Councillors agreed a number of key reports on setting up the culture and sport business unit, akin to an arms-length body. It should go live on 1 December, and will be supervised by a new sub-committee of councillors and external appointments.

A launch event was held at Woodhill House when the work of local artists and craftspeople was on display, with meeting rooms recreating activities such as keep-fit sessions and “knit and natter” sessions, a gymnastics display, dancers and musicians.

Among the immediate aims are to build the best library service,and drawing up a pitches strategy. This will include bringing the letting and administration of outdoor pitches and sports facilities under the banner of the new unit.

Councillors heard that several pitches would benefit from upgrading, and there is growing pressure for enhanced facilities including floodlighting and artificial pitches. The review will also seek to identify sources of external funding.

I took the opportunity at the committee meeting to press the case for a new artificial pitch in Portlethen.

Cllr Anne Stirling, chairwoman of the council’s communities committee, said the new strategy represented a “bold and real change.”

“We are committed to getting people active, and there will be a new arts and heritage focus to keep our towns and villages vibrant places to live and visit,” she added.

There is more in the Press and Journal report: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen/1514053/colourful-scenes-as-aberdeenshire-council-launches-culture-strategy/