents felt that the sessions were affordable and offered good value for money.

What we're doing

Based on your feedback, we will:

• Continue to offer a diverse range of activities across Aberdeenshire, ensuring accessibility for families in all areas
• Enhance our marketing efforts by continuing to use the LLA App and social media, while exploring additional ways to reach new audiences
• Maintain affordable pricing to ensure our programmes remain inclusive and accessible to all
• Explore new activity ideas suggested by participants and consider expanding the programme to include these in future offerings
• Monitor age group participation trends to ensure we are meeting the needs of all age ranges, especially older children and teens.

Your feedback has been invaluable in helping us understand what worked well and where we can improve. The Summer of Play 2025 programme was a success, with high levels of satisfaction, strong participation, and positive responses about affordability and communication. We’re committed to building on this success and continuing to provide engaging, accessible, and enjoyable experiences for families across Aberdeenshire.

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

What you told us

Landscape Services is planning to refurbish the playparks at Leeds Terrace in New Leeds, Claymore Crescent in Boddam, and Fairwinds Place in Peterhead. 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 sliding, climbing and swinging activities.

What we’re doing

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

You can view the original project pages here:

Leeds Terrace Playpark 2025, New Leeds | Engage Aberdeenshire

Claymore Crescent (Penny Park) 2025, Boddam | Engage Aberdeenshire

Fairwinds Place Playpark 2025, Peterhead | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Through our recent engagement activities - including an online survey, meetings with local organisations, a sports survey, and in-person events in Turriff and surrounding villages - you shared your views on what matters most to you. The feedback highlighted both concerns and strengths within the community, which we’ve grouped into five main themes: Culture & Identity, Streets & Spaces, Work – Essentials & the Future, Getting Involved, and Getting About. The full analysis of this engagement is available in the Turriff Engagement Analysis report: Turriff Place Plan Engagement Analysis | Turriff Place Plan | Engage Aberdeenshire

What we’re doing

We are creating workstreams to examine each of the five themes in detail. These workstreams will involve local groups and individuals, ensuring that the place plan for Turriff 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.

You can view the original project here: Turriff Place Plan | Engage Aberdeenshire

What you told us

Aberdeenshire Council recently asked for thoughts on some proposed improvements to Farrochie Park in Stonehaven - and the feedback was largely positive! People were generally supportive of making changes that would benefit both the community and local wildlife. That said, a few concerns were raised, particularly around the potential loss of the informal play and kick-about area, how wet the park can get, and how the grasslands are managed.

What we're doing

Based on the feedback and a fruitful on-site meeting with Stonehaven Community Council members we have agreed the following changes.

• Reinstate mowing to the area marked in yellow on map to create a kick about area on dry ground.
• Create additional wetland scrape along with other proposed scrape, and plant with wetland species to provide wildlife habitat and wildflower interest in wetter areas, marked in blue.
• Include additional fruit tree planting to shrub planting proposal for community pick and eat, fruit trees marked as red dots and shrub planting marked in green.
• Move the path realignment to higher drier area between rose bush beds and hedge as shown marked in grey line.
• Wildflower clump planting and seed sowing in area marked in orange as proposed.
• Additional wildflower planting and sowing in existing wildflower area marked in pink.
• Opportunity to join in planting with community tree & shrub and wildflower planting Autumn this year and Spring 2026

You can view the original page here: Farrochie Park, Stonehaven | Engage Aberdeenshire