Aberdeenshire Council welcomes activation of community-led CCTV network
Aberdeenshire Council has welcomed the activation of a community-led CCTV network in Ellon.
The network is the first in the town and features six cameras in town centre locations, offering the possibility of future extension if required.
The project was led by Ythan Community Council in partnership with local businesses, Police Scotland, and community groups, and was supported by funding from Aberdeenshire Council.
The network, which cost just under £30,000 to deliver, was mainly funded via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which awarded £22,319 for the scheme.
A further £4,521 was allocated by Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine area committee, boosted by an additional £3,006 through the council’s developer obligations process. The cameras were installed by north-east firm Scot-Tech Fire & Security.
Cllr Iain Taylor, chair of the Formartine Area Committee, said: “The committee was very pleased to be able to support this very community-minded project and we commend the efforts of Ythan Community Council and everybody else that has been involved.
“This is a great example of partnership working, and I am sure the new CCTV system will enhance the confidence of businesses and visitors alike to know that the community takes the principles of safety and security so seriously.”
The support of local businesses and the wider community has been crucial to the project, with the siting of the cameras agreed in discussion with Ellon Area Business Community, Ellon Baptist Church, New Inn Hotel, Sharon McVey, Shepherd Properties, Ythan Bakery, and the W H Bruce Trust.
Gary Macalister, Chair of Ythan Community Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the CCTV project has now gone live and that we have demonstrated how the Community Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Police Scotland can work together for the benefit of the community, making it significantly more secure in the process.”
Police Scotland will be able to access footage captured by the system if required. Inspector Barry Stewart, of the Formartine Community Policing Team, said: "We welcome the investment of a new multi-camera digital CCTV system for Ellon town centre, after years of work by Ythan Community Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Police Scotland.
“This project wouldn’t have been successful without the co-operation of local businesses allowing cameras to be mounted at their respective premises, ensuring the best possible coverage.
“Ellon has always been a safe and pleasant place to live and work, and we believe this valuable asset will only enhance those positives by ensuring people feel safe within the community.”
Graeme Gordon, CEO of Converged Solution Group, which includes Scot-Tech Fire & Security, said: “It’s been fantastic to see Scot-Tech Fire & Security, as part of the Converged Solution Group, play a key role in the Ellon CCTV project alongside Ythan Community Council, Aberdeenshire Council and Police Scotland.
“This installation is part of a wider programme of town-centre CCTV deployments we’ve delivered across Aberdeenshire, and I’m proud of how well our team has worked with community partners to enhance public safety in Ellon. The systems we deliver and support make a visible, positive impact in communities like this.”
Pictured from left are Ythan Community Council Secretary Ann Gammack, Ythan Community Council Chair Gary Macalister, Scot-Tech Engineer Dave Cameron, Police Scotland Insp Barry Stewart, Scot-Tech Engineer Gary Wight.