Proposals to transform an area of public space in Aberdeenshire has been met with positive feedback from the local community.

A public consultation was held in relation to plans to regenerate Banchory's Scott Skinner Square, with many people in attendance to share their views.

Those behind the plans, DUFI – Fin Macrae and Alister MacInnes – are now working alongside council officers, the Banchory Town Centre Improvement Group and Woodend Barn to progress the project further.

The duo are responsible for designing the refurbishment of the square into an attractive and vibrant civic space which would become a focal point for Banchory town centre.

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Following the consultation, planning applications for changes to the square, such as the entrance and lighting columns, are to be submitted in the coming weeks with the aim of having the improvements carried out by Autumn 2014. Plans are also underway for phase two of the project which will look at a new brand identity for the town.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council's Policy & Resources Committee, Councillor Jim Gifford, explained: "DUFI worked hard to engage with local people throughout the process and it is great to see that has paid off with positive feedback on their proposals.

"There were a large number of constructive comments and suggestions and these are all being considered by the artists ahead of the project moving forward with the submission of planning applications."

Committee vice-chair, Councillor Martin Kitts-Hayes, added: "This is an important project for Banchory and we are keen that it continues to move forward.

"Al and Fin are working alongside a number of council services to make sure these changes for Scott Skinner Square can be realised as soon as possible."

(JP/IT)