Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee last week reflected on five years of transformational investment that has supported 38 projects across the region since 2021 – unlocking total investment of around £20 million and delivering lasting benefits in towns and villages throughout the region.

While the PBIP programme has now concluded, there is strong optimism that its success will pave the way for future funding opportunities. The achievements of the past five years demonstrate the powerful impact of targeted investment, strong partnership working and dedicated officer support in helping communities bring forward ambitious, transformational projects.

The area received the fourth-highest PBIP allocation in Scotland, recognising its population size, number of towns and levels of deprivation. The funding has been used not only effectively but innovatively, supporting a wide range of community-led projects.

From breathing life back into cherished landmarks to creating modern shared spaces, PBIP has helped turn community vision into reality. Standout achievements include the restoration of the iconic pavilion at Tarlair Lido, the ongoing transformation of Victoria Park in Peterhead, the re-opening of the Alford Valley Community Railway, the development of a new community hub in Edzell Woods and the award-winning regeneration of Number 30 in Huntly.

These projects – and many more – were supported because they clearly demonstrated how they would enhance their local areas, making them more welcoming, accessible and resilient. The programme’s reach has been extensive, with investment across all six administrative areas and all ten of Aberdeenshire’s main towns. 

Importantly, the majority of funding was directed to external community groups, with only seven projects delivered internally, highlighting the council’s commitment to empowering local people to lead change in their own areas.

Councillors heard that the programme’s success is reflected not only in the physical improvements delivered, but also in the economic and social value created. It is estimated that for every £1 of PBIP funding invested, around £8.30 in socio-economic benefit has been generated. In addition, eight projects have collectively achieved at least 16 national and local awards or nominations, underlining the quality and impact of the work delivered.

Aberdeenshire has also been recognised nationally for its approach, receiving commendations from the Scottish Government and the Improvement Service for the strength and diversity of its project portfolio.

The council has successfully managed the programme over its five-year lifetime, without returning any funding to the Scottish Government, placing it among a small number of local authorities to achieve this.

Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Alan Turner, said: “The Place Based Investment Programme has made a real tangible difference to communities and places across the length and breadth of Aberdeenshire. Over the last five years, we’ve been delighted to support some remarkable schemes led by creative and innovative community leaders across the area.

“We’ve invested in projects to help create more inviting, accessible and resilient places across the region and I would urge governments to place more faith in the capabilities of communities to affect transformational change and develop more funding programmes like this one in the future.

“We know how much people value the places in which they live, so to see all this investment already making such a difference is so heartening. Furthermore, the projects which we have been able to support will continue for many years to come and have long-term positive benefits to the places and communities which host them.” 

The projects which have been supported by the Place Based Investment Programme since 2021 are:

•    Aboyne Station Square Enhancements (Mid Deeside Community Trust)
•    Alford Valley Community Railway Phase (AVCR Ltd) – 2 phases
•    Ballater Village Greens Enhancement Project (Ballater RD Limited)
•    Bridge Street Enhancements, Banff (Aberdeenshire Council)
•    Broch Skate and Wheeled Sports Park, Fraserburgh (Broch Skate Club)
•    Caroline’s Well Wood Access Improvements, Ellon (Aberdeenshire Council)
•    Edzell Woods Community Hub (Edzell Woods Community Trust) 
•    Ellon Community Allotments (Ellon Community Allotments SCIO)
•    Ellon Wheel Park (Ellon Wheel Park Group SCIO)
•    Haughton Park Bike Pump Track & All Ability Trails, Alford (Friends of Haughton Park)
•    Huntly Heart (Deveron Projects)
•    Huntly Town Centre Community CCTV (Huntly Community Council)
•    Improving Access to Westhill’s Green Public Spaces (Westhill & Elrick Community Council / Aberdeenshire Council)
•    John Trail Hotel Redevelopment, Fraserburgh (North East Scotland Preservation Trust) – 4 phases
•    Kirk Brae Public Realm Improvements, Fraserburgh (Aberdeenshire Council)
•    Lokali Localised E-commerce App, Inverurie (We Are Inverurie BID)
•    Macduff Cross Enhancements (Aberdeenshire Council)
•    Macduff Marine Aquarium (Aberdeenshire Council) – 2 awards
•    Mill of Benholm, Johnshaven (Mill of Benholm Enterprise)
•    Number 30 The Square, Huntly (Huntly Development Trust) – 2 awards
•    Portsoy Green Travel & Fitness Hub (Portsoy & District Community Council)
•    Property Investment Fund (Aberdeenshire Council) – 2 projects
•    Stonehaven Youth Club Building (K&M Youth Clubs SCIO)
•    Strichen Town House Project (Strichen Town House Trust SCIO)
•    Tarlair Pavilion Redevelopment, Macduff (Friends of Tarlair) – 2 awards
•    The Haughs Improved Access Project, Turriff (Aberdeenshire Council)
•    Tillybrake Sports Complex Upgrade, Banchory (Banchory Community Football Club)
•    Victoria Park, Peterhead (Peterhead Area Community Trust) – 3 phases
•    55 Gordon Street, Huntly Refurbishment (Gordon Rural Action)