At its Budget in March the Scottish Government agreed to a proposal put forward by the Scottish Liberal Democrats for a one-off £15 million investment in skills and economic recovery for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, recognising our specific economic circumstances and the disproportionate impact of the pandemic in the region.

The overall programme aim is to aid economic recovery and the just transition to net zero in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, boost job creation, upskill and re-skill individuals to enable them to capitalise on emerging opportunities, and reduce existing inequalities through a range of targeted support across key groups and communities.

The Scottish Funding Council will manage funds that are for projects delivered by the universities. Aberdeen City Council will manage the rest of the funding.

Economic development partnership Opportunity North East (One) has been allocated £6m from the £14.3m North East Economic Recovery and Skills Fund (NEERSF).

Aberdeen City Council is delivering more than £2m of NEERSF-funded activity through three distinct projects focusing on inclusion, education and employment.

Aberdeenshire Council is not acting as project sponsor for any of the proposals, but is working closely with project sponsors to ensure that all of Aberdeenshire benefits from the investment.

Aberdeenshire Council will also benefit directly from some of the funding targeted at employability groups and disengaged under 16s.