Eight town centres across Aberdeenshire have benefited from a health check to assess their strengths, vitality and viability, weaknesses and resilience.

Aboyne, Alford, Kemnay, Laurencekirk, Mintlaw, Oldmeldrum, Portlethen and Westhill were analysed by Aberdeenshire Council on a range of factors which contribute to successful town centres and indicate good standards of vitality and viability.

There were also further reviews of the previously health-checked towns of Banchory, Banff, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Huntly, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff and Macduff.

Aberdeenshire Council's Planning Information and Delivery Team alongside on-site assessment surveyed public opinions on a wide range of themes which will provide an insight into the economic, social and environmental factors which play such a critical part in the vitality of town centres.

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The engagement enables residents, businesses and community partners to directly comment on a number of aspects of their town centres which builds up a clear picture of the health of a particular town to complement the survey work that will be undertaken by officers.

Paul Macari, Head of Planning and Economy, said: "Since we launched our pilot scheme in Inverurie back in 2021 we have now undertaken 18 town centre health checks across Aberdeenshire and a further review of the initial towns surveyed.

"Regular health checks are used to inform our development plans and decision-making on future planning applications, but they are also vital in monitoring a town centre's performance which is helpful for determining future investment.

"While not providing a definitive overview of the well-being of a town centre, the reports highlight where there has been evidence of changes since the previous health check and help us as a council identify actions which can be undertaken to maintain and improve services and amenities."