New plans for Aberdeen's Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) have confirmed the long-term future of St Fittick's Park.

Torry campaigners attending a consultation event at the weekend were told the community's green space will be largely left untouched.

The Press and Journal says revised blueprints for the major project show that two-thirds of the park would remain in the hands of the community.

The area closest to the south harbour would still be turned into a business park, due to its location.

And, while some locals will be relieved to learn about plans for keeping St Fittick's Park, no such reprieve has been offered to nearby Doonie's Rare Breeds Farm.

It follows two years of uncertainty, with hundreds joining the crusade to protect the area from becoming an industrial site.

Strength of sentiment

ETZ chief executive Maggie McGinlay said she recognised the strength of sentiment when it came to saving St Fittick's Park.

She said the new package of proposals was devised following extensive dialogue with locals.

However, the chairman of the campaign to save the park, Richard Caie, says he is "not happy" with the revised plans.

ETZ, which is funded by the UK and Scottish governments and Opportunity North East, is a private-sector-led company operating as a not-for-profit.

Its aim is to create an integrated energy cluster focused on delivering net-zero in order to support a green economic recovery and deliver jobs for the north-east.

Reducing city's reliance

The zone will help the renewable and low-carbon energy sectors in Aberdeen, which will reduce the city's reliance on the oil and gas industry.

ETZ claims its plans for offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon-capture-and-storage sites will directly support 2,500 jobs in its first eight years, which will help to create another 10,000 other energy-transition roles across the region.

Aberdeen City Council will have the final say, with any planning applications going through the normal process.

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