Aberdeen has made it a hat-trick of wins after the city scooped the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for the third year in a row.
Led by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired with support from Aberdeen City Council, Police Scotland, Unight and other key stakeholders, the city has achieved the coveted standard in recognition of its commitment to promoting a safe and secure night time economy.
Aberdeen became the first city in Scotland to be awarded the accreditation in 2014 and has now been re-accredited for the third time after it was praised for its strong partnership working alongside its vibrant mix of late night entertainment.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “This award is fantastic news for the city of Aberdeen and highlights the major strides made in recent years to maintain the city as one of the safest, secure and vibrant places to visit at night, not only in Scotland but across the UK.
“Aberdeen Inspired has been delighted to work with the bid’s contributing partners towards this achievement and I’d like to thank them for their input and passion towards building a better city for all those that use it on a regular basis.
“Purple Flag accreditation is very much a legacy project for us as we move towards our re-ballot in February and, should the outcome of this be successful, we will continue to devote considerable effort into ensuring that these high standards are enhanced. The city’s night time economy has an integral part to play in helping us meet our goal of increasing footfall within the city centre and a safe and enjoyable environment is key to this continued success.”
The Purple Flag scheme is a town and centre award managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) which looks at the wellbeing, movement, appeal and sense of place within a city centre. Cities are rewarded for their ability to showcase a variety of initiatives aimed at attracting visitors to the area during the evening and night.
This year’s application was strengthened by a number of projects aimed at fostering a sense of pride within the city, with Aberdeen Inspired’s creative lighting project within Golden Square, Police Scotland’s Operation Oak campaign and the recent successful Aberdeen Christmas Village notable components.
A innovative wayshowing scheme, devised by Aberdeen Inspired with support from Aberdeen City Council, which will eventually see a number of totem-style maps installed throughout the city centre, was also highlighted by judges.
The roll-out of this project, which aims to make navigating Aberdeen easier for visitors and encourage exploration of both the well-known highlights and the hidden gems of the city, is set to commence in the coming weeks.
Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “It is good that Aberdeen has achieved Purple Flag status for the third year running as we strive to ensure the city centre is safe and clean for all.
“The accolade is down to the hard work of our staff and through working closely with partners.”
Chief inspector Graeme Mackie said: “The north-east is a vibrant and diverse place to work and live and Aberdeen offers a fantastic night out. Police and partners work together all year round to ensure that the night time economy offers and safe and enjoyable experience. I am delighted to see that Aberdeen has been recognised with Purple Flag status for a third year running. It is testament to all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes.”
Stuart McPhee, general manager of Siberia Vodka Bar and chairman of Unight Aberdeen, said: "We are delighted with the news that Aberdeen has achieved Purple Flag status for the third year running. For Aberdeen’s night time economy to be recognised as well-managed, diverse and safe shows the strong commitment and partnership working that that occurs in the city over the past few years is having the desired effect. I’m sure the reaccreditation of the Purple Flag will boost our positive reputation nationally and perhaps even further afield to broaden the city’s appeal.”
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
A renewal ballot will open on February 04 and will run until March 17, with levy payers invited to vote on whether the organisation returns for a second five-year term.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. Further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com