Local Context

Aberdeenshire is a diverse and vibrant region in the North East of Scotland with a strong sense of identity. Our communities are welcoming, safe and culturally diverse. The economy is prosperous and attractive to investors, employers and employees. Our natural environment is the envy of the world, truly capturing the very best from mountain to sea.  The council’s vision sets out our high level aspirations for the outcomes we wish to achieve with and for our communities. This vision has been in place since 2007 and is embedded across the organisation.

We are an ambitious council with key strengths that we believe add value to our communities. Our priorities are designed to provide clear direction, based on evidence and consultation that support the aspirations of communities. We value our people first and foremost and provide strength and stability in all that we do. We work effectively with a large number of partners and deliver positive outcomes better as a result of integrated and joined-up working. However, we are not complacent; we recognise there is much to be done. There are many strengths in our performance, and we recognise that we must focus on prioritised areas where we need to make improvements. We reflect on our own performance and plan accordingly, demonstrating a keen capacity for self-improvement. As a council, we aim to provide value in all that we do. 

Aberdeenshire is the fourth largest geographic council area in Scotland, and fifth largest in terms of population. It is predominantly rural, with 16 towns and 147 settlements. Peterhead, the largest fishing port in Europe, is our largest settlement with over 19,000 residents. It is important that Aberdeenshire Council ensures the services that it and its partners deliver, are tailored to support the changing needs of its communities – whether in larger towns or in the remoter glens of the Cairngorms National Park.  

Aberdeenshire’s population is expected to increase significantly in the next 20 years – the fifth highest increase in Scotland. Aberdeenshire households are expected to increase to 128,752 by 2041, from 111,156 in 2008. Currently 28% of households are home to at least one child and approximately 13% are occupied by a single person over 65. Although a growth in population offers opportunities, it is anticipated there will be challenges at both ends of the age spectrum in future years, affecting services including health and social care, education and childcare.  

Whilst Aberdeenshire continues to have a positive economic climate, private sector rents and house prices are unaffordable in most parts of the area for those on low or average incomes. This means the supply of affordable housing remains a challenge, as identified in Aberdeen City and Shire Housing Need and Demand Assessment (2017), and this has a tangible impact on attracting and retaining key workers, such as teachers and health visitors. The council continues to work with partners to ensure provision of quality, affordable, inclusive housing with recognition of the need for diverse housing provision, for a range of needs.   

The challenges for the public sector are clear – diminishing resources and greater demands on services mean that public services are under pressure. The challenge is being met head on in Aberdeenshire through a focus on collaboration with partners and communities, a drive on service design, and a medium-term financial strategy that underpins all our activity.