News

The winners of the 2025/6 town quaichs have now accepted their awards.

James Kazmarek was presented with the Banff Quaich on the 18th April 2026.

Natasha Watt was presented with the Macduff Quaich on the 20th March 2026.

Congratulations and thanks go to both for their outstanding contributions to the communities of Banff and Macduff.

Please find below some useful emergency contacts from Aberdeenshire Council to access assistance during times of extreme weather, emergency situations or prolonged power outage.

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