Norman Esslemont, the veteran retailer spearheading the fight against Aberdeen City Council's bus gates, has thanked contributors to a crowdfunding campaign as it reached £20,000.
The campaign seeks to raise £35,000 to fund a legal challenge against the traffic measures which have been a hammer blow for many local businesses.
As the crowdfunder topped £20,000 over the weekend, Norman said: "Thank you so much for your incredible support so far!
"Thanks to you, we’ve raised over £20,000 of our £35,000 target, and we’re getting closer every day. But we still need your help to get across the finish line."
He added: "Even a small contribution of £5 or more can make a huge difference. If you know someone who might want to support the cause, please share the link with them: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/aberdeen-bus-gates-legal-challenge/
"Together, we can make this challenge a reality. Thank you again for your continued support and for helping us build momentum toward our goal. Thank you for standing with us."
Mr Esslemont has hired lawyer Alasdair Sutherland to lead a court battle against the traffic measures, which have been described as "incomprehensibly stupid" by a former member of the SNP-Lib Dem coalition which introduced them.
Mr Sutherland is the same lawyer who took on Highland Council’s plans to introduce similar traffic bans in Inverness.
After reviewing the Aberdeen case, Mr Sutherland said the matter is “challengeable in court” and warned councillors of the consequences of their decisions.