Fred at Aberdeen Voice, Author at Aberdeen Voice

Fred at Aberdeen Voice

Go Purple In Support Of Clan

Sep 042015

All things purple will be the name of the game this month as a leading north-east cancer charity urges people to adopt the colour in its support. With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus Mix.

Singer songwriter Prince may have made it famous but purple is also at the heart of CLAN Cancer Support and it is encouraging individuals, businesses, schools and groups to get involved with its annual fund and awareness raising event.
Go Purple for CLAN is held throughout September every year and sees people throughout north and north-east Scotland adopt the colour for a day.

From lighting up a building, wearing purple and planning a purple party to dyeing your hair, selling purple cakes and creating a purple window or reception display in your business or shop, there is no shortage of innovative ways in which people can get involved.

The month-long event was first held in 2013 as part of the charity’s 30th anniversary celebrations, with schools across the region, as well as Marischal College turning purple in support.

Due to its popularity, the colourful day has become a main stay in the charity’s event calendar and Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, is encouraging people to take part.

She said:

“We’re looking for people to pick a date in September and show their support to CLAN. This could be in any shape from having a wear it purple day to holding a special purple only bake sale – the opportunities are endless.

“We’re looking for individuals, businesses, groups and schools to get involved and we’ve already had a number of places sign up to take part. Of course, there is a fundraising element to the month-long event but it is a really important awareness raiser for us as we want as many people as possible, throughout the areas we have a presence within, to be aware of CLAN and the services it can offer.

“Our own wellbeing centres, including CLAN House in Aberdeen, as well as our range of shops will also be taking part, with a range of purple items and clothing being stocked which could be a help to those looking to take part in their own business or school.

“This is one of our most fun organised events and gives people the chance to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer in the north and north-east of Scotland.”

Go Purple for CLAN packs and more information can be requested by emailing the charity’s fundraising team on fundraising@clanhouse.org

A dedicated Go Purple for CLAN donation page can be found here: http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/clan/gopurpleforclan2015

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Salmond Welcomes Update On Inverurie Health Centre

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Sep 042015

With thanks to Tom Collins, Press Officer, Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond MP MSP

Alex Salmond MSP (Aberdeenshire East) has welcomed an update from the Scottish Government on plans for new integrated health and social care hub for Inverurie.

On 6 August, Mr Salmond lodged a Parliamentary Question at Holyrood asking the Scottish Government for an update on the £14 million project and also asked what action it and NHS Grampian are taking to keep the community informed of progress.

The Scottish Government’s Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison MSP, responded to Mr Salmond informing him that NHS Grampian have published a paper with an update on the Inverurie Health and Care Hub and the Relocation of Foresterhill Health Centre.

The board of NHS Grampian has approved the outline business case for the project and the next stage is for it to be submitted to Scottish Government for review. NHS Grampian aim to have the centre completed by January 2017.

Commenting, Mr Salmond said:

“I am very pleased that NHS Grampian are moving forward with the plans for the much needed new Inverurie Health Centre. The £14 million project, which includes funding from the Scottish Government, represents the dedication the SNP has to improving health services throughout the length and breadth of the country.

“It is good to see that the public are being kept up to date with developments with information readily available on their website, including timescales, costs and future meetings.

“I am very much looking forward to seeing the completed centre, which will be a more than welcome upgrade for Inverurie and the surrounding areas.”

In her reply, Ms Robison said:

“The board’s planned project programme will see construction begin in summer 2016, completion of the build and commissioning in December 2017, and service commencement in January 2018.

“A newsletter, published by NHS Grampian in June this year, provided the public with a report on progress with the project and outlined the programme.

“In addition, a public drop in session, the second such event, was held at the Acorn Centre in Inverurie on 30 June, giving the public the opportunity to view the latest concept design plans.

“Further public engagement is planned to be advertised in the local press towards the end of the year and public representatives continue to attend the monthly project meetings.”

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Usan Fined £7000 Over Netting Regulations Breach

Environment, Featured, News 7 Responses »

Sep 042015

With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

The Pullar family, operators of USAN and it’s subsidiary the Scottish Wild Salmon Company, recently entered guilty pleas on nine charges of salmon conservation legislation breaches and USAN now has a criminal record.

Salmon and other fish are confronted in Montrose with a vast system of huge ‘leader’ nets that direct fish straight into the bag nets until eventually they are hauled onto a boat, and as they panic and suffer, are clubbed to death.

It is a hard thing to witness. But there are other casualties in those nets that suffer and die.

Jenny Green of the Hunt Saboteurs Association shared her observations:

“Coastal salmon netting season ended at midnight on the 31st of August. All equipment had to be out of the water by then. The Scottish government is banning coastal salmon netting after this season, because salmon numbers are at their worst for 40 years. This is an excellent result for us in terms of our Seal Defence Campaign because if there are no nets in the water, Usan can’t claim to need to shoot seals to protect the salmon in those nets.

“The recent court case saw Usan plead guilty to breaking netting regulations in previous seasons and they were charged with 9 offences, and fined £7000.

“Usan had their leader nets in the water after the 6pm Friday night weekend close time (known as keep-ins) – the rule is in place for salmon conservation purposes.

“Usan, now guilty of 9 counts of breaching salmon conservation legislation will not be netting again for many years. Indeed, when they do apply to start up netting again, it’s going to be very difficult because in order to get netting permission they’ll have to prove salmon sustainability…. And you can’t count wild fish.

“So it looks like they are not going to be salmon netters for a very long time. However, during the protracted court case, which lasted all summer, Usan continued to miss weekend close times. In court it was said by the judge that Usan will not be prosecuted by the Crown for 2015 illegal keep-ins. Apparently, as netting is stopping after this season, it’s said to be an obsolete point.

“I find this ridiculous. To me it’s like saying it’s ok to burgle a shop because it’s going out of business anyway. Seal Guardian Campaign operatives submitted 34 videos of illegal keep-ins over the last 5 months to Blair Wilkie, wildlife crime officer for the Angus region. She could choose to prosecute, but apparently she has chosen not to.

“The wild salmon are not the only casualties of netting operations. My pictures show some of the birds drowned in these leader nets, including an adult puffin and a guillemot. I took the pictures with an underwater/submarine ROV. These protected sea birds drowned in a net that was sunk at Scurdieness, adjacent to the protected sea bird haven of the Montrose basin.

“How such a death trap was allowed to be sunk in a site of special scientific interest, adjacent to an internally important and protected sea bird haven for decades is a question the council and SNH both say isn’t in their remit. This net drowned hundreds of protected sea birds. Both were asked why Usan were allowed to put a net here unchallenged, and both said it was down to the other organisation.”

Some 34 instances Usan nets fishing out of hours, constituting wildlife crime, were brought to the attention of wildlife officer Blair Wilkie – no action seems to have been taken to bring cases whatsoever. She could push to prosecute these crimes, but isn’t doing so. Aberdeen Voice asked for an explanation, and was directed to Police Scotland media relations.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said,

“Police Scotland can confirm that information has been received in relation to concerns regarding salmon netting in the Montrose area and enquiries into the matter are ongoing. Police Scotland is committed to the investigation of wildlife crime and reports of criminality are taken very seriously. Wildlife crime is any act that is made illegal in Scotland under legislation with regard to certain birds, animals, aquatic life and plants including their habitats, both on land and in water.

“Such crimes cause significant harm to the species targeted by the criminals, as well as the communities who rely on wildlife for employment and tourism.

“All reports of wildlife crime will be investigated by Police Scotland and appropriate action will be taken. Extensive investigations into these matters can often be challenging and complex, requiring a multi-agency approach, with input and assistance from specialists within partner agencies, including the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

“Our aim is to reduce wildlife crime and we ask the public to report any concerns or suspicious activity to Police Scotland on 101. In an emergency contact 999.”

More information on wildlife crime can be found on the Police Scotland website at http://www.scotland.police.uk/whats-happening/campaigns/2015/wildlife-crime”

John Robins of Animal Concern commented:

“Usan should be prosecuted for their repeated blatant breaches of wildlife conservation law. They profited from the fish they caught illegally and if they are not prosecuted it is proof that crime pays. It is all the more sinister when you realise that Usan Director, George Pullar, is a Government Advisor on wildlife conservation law. Has this helped him evade prosecution?

“Wildlife crime can be difficult to detect and prosecute so it is all the more galling to see such well documented crimes go unpunished. Hunt Saboteur operatives put themselves at great risk to collect this evidence. They deserve their day in court.”

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Motorcycle Convention Returns To Transport Museum

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Sep 042015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The 33rd Grampian Motorcycle Convention takes place at the Grampian Transport Museum showground this Sunday 6th September.
Having grown from its vintage and classic roots into the museum’s biggest event of the year, the Convention is justifiably recognised as one of the very best motorcycle shows in Britain.

Performing throughout the day will be the On the Edge stunt team – providing a unique mix of precision riding, the skills of a trials rider mixed with those of a freestyle motocross rider.

Using their truck as part of their act, On the Edge are guaranteed to impress with a mix of wheelies on both the front and back wheels, drop offs and vertical 15ft jumps. Their show has to be seen to be believed!

The convention famously introduced Moped Mayhem to Scotland back in 1984 and this year will be no different, with the moped riders ensuring a laugh a minute – all at a top speed of 30mph!

This year the Convention is delighted to welcome 4 times World Superbike champion and current ‘King of the Jungle’ Carl Fogarty as special guest.
Run by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club the Convention line up is complete with Supermoto Racing on the oval track, demonstrating speedway style riding skills, along with Pursuit Racing demonstrating road bikes racing at high speed. There are also Classic Bike demonstrations including legendary names of the past such as Triumph and Norton.

The latest two-wheeled machines and accessories will be on display at a great trade show and visitors with a current bike license will also be able to get ‘hands on’ with the action, with a free 15 minute lesson on the Try Trials.

With free parking and a FREE Park & Ride service, great food and expert commentary make the Convention a truly special day out and one which enthusiasts regularly travel hundreds of miles to attend.

Gates open at 10am and the arena activities get underway at 11am. Family tickets are available, priced at just £25, admission for adults is £10, children £5 and concessions £7.

Salmond Calls Posthumous Pardon For Scottish Radicals

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Tom Collins, Press Officer, Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond MP MSP

Former First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP (Aberdeenshire East) MP (Gordon) has called for a posthumous pardon for Thomas Muir and his fellow radicals tried and transported for sedition in 1793/94.

Mr Salmond said:

“The exploits of Muir, a pioneer of democratic political reform and Scottish independence, are recognised in the monument at Old Calton Cemetery.

“However, the trumped up charge by the notorious Lord Braxfield of ‘unconscious sedition’ still stands against the names of Muir, Palmer, Skirving, Margarot and Gerrald. It is time to set the record straight”

Mr Salmond delivered the inaugural Thomas Muir lecture at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday (24th August).

He Continued:

“This 250th anniversary of Muir’s birth is an opportunity to re-examine the historical record with a view to pointing the way to a better future for Scotland.

“Robert Burns penned Scots Wha Hae on the day that Muir was tried in late August 1793. Burns wrote to his publisher George Thomson that he had been inspired by Bruce’s struggle for freedom ‘associated with glowing ideas of some other struggles of the same nature not quite so ancient’. That is the clearest possible reference to Muir’s trial and the Friends of the People movement.

“For Burns and for Muir the radical cause of reform and progress was inextricably linked with the national cause in Scotland. So it is for this generation.

“In his speech before the Court of Judiciary, Muir said: ‘Gentlemen, from infancy to this moment I have devoted myself to the cause of the people. It is a good cause – it shall ultimately prevail – it shall finally triumph’.

“His friend William Skirving said from the dock: ‘I know that what has been done these two days will be rejudged’.

“We have the ability to do this in Scotland and we should do it now to reclaim the position of these founders of democracy in Scotland.”

Mr Salmond praised Elaine Henry of Word Power Books in Edinburgh who organised the lecture and Murray Armstrong, author of “The Liberty Tree”, a historical novel, which recounts the story of John Muir and the Friends of John Muir who have campaigned to place this founding father of Scottish democratic reform back to prominence.

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Simeon Throws Open Doors To New Care Home

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus Mix.

Simeon Care for the Elderly is celebrating the completion of its innovative new care home by throwing open its doors to the public. Construction of the building in Bieldside, Aberdeen, began in January last year and prompted the biggest fundraising drive in the charity’s history.

As part of the MBC Festival, Simeon is inviting the public to have a guided tour of the new Simeon House as part of their Strawberry Tea Open Day celebrations on Sunday, August 30, from 2pm to 4pm.

This is a joint event with their neighbours, Cairnlee House, a Camphill School community for young adults with learning disabilities.

The home, built on land at Cairnlee Road, designed by Camphill Architects, features dementia-friendly design and a commitment to energy efficient technology.

Gayle Johnston, Simeon’s fundraising manager, said:

“It is incredible that we have finally reached this moment, and we are so grateful to everyone that has helped us. The kindness and generosity of individuals, community groups, charitable trusts and local businesses has enabled us to get here and we are so excited to show everyone around the new Simeon House.

“The new home will boost our capacity and allow us to enhance our service to the elderly. All of our residents are looking forward to the open day and of course, to moving into Simeon House next month. This is a tremendous milestone for us and we can’t wait to share it with the public.”

The open day will also feature tours of the charity’s Golden Garden, workshop demonstrations at Cairnlee House, as well as a range of fun activities from a bouncy castle and face painting to a variety of stalls.

The Golden Garden was made possible thanks to £45,000 in funding from the Big Lottery Fund after Simeon won 10,500 votes from the public via the ITV People’s Millions. Designed by Dr Garuth Chalfont, an acclaimed expert in the design, research and use of healing gardens, the garden features therapeutic landscaping and dementia-friendly spaces.

Gayle added:

“We are in the process of creating our Golden Garden and it is coming along beautifully, including our first landmark, a golden bicycle. We have been very thankful for the help we have received from companies and community groups and are still on the lookout for assistance with weeding, planting shrubs and clearing paths among other things.

“If you are keen to get involved, please contact me on 01224 865820 or gayle@simeoncare.org.uk. The Golden Garden will complement the new home so well and we hope that people take the chance to come along and see what has been achieved.”

Parking on-site is restricted with visitors advised to park on Baillieswells Road or adjacent residential streets.

More Info:

Simeon Care for the Elderly has been meeting the needs of older people for 30 years. Simeon’s philosophy of care, compassion and companionship supports older people to have an active, meaningful and purposeful life in a community setting and provides dignified and compassionate care and end of life care, supporting the individual as well as their families. The independent charity is part of the Camphill Movement and one of seven Camphill charities in Aberdeen.

The Big Lottery Fund supports the aspirations of people who want to make life better for their communities across the UK. We are responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery for good causes and invest over £650 million a year in projects big and small in health, education, environment and charitable purposes.

Since June 2004 we have awarded over £8 billion to projects that make a difference to people and communities in need, from early years intervention to commemorative travel funding for World War Two veterans. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £33 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.

Bon Accord & St Nicholas Celebrates Birthday In Style

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus Mix.

Thousands of shoppers came together at the weekend to celebrate a city centre shopping mall’s 25th birthday.
Bon Accord & St Nicholas celebrated the milestone on Saturday (August 22) with a day of fun filled events that saw staff, both old and new, retailers and visitors step back to the 90s to mark the anniversary.

Visitors flocked to the Bon Accord mall to join in the fun, with a pop-up 90s museum, retro games, competitions, and a throwback to the fashion of the times proving popular.

The party atmosphere continued throughout the weekend, with 90s films and music being played, helping visitors gain a glimpse of what life was like when the centre was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in August, 1990.

This weekend’s Celebrate Aberdeen event also rolled into the centre, with performances from the Tranquillity Wild West re-enactment group, Create Rock Choir, Sweet Adelines barbershop choir and folk singer Iona Fyfe adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic weekend and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who visited us over the two days. The mall was a buzz of excitement and it was great to see so many help us celebrate our 25th birthday in style.

“The retro arcade games proved really popular with visitors, so much so that we’re keeping them within the mall for the next week. The Celebrate Aberdeen weekend also added something extra to our line-up of activities and there really was something for everyone.

“It’s not every day a shopping centre turns 25 and I think that we’ve definitely managed to mark this milestone in style. Bon Accord & St Nicholas remains at the heart of the city’s retail scene and we’ll look to continue to develop and innovate to ensure that this remains the case in the coming years.

The centre’s celebrations will continue throughout September, with a number of the retro arcade games and parts of the exhibition being present in the mall across the coming weeks. For more information, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores. Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

New Style Scottish Women’s Institutes Inspire

Aberdeen City, Community No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

In cities, towns and rural areas of Scotland, a new generation of women is discovering for the first time the appeal of the Scottish Women’s Institute.

They are trying activities like speed crafting, going on brewery trips, making cocktails and learning to play the ukulele at new branches that have popped in Leith, Shawlands, Aberdeen and Dervaig on the Isle of Mull.

Moves to introduce the SWI to a broader reach of women have led to the birth of pilot meetings which are being trialled in different parts of Scotland.

These less formal gatherings have been encouraging women to meet with other like-minded women to make friendships and learn new skills and interests at times of the day and week that best suit their lifestyles.

The latest pilot to get off the ground is in Aberdeen which held its first meeting on Wednesday, August 19, inspired by the new style groups that are taking root elsewhere in Scotland.

Ann Milne, the driving force behind the Granite City’s Deen Divas says:

“There has been tremendous interest in an informal group of women getting together to socialise, enjoy shared interests and above all have fun. About 40 people attend our first meeting and we’re looking forward to developing and growing in the coming months.”

Leith SWI is part of the new generation SWI with Facebook taking the place of committee meetings and cocktail making and ukulele lessons among its meeting themes.

Member Dawn Endean says:

“It’s about people getting together because they want to make friends. We do whatever people fancy doing.”

Dervaig Divas held its first meeting in a pub in the north of the island of Mull and has been the brainchild of the SWI’s Sheelagh Still who finds it refreshing to go forward with younger people’s ideas, input and enthusiasm.

Says Sheelagh:

“We recognise that women want flexibility and may wish to dip in and out of meetings as their other commitments allow. It’s great to see new interest being generated in the SWI.”

Shawlands in Glasgow launched its new-style SWI on Sunday, 23rd August with plans to focus on women’s safety, alongside crafts and baking.

Angela Tamburrini of Shawlands sought out a local SWI to learn more about homecrafts and baking, but with none near her home decided to do something about it by forming a new group.

“That was at the beginning of June and I’ve had 80 women register their interest,” explains Angela.

“Activities will be whatever the majority want but will include speakers to talk about topics such as women’s safety.

“Some of the talent out there is gobsmacking and some of the ladies are happy to do demonstrations like make jewellery, quiltmaking, baking, decoupage, paper crafts.

“I’d also like to help women improve their employment prospects and am thinking about getting someone from a recruitment background to give their CVs a health check – for free of course!”

SWI national chairwoman Christine Hutton is encouraged to see new members coming on board and taking an interest in the organisation and says it bodes well for the future.

Christine adds:

“The SWI will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2017 and to see fresh blood coming in, and new institutes being formed, is a positive step in the right direction.”

The new style meetings have come about as part of the rebranding of the movement introduced earlier this year to address the organisation’s ageing membership and to inspire women to join an organisation more reflective of modern lives where women work, have family and busy lifestyles.

The word ‘Rural’ has been dropped from the name, to reflect the growing membership in urban areas, while a new logo has been designed to give a fresh look along with the strapline ‘Women Together’. A new website has also been launched making it easier to search for Institutes.

Flexible meetings at different times of the day and in different venues are being trialled with new Institutes encouraged to take up themes and activities that reflect their own interests, lifestyles and communities, alongside existing SWI groups where education and training in home skills, family welfare, citizenship and friendship remain the key aims.

The new groups complement the existing network of traditional meetings that have been held all over Scotland since the organisation’s foundations in 1917.

The SWI remains one of Scotland’s most loved institutions with a membership of around 17,700 women.

For more details of how to find your nearest institute, or advice on how to set up a new one, visit www.swi.org or go to its Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/ScottishWomensInstitutes

Social Housing Completions Up By 20%

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Kenneth Hutchison, Parliamentary Assistant to Dr. Eilidh Whiteford MP

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has welcomed new figures showing a 20% increase in the number of social sector homes built over the past seven years.
The figures, obtained from a parliamentary question, show that in the last seven years of the Labour-LibDem administration (2000-01 to 2006-07) 28,988 homes for social rent were completed.

In the last seven years of the SNP government, 34,633 social rent homes have been completed – 19.5% more than in the last seven years of the Labour-led executive.

The Scottish Government has pledged an ambitious 30,000 affordable homes to be built by the end of this Parliament, and is on target to deliver with 26,972 affordable homes already built since 2011-12 – 90% of its target. This includes 18,670 homes for social rent – 93% of the Scottish Government’s social rent target, and comes despite real terms cuts to Scotland’s block grant from Westminster.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“These figures demonstrate the Scottish Government’s commitment to regenerating Scotland’s social housing sector.

“Despite cuts of 26% to our capital budget from the UK Government, the SNP has made affordable housing a priority, and the Scottish Government is doing everything in its power to address the massive waiting lists which developed under successive Conservative and Labour administrations. Indeed, in their last four years in power, Labour built just four council houses in the whole of Scotland,

“Everyone deserves a warm, affordable place to live, and the SNP is committed to ensuring a steady supply of new social housing. The Scottish Government is already on track to deliver 30,000 affordable homes by the end of this Parliament, including 20,000 homes for social rent.”

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Celebrate Aberdeen Takes Over The Granite City

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus Mix.

The Granite City was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour at the weekend as a celebratory event took over Aberdeen.

Supporters lined the street on Saturday (August 22) as festivities kicked off with the Celebrate Aberdeen Union Street Mile for youngsters and competing adults, before more than 100 charities, social enterprises and volunteering organisations united in a colourful procession along Union Street to the Castlegate.

Organisers have hailed Celebrate Aberdeen, which is now in its fifth year, as a tremendous success as the sun shone down on the city centre.

Morven Mackenzie, director of Aberdeen based integrated communications agency Citrus:Mix, the leading force behind Celebrate Aberdeen, said she was delighted with the public’s response to the weekend.

She said:

“There is so much to be proud of in Aberdeen, from our charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations and the people that keep them going – to the talented local performers and groups. It has been fantastic to see the way that Celebrate Aberdeen has grown over the past few years and the weekend was such fun.

“The colour, noise and happiness of the parade really was great and we would like to thank all the supporters who came along to cheer on those who took part. We were delighted to provide a platform to highlight all of these organisations and the hard work they do in the city centre on a daily basis.

“It was lovely to see people of all ages enjoying the performances and activities that were on throughout the weekend, which really brought such a sense of community to Aberdeen.”

Performers during the weekend included award winning traditional folk singer Iona Fyfe, local sensation Best Girl Athlete, acclaimed musician Colin Clyne and Scottish rockers Uniform.

They were joined by local favourites The Lorelei, entertainer Samyouel, the Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines, Aberdeen Rock Choir, Acoustified and the Wrestlezone team among others.

Celebrate Aberdeen burst into life in 2011, with the aim of celebrating and supporting the third sector in the Granite City. The colourful event was a huge success bringing together more than 3,500 people from 130 different third sector organisations, to highlight the hard work they carry out.

The 2012 and 2013 parades were hugely popular, with numbers building each year. The organisers decided to alter the format of Celebrate Aberdeen in 2014 to build on the success of the parade, but with the same ultimate aim; to unite people in a positive manner to celebrate the great people of Aberdeen.

A host of performers and community groups took to stages at various venues throughout the city centre to entertain attendees for the Celebrate Aberdeen gathering, which was enjoyed by both locals and visitors to the city.

The parade was brought back this year and marked the start of an entertaining weekend packed full of fun, performers and above all, celebration.

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