Aberdeenshire Council

30/10/2026

UPDATE: 30.10.26

Due to delays relating to Storm Boelo, the closure of a section of the B974 Cairn O’Mount at Spittal Burn, Glen Dye has been extended and will now end on November 11.
The closure is required to enable us to undertake essential resurfacing works. Access will be provided for emergency services and vehicles requiring access to immediate properties only.
We must divert safely to roads that are the same class as the one that is closed, so the recommended detours are as follows:

North bound diversion – B974 (Banchory), B974 (Fettercairn), B966 (Fettercairn), B9120 (Fettercairn), B9120 (Laurencekirk), Blackiemuir Avenue, A937 High Street, A90t (Laurencekirk), A90t (Stonehaven), U69k (Stonehaven), Broomhill Road, Kirkton Road, Farrochie Road, A957 (Stonehaven), A957 (Banchory), A93 (Banchory), Station Road, Dee Street, B974 (Banchory).

South bound diversion – B974 (Banchory), Dee Street, Station Road, A93 (Banchory), A957 (Banchory) A957 (Stonehaven), Farrochie Road, C1k (Stonehaven), Auchenblae Road, A90t Southbound, A90t (Laurencekirk), A937 High Street, Blackiemuir Avenye, B9120 (Laurencekirk), B9120 (Fettercairn), B966 (Fettercairn), B974 (Fettercairn), B974 (Banchory).

We appreciate that working on roads can cause some inconvenience to users, but we would ask that you bear with us as we carry out these improvements.

30/10/2026

Local councillors have agreed to another tranche of the Banff and Buchan Crown Estates Coastal Communities Fund to allocate the remaining monies available for grant applications.

Grants of between £500 and £5,000 are open to community groups and third sector organisations - with a requirement of 10% match funding - for projects which:

✅Help people to develop skills related to coastal or seafaring pursuits, activities, or enterprises, for example sailing, fishing, or boatbuilding

✅Celebrate the heritage of coastal and seagoing communities of place and interest. For example, a coastal or fishing village or township, historic boatbuilding, or relevant clubs or organisations

✅Improve access to coastal areas. For example, paths and viewpoints

✅Improve the coastal environment. For example, applications to establish and support community groups looking after their coastline

✅Improve community-controlled infrastructure such as harbours, boathouses, and buildings

Applications for funding must be received by Friday, December 18. For more information and application form, visit https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities/funding/banff-and-buchan

29/10/2026

The next of our ‘Let's Talk’ community drop-in events will be at Mearns Community Campus in Laurencekirk on Tuesday next week (Nov 3) from 3.30pm-7pm.

Join our council leaders, local councillors and senior officers who will be available to discuss a wide range of services and topics including traffic and transportation, roads maintenance, drainage and street lighting, planning and planning enforcement, landscape services and flooding issues.

Whether you want to share ideas, raise local concerns or help shape future priorities, everyone is welcome to drop in at any time, have a chat and make their voice heard.

29/10/2026

A huge congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees at this year’s Inspiring Aberdeenshire Awards! Your passion, commitment and willingness to go above and beyond for others have made a real impact across our communities.

You inspire us all through your generosity and selflessness, and your efforts continue to enrich the lives of countless people throughout Aberdeenshire. Well done and thank you for making such a positive difference!

The winners of Inspiring Aberdeenshire 2026 have been revealed.

Finalists, councillors, sponsors and guests gathered at Meldrum House Hotel last night to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations across Aberdeenshire.

Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte co-hosted this year’s event alongside MC Chris Harvey and said the nominations across the awards had been outstanding.

Participating in the presentations were Co-Leaders councillors Stewart Adams and Anne Stirling, Education and Children’s Services chair Cllr David Keating, Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cllr Alan Turner and Chief Executive Jim Savege.

Provost Whyte said: “Inspiring Aberdeenshire has once again shone a light on the incredible people who make our communities such special places to live, work and thrive.

“Every year, these awards remind us of the kindness, commitment and community spirit that exists across Aberdeenshire. They celebrate people who go above and beyond, not for recognition, but because they genuinely care about making a difference.

“This year’s winners represent the very best of that spirit. Whether they are supporting others, protecting our heritage and culture, or giving their time to help those around them, they have made a lasting impact on their communities.

“Their dedication, generosity and selflessness are truly inspiring. Through their efforts, they have strengthened community life across Aberdeenshire and made a positive difference to countless people.”

Civic Pride Award
Winners: Inverurie Environmental Group based in Inverurie
Finalists: Friends of the Haughs based in Turriff; Invercairn Community Council based in Inverallochy

Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award
Winner: Kelly O’Brien from Peterhead
Finalists: Rachel Clark from Ellon; Men in Mind based in Ellon/Inverurie/Haddo/Fraserburgh Yogi & Cindy Bears based in Newtonhill

Inspirational Volunteer Award
Winner: Marie Cheyne from Cairnbulg
Finalists: Helen Feeney from Maud; Rose Logan from Turriff

Local Hero Courage Award
Winner: Avril Bruce from Banff
Finalists: Karen Stewart from Aboyne; Katie Innes from Fetterangus

Young Community Hero Award
Winner: Chloe Crossman from Peterhead
Finalists: Ellie Wight from Drumoak; Steven Lewington from Pitmedden; Portlethen Academy Pupil Volunteers (Elliot, Forbes, Lucy, Olivia & Sam)

Lifetime Achievement Award
Winner: Colin Allanach from Ellon
Finalists: David Urquhart from Portsoy; Lorna Keith from Ellon

This year’s Inspiring Aberdeenshire charity partner is A Bear Named Buttony, which supports children and young people living with a stoma by providing comfort, reassurance and practical support. Find out more at: https://www.buttonybear.org.uk/

Without the generous support of our sponsors, none of this could have happened:

• BP - sponsoring Lifetime Achievement Award
• FES OCS - sponsoring Inspirational Volunteer Award
• Hub North Scotland - sponsoring Young Community Hero Award
• Instock - sponsoring Civic Pride Award
• Hosie Electrical - sponsoring Local Hero Courage Award
• Mark Murphy Dole - sponsoring Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award

27/10/2026

SEPA have three flood warnings in place for Aberdeenshire over the coming hours until further notice.

A combination of high tides and prevailing weather conditions means that flooding from the sea is expected to affect low lying land, roads and properties along the coast from Rosehearty to Fraserburgh. Flooding in and around low-lying parts of Sandhaven is possible, with impacts expected around the time of tonight’s high tide between 11pm and 1am.

Wave overtopping and flooding in and around low-lying parts of Roanheads in Peterhead and Boddam is also expected around high tide at 12.30am tonight.

Flooding at Newburgh is also expected around high tide at 1am with the area between Inverbervie to Tangleha being impacted between 1.15am and 3.30am.

Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.

Advice and information is available on SEPA’s website https://beta.sepa.scot/flooding/prepare-for-flooding/

Further stormy weather is expected to affect Scotland through Tuesday and Wednesday.

Coastal flooding impacts are likely around the country, these may be particularly significant around the Northern Isles coastline. Storm surges combined with spring tides and large waves are expected to result in spray and wave overtopping, particularly around the high tide. These conditions may result in extensive flooding of low lying roads, property flooding and significant travel disruption.

Remain vigilant, particularly around coastal areas, and stay away from flooded promenades, sea walls and crashing waves.

Stay up to date with the latest information: sepa.org.uk/flooding

27/10/2026

While today's strong winds are starting to weaken across Aberdeenshire, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has four flood warnings in place over the coming hours until further notice.

A combination of high tides and prevailing weather conditions means that flooding from the sea is expected to affect low lying land, roads and properties along the coast from Rosehearty to Fraserburgh. Flooding in and around low-lying parts of Sandhaven is possible, with impacts expected around the time of tonight’s high tide between 11pm and 1am.

Wave overtopping and flooding in and around low-lying parts of Roanheads in Peterhead and Boddam is also expected around high tide at 12.30am tonight.

Flooding at Newburgh is also expected around high tide at 1am with the area between Inverbervie to Tangleha being impacted between 1.15am and 3.30am.

Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property.

Advice and information is available on SEPA’s website https://beta.sepa.scot/flooding/prepare-for-flooding/

26/10/2026

With just a week to go, hungry diners are preparing to enjoy a mouth-watering range of delicious meals during Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week

Running from November 2-15, the two-week celebration of local food, drink and hospitality has attracted an incredible 57 restaurants, cafes and hotels from across the region.

Customers will be able to enjoy a host of food and drinks offers which will help increase footfall by showcasing the amazing offering across Aberdeenshire to locals and visitors alike, highlighting value, quality, provenance and choice at a traditionally quieter time of year.

You can check out the participating businesses and menus at www.aberdeenshirerestaurantweek.com

26/10/2026

We will be holding a Hybrid Bus Forum meeting between 7.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday, November 4 in the Function Room of Formartine House, Ellon.

The meeting will be co-chaired by local councillors Iain Taylor and Dianne Beagrie.

The event will be open to everyone, and people will be able to attend in-person or on-line using the Teams webinar.

Those who wish to attend online must register in advance by scanning the QR code below or visiting: 46ecf5ec-2ec3-49b0-b6d6-0293b11e7d16@fed99306-4d2d-4409-959d-d0edb7304a0b" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/46ecf5ec-2ec3-49b0-b6d6-0293b11e7d16@fed99306-4d2d-4409-959d-d0edb7304a0b

The forum discussions will be based on the following bus corridors/routes:

Fraserburgh – Aberdeen via Mintlaw and Ellon (services X67/X68)
Peterhead – Aberdeen via Ellon or Newburgh (services X60/61/X63)
Peterhead/Ellon - Aberdeen (service 62)
Peterhead – Fraserburgh/Rosehearty (services 69/69A)
Peterhead – Mintlaw (service 66)
Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Ellon Town Services (service 52/76/77/81/82/82A/83, 84A/ 84C)

26/10/2026

• Stay prepared and resilient. Further strong winds are forecast for Tuesday, with possible power cuts and travel disruption. Plan ahead, avoid unnecessary journeys and stay alert to risks around your home and property.

• Access warmth and support if you are without power. Leisure centres across Aberdeenshire can offer a space to have a hot shower and charging, for those without power. These are open throughout normal hours, with the exception of Ellon campus which remains closed today. SSEN have a food van out today in Finzean for people without power in the area.

• Leave fallen trees to trained teams. Do not attempt to cut up or move fallen trees yourself. Overhanging branches, weakened trees and live electricity wires remain serious hazards, including where debris is near street lights or cables. Report fallen trees or fallen lighting columns, and in an emergency dial 999. Report power outages on 105.

• Allow time for safe recovery. Teams are clearing roads and assessing damage, prioritising the greatest risks. Some disruption will continue, and high winds or darkness may delay tree clearance until it is safe to work.

The Met Office has issued another Yellow weather warning for strong west to southwesterly winds across much of Scotland from 3am to 9pm tomorrow (Tues).

Gusts of 50-60mph are possible quite widely and some coastal or exposed areas could see gusts of 70 mph or more. This spell of strong winds may lead to damaging gusts and transport disruption. Those considering travelling should plan ahead and avoid any unnecessary journeys. Allow extra time for journeys and drive to conditions if travel cannot be avoided. Please note conditions may vary across the area.

Flooding

A Flood Alert Update has been issued for Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City.

High spring tides together with a storm surge, spray and wave overtopping associated with a further storm system are likely to cause coastal flooding impacts around the times of high water through Tuesday. Impacts could include flooding of coastal roads, properties and travel disruption. Coastal flooding impacts may continue into Wednesday morning. Remain vigilant and remember, it is your responsibility to take actions which help protect yourself and your property. Advice and information from SEPA is available at https://beta.sepa.scot/flooding/prepare-for-flooding/
You can also check the three day flood outlook at https://scottishfloodforecast.sepa.org.uk/public?d=2026-10-25-1024

SSEN

As of this morning, two thirds of customers impacted by Storm Boelo across Scotland have now had their power restored. Teams were back out from first light today, assessing damage, making repairs and reconnecting customers as quickly and safely as possible. During a power cut, you might notice your electricity going off and coming back on several times for short periods. This can happen when engineers are re-routing electricity around a fault to restore power to customers – a process called ‘switching’. SSEN has provided a welfare support facility at Finzean Hall, Banchory, AB31 6LY. For the latest updates and advice, please visit ssen.co.uk/storm

Roads

Although conditions have improved, the road network has not yet fully recovered. Many locations will continue to be affected by fallen trees, branches and other debris, including issues which could not safely be addressed yesterday.

Teams will be working across the network today to

• clear remaining fallen trees, branches and debris
• deal with hazards identified during and following the storm
• check affected locations and infrastructure
• respond to additional issues reported by the public and other services

Work will be prioritised according to the level of risk and the impact on the road network. It will take time to work through the remaining issues and motorists should therefore continue to expect some local disruption.

We’re aware that some people did use chainsaws and other equipment to remove trees over the weekend. On safety grounds, we do not encourage people to attempt to clear fallen trees. There remains a serious risk to people through overhanging branches, other weakened trees and live electricity wires. Please continue to report fallen trees on 03456 081205 during office hours. Out of hours, contact Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. It may not be possible for us and contractors to safely clear fallen trees during periods of high winds or in the dark.

Damage to street lighting and electrical infrastructure

The severe weather has also resulted in damage to street lighting columns and associated electrical infrastructure. Damaged or displaced columns, exposed equipment and electrical cabling should be treated with particular caution.

We would strongly discourage members of the public from attempting to move fallen trees, branches or other debris where these are in contact with, resting against or close to lighting columns, cables or other electrical infrastructure. Even where equipment appears undamaged, it should not be assumed to be safe. Any such obstruction should be reported and left for appropriately trained personnel to assess and deal with safely. Clearing a road or footway is not worth taking a risk where electricity may be involved. Please report any issues immediately on 03456 081205.

Schools

A number of schools remain closed through power loss or damage while some have delayed openings or changes to timetabling and transportation. Parents, guardians and carers will be updated directly by headteachers.

Recycling and Waste

With the exception of Banchory, all household recycling centres are open today and household/trade collections are operating as normal. Teams will assess operations tomorrow in light of the further weather warning. Please remember you must always check our website for any HRC closures or opening times ahead of any visit during periods of bad weather at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/waste

Housing, Property and Landscape

Our Housing and Property teams are inspecting reports of damage across the council estate and we will start to undertake repairs as quickly as we can. Our Landscape Services are currently undertaking assessments of our burial grounds and country parks – please avoid areas around fallen or weakened trees as risks do remain.

Contact Centres

Please note our Customer Service contact centres are handling a significant number of queries. Can we ask that if your enquiry is not urgent, please call back later to let us focus on critical issues.

Live Life Aberdeenshire

With the exception of Ellon Community Campus, all facilities are currently open as normal and awaiting updates from teams across Aberdeenshire. If you are still without power, please remember you can visit our leisure centres for a free shower, grab hot teas and coffee, use wifi and charge your devices.

Handy phone numbers:

• Power outages – via SSEN on 105
• Non-urgent medical issues – via NHS on 111
• Emergency council housing repairs – 03456 081203
• Emergency social care 03456 081206

Useful links

• Flooding advice: https://floodlinescotland.org.uk/your-home/
• Latest Met Office warnings: https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings
• Rail services and public transport may be disrupted. Check the ScotRail website for the latest information: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/
• Relevant updates will be shared on Aberdeenshire Council’s social media channels. Find us on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and X.

25/10/2026

SEPA advises flooding is expected in Peterhead to Boddam - flooding impacts are expected around the time of high tide at 00:15 on Monday. Flooding is also expected in Stonehaven. Impacts expected at high tide at 1am on Monday.

As of 12pm on Sunday 25th October, 11 regional Flood Alerts remain in place but there are now 17 local Flood Warnings as Scotland is now starting to see the full effects of . The stormy weather will continue to bring surface water, river and coastal flooding to many parts of Scotland.

Through Sunday, coastal flooding impacts are likely in the west and north. There could also be river and surface water impacts in the north due to continued heavy rain. This weather will continue into the start of the week so for up to date information, please check our flooding page: https://beta.sepa.scot/flooding/ and always check before you travel.

We continue to urge people to be extra careful, particularly around coastal areas and stay away from flooded promenades and crashing waves.

Police Scotland Met Office Ready Scotland ScotRail Network Rail Transport Scotland