News

Aberdeenshire Council has been undertaking a programme of education to encourage motorists to avoid pavement parking, double parking or parking at dropped kerbs and has seen a marked improvement across the region.

However, from November 4th 2025, motorists who continue to flout the ban will be fined £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

The ban was introduced to create safer and more accessible spaces for pedestrians as pavement parking can force people onto roads and increases the risk of accidents.

Reports of persistent pavement parking have prompted the council to take enforcement action and teams will be visiting known problem areas in the coming weeks.

Motorists are encouraged to check details of the ban and local exemptions at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/pavementparking.

Aberdeenshire Council's Matchmaker Scheme allows owners of empty properties to list them for free with the council then able to share details with potential buyers who register an interest.

The scheme is designed for owners of properties which may have been empty for some time, may require renovation to bring them up to standard or where owners simply don't know how to start to make properties suitable for sale.

A range of information on energy efficiency improvement grants and discount schemes available to owners of empty properties has been gathered, alongside general information and advice on maintenance, repairs and renovation.

Owners bringing an empty property back into use may be eligble for council tax discounts and offers from companies of discounted products and services.

For more information and to register or view empty properties please go to www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/matchmaker.

Local Holidays for 2026 in the Banff and Buchan area are:

Monday 9th February

Monday 6th April

Monday 4th May (May Day)

Monday 7th September

Monday 12th October

Trades Fortnight: Monday 6th July - Friday 17th July

Aberdeenshire Council has confirmed it will be introducing permanent 20mph speed limits in built up areas within its communities.

From Monday 22nd September 2025, road users will have to lower their speed on many routes previously covered by 30mph speed limits.  The decision follows the Scottish Government's commitment to see all appropriate roads in built-up areas have safer speed limits by the end of 2025.  This national strategy seeks to introduce a consistency for 20mph speed limits across the country.  Associated costs with the implementation of this programme are covered by Transport Scotland.

Due to environmental regulations being enforced by SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency), Aberdeenshire Council must now handle waste upholstered seating differently to protect the environment.

These items may contain Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) - harmful chemicals that must be destroyed safely by incineration and kept separate from other items of waste and recycling streams.

What are POPs?

Persistent Organic Pollutants are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate in the food chain, and pose a risk to the environment.  They are commonly found in older upholstered domestic seating and include flame retardants, plasticisers and dyes.  Regulatory measures introduced by SEPA now require special handling and disposal of these items.

What is affected?

All waste upholstered seating is affected by these regulations - anything that is designed to be sat on including:

sofas, sofa beds, armchairs, kitchen/dining room chairs, home office chairs, futons, beanbags, stools and footstools, floor and sofa cushions, highchairs with upholstery, electric recling chairs.

This list includes any part made of or containing leather, synthetic leather, fabric or foam.

Beds and mattresses are not included.

With regards to the household recycling centres, we are advising customers to do the following:

• Please check before visiting which sites can accept these items.


• Portsoy, Alford & Insch cannot accept any due to space limitations.


• Rips and tears should be taped up prior to deposit


• Use the skips marked for upholstered seating - if you need assistance, speak to site staff


• Follow instructions provided by site staff


• Any incorrectly disposed of upholstered item could lead to extra disposal costs to the council and potential loss of recyclable materials

Further information is available through the council website, on-site and through social media channels.