Aberdeenshire (unitary)

:For the traditional county of the same name see Aberdeenshire (traditional)

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Aberdeenshire (Siorrachd Obar Dheathain in Gaelic) is one of 32 unitary council regions in Scotland.

Related Topics:
Gaelic - Scotland

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It borders on Moray, Angus, Perth and Kinross, and Aberdeen City. Size: 6300 square kilometres. Aberdeenshire Council is the only Scottish council whose headquarters are based outside the council area - at Woodhill House, Westburn Road, Aberdeen.

Related Topics:
Moray - Angus - Perth and Kinross - Aberdeen City - 6300 - Square kilometre - Aberdeen

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Aberdeenshire Council was established in April 1996, replacing three District councils (Banff and Buchan, Gordon and Kincardine and Deeside) and part of the area of Grampian Regional Council.

Related Topics:
1996 - District council - Banff and Buchan - Gordon - Kincardine and Deeside - Grampian Region

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There are 68 councillors; in 2004 they were 28 Liberal Democrat, 15 SNP, 14 Independent and 11 Conservative.

Related Topics:
Councillor - Liberal Democrat - SNP - Conservative

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The Council's net expenditure is £399.1m a year (2003/04).

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Education takes the largest share of expenditure (55%), followed by Social Work and Housing (19%), Transportation and Infrastructure (11%), and Joint Services such as Fire and Police (10%). 22% of revenue is raised locally through the Council Tax. Average Band D Council Tax is the eighth lowest in mainland Scotland at £966 (2003/04).

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The council area has a population of 226,871, representing 4.5% of Scotland's total, and a 20% increase since 1981, 50% since 1971. Major towns are Peterhead (17,947), Fraserburgh (12,454), Inverurie (10,882), Stonehaven (9,577), Westhill (9,498) and Ellon (8,754). The population has a higher proportion of younger age groups than the rest of Scotland, reflecting employment-driven in-migration in recent decades.

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The council has devolved power to six area committees:

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• Banff & Buchan,
• Buchan,
• Formartine,
• Garioch,
• Marr,
• Kincardine & Mearns

;Banff & Buchan

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Population 35,742 (2001 Census)

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Fishing and agriculture are important industries, together with associated processing and service activity.

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The area is relatively self-contained, and in recent years has seen a small decline in population. It does, however, have tourism assets in its coastline, coastal villages and visitor attractions. Economic dependency, peripherality, and the future of the Common Fisheries/Agricultural Policies, are key issues. The Buchan Local Action Plan will address some of these concerns. The Area qualifies for European Union Objective 2 structural funding.

Related Topics:
Visitor attraction - European Union Objective 2

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;Buchan

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Population 39,160 (2001 Census)

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Peterhead is the largest town in Aberdeenshire; the principal white fish landing port in Europe; and a major oil industry service centre. Equally important, is the nearby gas terminal at St Fergus.

Related Topics:
Peterhead - St Fergus

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Attempts are being made to counter the negative effects of several recent key company closures and economic threats. Inland, the area is dependent upon agriculture, and many villages have seen a decline in population and services. Issues affecting Banff and Buchan also apply here, as does the future of the oil and gas industry. Part of Buchan benefits from EU aid coverage. Opportunities exist through the Buchan Local Action Plan to safeguard and enhance the economic future of Peterhead and Buchan.

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;Formartine

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Population 36,478 (2001 Census)

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Formartine has experienced rapid population growth, particularly around Ellon and Oldmeldrum, and in the south east where development has spread outwith the city of Aberdeen. By contrast, the area around Turriff retains strong dependency on the traditional agricultural economy. The area's coastline and rural environment offer recreation potential.

Related Topics:
Ellon - Oldmeldrum - Turriff

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;Garioch

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Population 42,947 (2001 Census)

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Centred on Inverurie, a traditional rural market town, Garioch has also experienced rapid growth due to its proximity to the city of Aberdeen. Significant growth in population, services and employment is anticipated in the A96 corridor and in Westhill. The area is largely agricultural, but is strongly affected by the City's economy and the oil and gas sector. Garioch holds growing potential for tourism, in its environment and archaeological heritage.

Related Topics:
Inverurie - Westhill

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;Marr

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Population 34,038 (2001 Census)

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To the west, the mountain environment of the Cairngorms National Park sustains a well developed tourist industry based on heritage and outdoor pursuits. Forestry and livestock farming are key industries, particularly in remoter areas. Part of the area has qualified for EU financial assistance. To the east, Marr has experienced population growth due to its strong commuter links with the city of Aberdeen.

Related Topics:
Cairngorms - National Park

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;Kincardine and Mearns

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Population 38,506 (2001 Census)

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Transport links with Aberdeen have encouraged very rapid population growth, especially to the north of the area. Existing settlements such as Portlethen and Stonehaven have greatly expanded, along with industrial activity. The southern part is more self-contained, with the fertile Mearns area sustaining a strong agricultural economy. Small scale tourism activity exists along its attractive coastline and former fishing villages.

Related Topics:
Portlethen - Stonehaven

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