Aberdeen Inspired’s efforts to improve and enhance the beauty of the Granite City will be put under the spotlight this week.
The business organisation has carried out a blooming civic pride campaign throughout the city centre, which will be assessed by Beautiful Scotland judges tomorrow (Thursday, July 30).
The annual awards ceremony recognises villages, towns and cities for their efforts in boosting their appeal – and Aberdeen Inspired is hoping to take away the top accolade in the Business Improvement District category for the second year in a row.
The organisation has introduced a number of initiatives designed to bring sparkle to the city centre, including an ‘Adopt an Area’ scheme which aims to transform neglected parts of the city through the installation of flower beds and planters with edible fruit bushes, herbs and spring bulbs.
This effort built on a floral enhancement scheme carried out in partnership with Aberdeen City Council, instigated with funding from Aberdeen businessman Jimmy Milne of the Balmoral Group, which both Aberdeen Inspired and the council have also contributed to.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Beautiful Scotland judges and sharing the great projects that have been carried out in Aberdeen with them. We have been working hard to create a more attractive, vibrant and appealing city centre for both visitors and residents and are proud of what has been achieved.
“Our ‘Adopt an Area’ scheme has been received very well and has made a big difference in improving the aesthetic of neglected parts of the city. This, combined with the floral enhancements has made a good impact and we are pleased to have been able to support the installation of hanging boxes, window boxes and tiered planters on Union Street and in other parts of the business improvement district.
“We know how important first impressions are and we hope we will add to our success last year in the Beautiful Scotland campaign. All the initiatives carried out have been part of a great team effort and we are determined to keep the momentum going and continue trying to make a difference to the city.”
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. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and driving footfall to the zone.
For further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired visit www.aberdeeninspired.com