Millions in external funding help deliver projects across Aberdeenshire

Millions of pounds of external funding have been secured and managed by Aberdeenshire Council over the past year, helping to deliver a wide range of projects that are making a real difference to communities across the region.

A new report highlighting the work of the investments and projects team within the council’s Economic Development Service during the past financial year was welcomed by councillors at a recent meeting of the Infrastructure Services Committee.

They heard that the team plays a vital role in securing, administering and monitoring external funding – largely from the Scottish and UK Governments – to support council-led projects and provide grants to community groups, third sector organisations and businesses.

Over the last year, the team managed significant external funding allocations including £377,000 from Crown Estate Scotland’s Coastal Communities Challenge Fund, £946,000 from the Scottish Government’s Rural Community Led Local Development Fund and £4.9 million from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Through the processing of 111 grant applications and 217 grant claims, around £3.8 million of external funding supported the delivery of 130 projects throughout Aberdeenshire. 

These ranged from the creation and improvement of sports facilities, paths and green spaces, to enhancements at tourism, culture and heritage sites. Funding also supported energy efficiency and refurbishment works, business development, employability and skills programmes, advice services for communities and businesses, poverty alleviation initiatives and feasibility studies.

The team also focused on securing essential new funding through competitive bids, particularly to support Aberdeenshire’s harbours and maritime industries via Marine Fund Scotland and to bring in additional match funding for Levelling Up Fund projects in Macduff and Peterhead. 

Alongside £11.5 million already secured for Levelling Up projects in 2024–25, a further £500,000 was successfully brought in through three additional funding applications.

Further support was provided for the development of the Neighbourhood Plan for Towns, which will see a £20 million investment in Peterhead over a 10-year period through UK Government funding. The team also ensured the council met its responsibilities as an accountable body, provided guidance to services delivering funded projects and carried out 90 subsidy control risk assessments to ensure compliance with legislation.

Welcoming the tremendous achievements, Infrastructure Services Committee chair Cllr Alan Turner said: “This is an excellent example of how effective partnership working and strong financial management can bring real benefits to Aberdeenshire. Whether it’s a multi-million-pound investment or a smaller community grant, external funding can make a huge difference to local facilities, services and opportunities. The work of the Investments and Projects Team has helped turn funding into tangible improvements that people can see and feel in their communities.

“Looking ahead, the team is already working on the coming year’s funding opportunities and will continue to support colleagues and partners to identify new funding opportunities. A key to that will be the creation of a continuous improvement project which will streamline grant processes, reduce the administrative burden for both applicants and ourselves while maintaining robust oversight.

"Together, these efforts will ensure Aberdeenshire continues to make the most of external funding, delivering lasting benefits for residents, communities and local businesses across the area.”

These projects included: 

•    The creation/enhancement of sports facilities in Ellon, Fraserburgh, Inverbervie, Insch, Inverurie, Peterhead, Portsoy, Stonehaven and Turriff

•    The development of paths and green spaces in Aboyne Castle Woods; between Aboyne and Glentanar; Greenmyres near Huntly; Strichen Community Park; paths between Torphins and Banchory; and Turriff Haughs

•    Improvements to tourism, culture and heritage sites at Banff Castle, Cruden Bay, Macduff Marine Aquarium, Mill of Benholm, Newburgh Beach, Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum, St. Brandan’s Kirykard, Strichen Town House, the Scottish Sculpture Workshop and the Barn, Banchory

•    Energy efficiency, refurbishment and/or parking enhancements for facilities including Apex Church, Peterhead; Banff, Macduff & District Men's Shed; Boyndie Visitor Centre; Chapel of Garioch Village Hall; Gordon Rural Action Community Hub; Inverallochy Golf Club; MACBI; Oldmeldrum Legion; St. Cyrus Church; and Stonehaven Golf Club

•    Investment in business development at Fly Cup Catering, Greenmyres & Number 30, Huntly and Summerhouse Drinks as well as grants to tourism, food and drink companies and start-up businesses

•    Support and advice services to businesses, whether sector-specific (food and drink/tourism), thematic (digital) or community-based entrepreneurship support.

•    Support and advice to community organisations on business planning, project development and wider sustainability measures

•    Support and advice services and wider poverty alleviation assistance to households through the Aberdeenshire Support and Advice Team, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux and community and third sector organisations

•    Employability and skills development support, including numeracy and English as a Second or Other language

•    Feasibility support for the development of community facilities, district heating, flood defences/sewerage, paths, open spaces and sports facilities