Thousands of granite setts sourced from Aberdeenshire are set to be installed on Union Street Central in Aberdeen in the coming months, marking a major milestone in the city's ongoing regeneration efforts.

The light grey cassies, or cobblestones, are being provided by Moray-based firm Tennants Elgin Ltd as part of the City Centre and Beach Masterplan. Around 1,000 tonnes of the locally sourced granite will be laid as new surfacing, complementing Aberdeen’s historic granite architecture while also supporting a North East business.

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: "The Union Street works are taking place at the same time and are alongside the construction for the new market building so it will be an exciting moment when Aberdeenshire granite setts are placed on the surface.

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"Alongside the city centre works which will also include the Castlegate after the Tall Ships event is finished, the beachfront is continuing to get its biggest redevelopment for 35 years. Once finished, these developments will make a major difference to the city."

Fellow Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill added: "The city centre and beach areas will be significantly improved through the agreed construction works. These are major investments to upgrade the city for the benefit of all.

"It is great to see a North East firm is providing the granite setts for Union Street Central. Selecting a local business that offers high-quality products is an important way to support our regional economy. This project is good for our area."

The cutting process involves breaking down large granite boulders using two grades of saws before carving the stone into precise setts. Each boulder yields between 150 and 200 finished cobbles.

Gavin Tennant, managing director of Tennants Elgin Ltd, said: "Our granite is very high quality and we take care and pride in our work which takes the raw stone from our own quarries and then to Elgin to shape them into whatever size and shape is required for a particular project.

"We have an ongoing supply stone for the La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and have provided stone for Oxford University, Edinburgh University, and St Andrews University and it’s good to finally have a project in Aberdeen.

"It's not very often we get to see the product in its finished state and we are honoured we will be seeing local granite setts on Union Street on Aberdeen and the small part we have played in that process."