Communities being encouraged to share views on new festive lights policy for Aberdeenshire
Residents, community groups and organisations across Aberdeenshire are being encouraged to have their say on a proposed new festive lights policy which would give local communities greater freedom and control over festive displays in their towns and villages.
Aberdeenshire Council has launched a public engagement survey following an initial review of its current festive lights arrangements, with proposals aimed at moving from a centrally-defined model to a more flexible, community-led approach that puts local people at the heart of decision-making.
The survey runs until August 31 and can be found online at: https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/festive-lighting-policy-review-2
The proposed policy has been developed in response to feedback from community groups who have called for greater flexibility to create festive displays that reflect the unique character, culture and identity of their communities.
If approved, the revised framework would allow community groups to apply to install festive lights on any street within their settlement, rather than being restricted to town centres or high-footfall locations as is currently the case.
Locations would generally be approved provided installations do not compromise the safety of road users or pedestrians.
Key proposals include:
- Removing restrictions on where festive lights can be erected, subject to safety considerations and the suitability of lighting columns
- Allowing communities to fund upgrades to lighting columns where required to support festive displays
- Retaining a council-funded annual electricity allocation, capped at approximately £12,500, based on 2024/25 costs
- Introducing a fairer and more transparent population-based formula for allocating funded electricity across settlements
- Introducing future charges for communities whose electricity usage exceeds their allocated share, with transitional arrangements for areas affected by the changes
- Setting electricity costs for additional usage on a five-year basis, with community groups being invoiced in advance
The proposed changes would not come into effect this year. Any new arrangements would be introduced from winter 2027, allowing time for communities to prepare and for transitional arrangements to be agreed where required.
Earlier this year, Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee heard how a community-led framework could empower communities to decide where festive displays are located while also providing greater opportunities to expand or adapt displays to suit local needs and aspirations.
The proposals would also support the council’s full cost recovery policy, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of festive lighting arrangements while maintaining a clear and transparent allocation of responsibilities between the council and community groups.
Under the revised policy, Aberdeenshire Council would continue to fund a fixed annual contribution towards electricity costs, distributed proportionally based on settlement population. However, where communities choose to expand displays beyond their allocation, the associated additional costs would be met locally.
The review has also highlighted that some existing lighting columns, particularly aluminium columns, are unsuitable for carrying festive decorations. Where replacement with steel columns, additional infrastructure or electrical upgrades are required, these costs would be the responsibility of community groups.
Infrastructure Services Committee chair, Councillor Alan Turner, said: “These revisions are about putting communities firmly at the centre of decision-making and giving them a much stronger voice in how festive displays are developed in their own towns and villages.
"These proposals are designed to provide much more flexibility and local choice.
“It’s very important that we get as many views as possible from communities the length and breadth of Aberdeenshire.
"Whether you’re involved in organising festive lights, part of a community group or simply someone who enjoys seeing your town or village lit up during the festive season, I would encourage you to take part in the survey and share your views with us.”
