The replacement of the water mains into Newtonhill is well under way, with excavating the trench on Newtonhill Road beginning on 10 January. Traffic lights are in place at the east end of the road. But when the work finally reaches the west end, the junction with the A92 dual carriageway will have to close.

That will mean a diversion for traffic coming into the village from the Aberdeen direction. Traffic will have to travel further south to come back to Newtonhill and over the flyover. Stonehaven is the safe junction for this diversion.

Yes, it will add 10 minutes to journeys. However a significant concern is how will buses serve not only Newtonhill but Chapelton.

I asked council officers about this, and here is their reply:

“The conclusion was that no buses will get access through the slip road closure (Phase 4) and the possibility of overnight working has been ruled out.

“However, Bear Scotland has agreed to our suggestion that the ‘old’ bus stop outside Tesco on the slip road south from Newtonhill towards Stonehaven be reinstated for the duration of the works. Caledonia Water Alliance can arrange to deploy additional signage on Newtonhill Road to ensure that traffic exiting to A92 southbound are aware that buses would be using this bus stop.

“This means that all southbound services from Aberdeen will only serve the above bus stop during Phase 4 of the works.

“This includes Service X7 operated by Stagecoach East Scotland plus journeys on Stagecoach Bluebird Service 7B currently scheduled to terminate in Chapelton. These Service 7B journeys will continue south to Stonehaven and return northbound to Chapelton, from where they become inbound journeys to Aberdeen, therefore passengers on the outbound journeys, wishing to alight at stops within Newtonhill, can stay on board the bus as it heads northbound to Aberdeen via the village.

“The three ‘school’ buses operated by Stagecoach Bluebird, which are registered to carry farepayers to Portlethen Academy, will go into Newtonhill village, but of course will have to follow the diversion via Stonehaven in the afternoons to achieve this.

“Caledonia Water Alliance said they would be aiming to reduce the slip road closure (Phase 4) to a minimum but they won’t know until they start excavating.

“The possibility of delaying the closure until the school holidays in the first two weeks of April, to minimise the disruption to school transport, is also being considered and an update on this will also be provided when possible.

“Regarding Phase 3 of the works and the concerns raised regarding southbound traffic potentially queuing on to the A92, the traffic signals on Newtonhill Road are vehicle activated and therefore should prevent this happening in the evenings, when people are returning home.”

Here is the latest round-up from Aberdeenshire Council about the aftermath of the latest storms to hit the North East.

SSEN SUPPORT
For customers without power who need support and are unable to make alternative arrangements to stay with family or a friend, SSEN will reimburse reasonable costs for alternative accommodation.

Customers unable to access welfare facilities and who remain off supply may claim back the cost of meals up to £15 per person. Customers are being asked to keep copies of receipts for any claims.

Keep up to date on the progress of power reconnections at: http://news.ssen.co.uk/news/all-articles/2022/january/storm-malik-update/

COUNCIL FACILITIES
LLA facilities open until 8pm tonight (Tuesday) and from 9am-8pm tomorrow (Wednesday). All Live Life Aberdeenshire facilities will be available from 9am to 8pm tomorrow for access to a hot shower and phone charging, etc.
• Aboyne Swimming Pool and Deeside Community Centre
• Turriff Sports Centre
• Banchory Sports Village
• Deveron Community & Sports Centre
• Inverurie Community Campus
• Ellon Community Campus
• Portlethen Pool
• Westhill Swimming Pool
• Fraserburgh Community & Sports Centre
• Huntly Swimming Pool
• Peterhead Leisure Centre
• Mearns Community Campus
• Stonehaven Leisure Centre

SSEN CATERING
SSEN catering facilities will remain in place at the following locations from 9am tomorrow (Wednesday), unless otherwise stated below:
• Aboyne, near the Huntly Arms Inn
• Alford, Transport Museum Car Park
• Ballater, Victoria Square
• Banchory, Bellfield Car Park *Tuesday from 5.30pm, Wednesday from 9am*
• Braemar, opposite the Fife Hotel
• Huntly, Bognie Brae Arms Car Park
• Insch, Church Hall Car Park, Western Road
• Kemnay, Kemnay Chip Shop, Aquithie Road *open from 11am, Wednesday*
• Kintore, Kintore Fish Bar, Northern Road
• Lumphanan, next to MacBeth Arms Pub
• Mintlaw, The Mintlaw Chipper, South Street *Tuesday from 4.30pm-8pm*
• Monymusk, location to be confirmed *Tuesday from 4pm-8pm, Wednesday from 9am*
• Stonehaven, The Square
• Strathdon, Bellabeg car park, next to shop
• Tarland, The Square
• Torphins, Learney Hall
• Turriff, Show Park Car Park *Tuesday from 6.30pm, Wednesday from 9am onwards*.

PHONE NUMBERS
• If you need help, or need to report fallen trees on the roads network – via Police on 101
• Power outages – via SSEN on 105
• Non-urgent medical issues – via NHS on 111
• Emergency council housing repairs – 03456 08 12 03  
• Emergency social care 03456 08 12 06

Liberal Democrats today unveiled Portlethen resident Mel Sullivan as their candidate for the North Kincardine ward in May’s council elections.

Mel has lived in Portlethen for more than 20 years and has been an active volunteer with many local groups and organisations.

She is hoping to follow in my footsteps as I am standing down after 15 years. It is a demanding job and after three terms in office it is time to step aside and hand over the baton.

Mel has impressed me since telling me she would be interested in standing. She has never been afraid over the years to put her hand up and get stuck into community projects. She cares deeply about our community. She has my full support and I hope the voters will give her the backing she deserves.

Mel says: “Ian is a tough act to follow. If elected I will do my best to live up to the example he has set. In particular, Ian’s communication with residents has been stellar. I may not be able to turn a phrase as well as an ex-newspaper man, but I’ll do my best to keep everyone informed and involved.”

A graduate of Aberdeen University, her track record of volunteering includes being treasurer of the Scottish Archery Association, Portlethen Primary PTA and Parent Council member, a campaigner for the new Hillside School, a member of the Jubilee Hall management committee and secretary of the Portlethen Gala committee.

Currently she is a volunteer with Home-Start, a charity which helps families with young children through their challenging times, as well as continuing to act as a parent helper in school when called upon. Mel also helps at the Fine Piece Café in Jubilee Hall and runs a free boardgames club – Tabletop Portlethen.

“I’ve always volunteered to help and been involved in local groups when I felt able. I grew up watching my father, a paraplegic, constantly going out to committee meetings – from campaigning for disabled rights, to being on the Parish Council. Now that my four children are all in school, I have time and energy to spare.

“My priority will always be the wellbeing of folk in this area. We need to support a just transition from oil and gas to renewables, keeping jobs here. I will also push for great places to exercise and play, including a youth centre in Portlethen. Lastly, we also need to get the basics right. Potholes and bins matter too.

“If elected in May, I will be a vocal and approachable advocate for Portlethen, Newtonhill and the surrounding villages and countryside, working hard to ensure this is a great place to live, visit and work.”

Here is the latest update regarding the storms which have hit Aberdeenshire over the past few days. There are still properties locally without power.

SSEN update

Keep up to date on the progress of power reconnections at: http://news.ssen.co.uk/…/2022/january/storm-malik-update/

COUNCIL FACILITIES OPEN UNTIL 8pm (tonight Tuesday)

Quick reminder that if you need access to a hot shower or phone charging etc, ALL Live life Aberdeenshire facilities are open from 9am to 8pm.
• Aboyne Swimming Pool and Deeside Community Centre (no hot showers available at this time but open for heat and phone charging)
• Turriff Sports Centre
• Banchory Sports Village
• Deveron Community & Sports Centre
• Inverurie Community Campus
• Ellon Community Campus
• Portlethen Pool
• Westhill Swimming Pool
• Fraserburgh Community & Sports Centre
• Huntly Swimming Pool
• Peterhead Leisure Centre
• Mearns Community Campus

HOT FOOD PROVISION

Our message to affected individuals, families and communities is where you can make your own arrangements for food, warmth etc., you should do so.However if you can’t make your own arrangements, then Aberdeenshire Council will provide food for collection by members of the public at Live Life Aberdeenshire sites (see below).If food needs delivered into other areas, our area managers’ teams will arrange with community groups for them to collect from Live Life Aberdeenshire sites.If any individual or family has further specific needs, they should contact the Aberdeenshire Council Assistance Line on 0808 196 3384 (8:45am to 5pm).People wanting to pick up a meal can do so at the following locations:
• Aboyne Swimming Pool (outside the building, as no power) between 13.15-14.00
• Alford Community Campus between 13:00-14:00
• Banchory Sports Village between 13:00-14:00
• Inverurie Community Campus between 13:00-14:00
• Stonehaven Leisure Centre between 13:00-14:00
• Turriff Sports Centre between 13:00-14:00
• Peterhead Leisure and Community Centre between 13:00-14:00 SSEN: CATERING PROVISION In addition to Aberdeenshire Council food provision, SSEN catering facilities remain in place at the following locations from 9am today (Tuesday), unless otherwise stated below:
• Aboyne, Near the Huntly Arms Inn
• Alford, Transport Museum Car Park
• Ballater, Victoria Square
• Braemar, Opposite the Fife Hotel
• Fyvie, Outside the Co-op
• Huntly, Bognie Brae Arms Car Park
• Insch, Church Hall Car Park, Western Road
• Kemnay, Kemnay Chip Shop, Aquithie Road – *open from 11am*
• Kintore, Kintore Fish Bar, Northern Rd• Lumphanan, Next to MacBeth Arms Pub
• Monymusk, Location TBC – *open from 4pm on Tuesday*
• Stonehaven, The Square
• Strathdon, Bellabeg car park, next to shop
• Tarland, The Square
• Torphins, Learney Hall

SCHOOLS

A number of schools remain closed today – please check here for details: https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/Apps/schools-closures/The website says Newtonhill School is closed due to a lack of power. Portlethen Primary School Nursery is also closed.

RECYCLING AND WASTE SERVICES

All household recycling centres are open, with the exception of Stonehaven. Portlethen recycling centre will reopen at 9am on Thursday (it is closed as per normal on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

All waste collection routes are in operation, although some roads remain inaccessible due to fallen trees and this may affect some collections. Attempts will be made to address missed collections where possible and residents should leave their bins out for the remainder of this week. If collection cannot be made this week, residents should re-present the bin on their usual scheduled week, when side waste will be accepted.

PASSENGER TRANSPORT UNIT

The Central Buchan A2B dial-a-bus service, and the Inverurie Ready2Go service are both operating today, but experiencing telecommunication issues in the Kemnay area. All other A2B dial-a-bus services are suspended today.

ROADS

Efforts continue to remove trees that are blocking a number of routes, with particular challenges on the B966 between Fettercairn and Edzell and the C2K in the same area. The remaining minor rural routes will be dealt with in the coming days.

GP PRACTICES

The Tarland practice will remain closed today due to a lack of power.

PHONE NUMBERS

• If you need help, or need to report fallen trees on the roads network – via Police on 101
• Power outages – via SSEN on 105
• Non-urgent medical issues – via NHS on 111
• Emergency council housing repairs – 03456 08 12 03
• Emergency social care 03456 08 12 06
• If you can’t use private water because of the power outage you are advised to source bottled water. But if you can’t please contact the assistance line on 0808 196 3384 for advice or support.

The following new applications in the North Kincardine ward can be viewed on the Aberdeenshire Council planning register: https://upa.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/online-applications/.

APP/2021/2863
Date validated: 24 January 2022.
Site address: Muirskie Grange, Durris, AB31 6EB.
Applicant: Mr Duncan Mackay c/o Aurora Planning Limited, 22 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1XE.
Application: Full planning permission for change of use and extension from business (Class 4) to dwellinghouse (Class 9).
Public comment expiry date: 24 February 2022.

APP/2022/0136
Date validated: 25 January 2022.
Site address: 7 Schoolhill Drive, Portlethen, AB12 4PN.
Applicant: Mr P Rose c/o Thistle Windows And Conservatories Ltd, Thistle House, Woodside Road, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8EF.
Application: Full planning permission for alterations and extension to dwellinghouse.
Public comment expiry date: 14 February 2022.

APP/2022/0147
Date validated: 28 January 2022.
Site address: Thorndale, Maryculter, AB12 5GJ.
Applicant: Mrs Tania Kennedy c/o Taylor Architecture and Building Consultants Ltd, 24 Oldmeldrum Road, Newmachar, AB21 0PJ.
Application: Full planning permission for alterationsand extension to dwellinghouse.
Public comment expiry date: 17 February 2022.

I was asked the other day whether the Bracken Road junction with Bruntland Road in Portlethen is going to be resurfaced … it is not in the best of condition (see screen grab below from Google Map last year).

The Roads Service advise me that it is not included in the current contract which has Hunter Construction carrying out patching work in Portlethen, with Newtonhill and Muchalls to follow.

However, officers have decided to put out another contact in the next financial year, to pick up areas that have been missed this year.

In addition to this, they are looking at putting out another contract for the resurfacing of junctions, such as the one at Bracken Road, with hot rolled asphalt the most durable surfacing material.

Here is a round-up of the storms situation across Aberdeenshire. Locally Newtonhill School closed, Portlethen Household Recycling Centre closed.

SSEN update
Storm Malik
Power has been successfully restored to around 68,000 customers affected by Storm Malik across the country, with around 7,000 customers remaining off supply, mainly in pockets across Aberdeenshire, following Saturday’s extreme weather. SSEN’s teams are prioritising the restoration of these customers and expect the vast majority to be restored today with full restoration on Tuesday evening.

Storm Corrie
Early assessments show around 38,000 customers have been affected by Storm Corrie overnight. Around 4,000 of these customers have had their supply restored, with around 33,000 customers currently without power. Of these, around 19,000 relate to two major faults affecting customers in the Stonehaven area (13,000) and Deeside (6,000) which are being worked on and are expected to be restored later today. Restoration efforts from Storm Corrie will continue into Tuesday with the possibility that for small clusters of customers this may extend into Wednesday, subject to today’s damage assessment.

Keep up-to-date on progress at http://news.ssen.co.uk/news/all-articles/2022/january/storm-malik-update/

Council facilities open until 8pm tonight (Mon)

If you need access to a hot shower or phone charging etc, the following Live life Aberdeenshire facilities have again opened today from 9am until 8pm.

Turriff Sports Centre
Banchory Sports Village
Deveron Community & Sports Centre
Inverurie Community Campus
Ellon Community Campus
Portlethen Pool
Westhill Swimming Pool
Fraserburgh Community & Sports Centre
Huntly Swimming Pool
Peterhead Leisure Centre
Mearns Community Campus

There will be tea/coffee from noon at Fetteresso Church Hall in Stonehaven today (Monday).

Hot food provision
People wanting to pick up a meal can do so at the following locations:
Aboyne Swimming Pool (outside the building as no power) between 13.15-14.00 and 16.15-17.00
Alford Community Campus (outside the building as no power) between 13.15-14.00 and 16.15-17.00
Banchory Sports Village: between 13.00-14.00 and 16.00 and 17.00
Inverurie Community Campus: between 13.00-14.00 and 16.00 and 17.00
Mearns Academy Community Campus: between 13.00-14.00 and 16.00 and 17.00
Stonehaven Leisure Centre: (outside the building as no power) between 13.15-14.00 and 16.15-17.00
Turriff Sports Centre: between 13.00-14.00 and 16.00 and 17.00
Peterhead Leisure and Community Centre: between 13.00-14.00 and 16.00 and 17.00
For those who cannot travel, please contact the council’s Assistance Line if you need advice or support or if you are isolating – 0808 196 3384. It is open from 8:45am to 5pm today.

SSEN catering provision
In addition to Aberdeenshire Council food provision, SSEN catering facilities remain in place at the following locations:
Alford, Transport Museum Car Park, Fish & Chips
Bognie Brae, Bognie Brae Arms Car Park, Steak Bar
Cannich, Village Centre, Highland Hog Roast Food Van (from 12.30pm)
Fyvie, Outside the Co-op, Steak Bar
Insch, Church Hall Car Park, Western Road, Hot Food Van
Kemnay, Aquithie Road, Steak Bar
Munlochy, Car Park Highland Hog Roast Food Van
Tarland, The Square, Steak Bar
Torphins, Learney Hall, Fish & Chips
Whitestone, opposite Finzean Town Hall, Steak Bar
SSEN has also arranged for a hot food van to supply residents in Lumphanan

Schools

Around a third of the school estate remain closed today – including Newtonhill School – and others had later opening times owing to the impact of Storm Corrie.
Full details here: https://online.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/Apps/schools-closures/

Health and social care

The Stonehaven vaccination centre is closed today due to lack of power.

The following GP practices currently have no power, and this will be affecting their telephone systems and may only be operating on a limited or emergency basis until power is restored:
Aboyne/Tarland
Alford
Ballater
Braemar
Kemnay
Stonehaven

Community testing
The council has pulled provision of lateral flow community testing in Laurencekirk, Stonehaven and Huntly today as staff are helping assist with Storm Malik/Corrie resilience. We are still testing in Peterhead.

Roads and Infrastructure
There are particular issues in Kincardine and Mearns with a number of routes impacted by trees. Council teams are attending in all affected areas and assisting with tree removal. Please drive safely and avoid routes/areas with fallen or hung-up trees.

Waste services
Stonehaven and the coastal area are particularly affected so we have no collection routes currently going out. Stonehaven and Portlethen household recycling centres are also closed. There is a tree blocking access to Laurencekirk and will remain closed until it is removed and there can be safe access.

All remaining depots/HRCs are operating as normal and collections are being undertaken, however there may be some roads we cannot currently access due to fallen trees.

Phone numbers:
If you need help, or need to report fallen trees affecting a public highway – via Police on 101
Power outages – via SSEN on 105
Non-urgent medical issues – via NHS on 111
Emergency council housing repairs – 03456 08 12 03
Emergency social care 03456 08 12 06
If you can’t use private water because of a power outage you are advised to source bottled water. But if you can’t please contact the assistance line on 0808 196 3384 for advice or support.

The windy weather caused by Storm Malik is taking its toll. So far I have seen reports that …

A large part of a tree was lying across the Netherley Road just before the Nether Ashentilly junction (on the bend as you approach, traveling towards South Deeside Road). It’s now been cleared.

The power is off in part of the Netherley area and at Ardoe.

A pole carrying a power line has been blown askew near Findon.

Two trees and a traffic cone or two had been blown on to the A92 at Cammachmore but a local walker has just dragged them over the barrier after seeing several near misses.

A tree down on Badentoy Road at Portlethen Golf Course. One lane open. Tree down on the South Deeside Road east of Milltimber Bridge.

Power cut at Asda fuel station in Portlethen: they’ve had to close. Power off on both sides of the AWPR where it crosses the Causey Mounth.

It is much worse elsewhere in Aberdeenshire with Police Scotland reporting that “the A96, A95, A90 and A93 along with various other roads in the Aberdeenshire and Moray areas are closed at various points due to fallen trees and other debris. An AMBER weather warning has been issued so please only travel if absolutely essential and exercise extra caution.”

Aberdeenshire Council says there are impacts across the region with pockets of power outages. The council stands ready to upscale its response as soon as there is a better understanding of the level and likely length of power supply disruption. At this time the Inverurie area appears to be the most badly affected, SSEN is aware. Power outages should be reported to SSEN by calling 105 or online https://www.ssen.co.uk/PowerCuts/

There are reports coming through of some fallen trees and the council’s roads teams are mobilizing to assess damage and there will likely be a number of road closures as teams remove debris. All reports of fallen trees etc. should be reported to Police Scotland on 101.The council is also getting reports of damage to some council-owned buildings. Property teams and partners are already out assessing damage and looking at what repairs will be required. Council tenants should call 03456 08 12 03 to report any damage and requests for emergency repairs.

Emergency numbers
Power outages should be reported to SSEN by calling 105
Fallen trees and debris should be reported to Police Scotland by calling 101
Non urgent injuries or health concerns – call NHS 24 on 111

A campaign has been launched to recruit new volunteer Children’s Panel members to support children and young people in their local communities.

This year, the aim is to recruit more than 700 trainee panel members from across Scotland.

They are looking for people over 18, from a diverse range of backgrounds, that reflect the children, families and communities of Scotland. There is a legal obligation to have at least one male panel member at every hearing, and this year there is an emphasis on raising greater awareness of the importance and impact of the role among men.

Anyone interested in applying should search for the Children’s Panel website or email nicole.chidester@chscotland.scot. The recruitment campaign is open until Wednesday 9 February. Virtual information sessions for those interested will be held on:
• Thursday 3 February – 7-8.30pm
• Thursday 10 February – 7-8.30pm

With the Met Office upgrading its weather warning of strong winds, Aberdeenshire Council is encouraging residents and businesses to be prepared for the worsening conditions from between 7am and 3pm tomorrow (Saturday).

An area of very strong west or northwest winds will cross Scotland tomorrow morning in association with Storm Malik before easing during the afternoon. The strongest winds are expected in the east of Scotland later in the morning with gusts of widely 50-60mph likely with a short period of gusts in excess of 75 mph, particularly for Moray, north Aberdeenshire as well as the Lothians.

These winds have the potential to cause power cuts, loss of mobile phone signal, damage to buildings, injury to persons, fallen trees and travel disruption. Some communities may experience coastal surge and the council is readying stocks of sandbags at its depots: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/envi…/flooding/sand-bags/

Before the high winds arrive you should:
• Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows or cause danger;
• Stock up on batteries for torches, bottled water and food supplies in the event of power outages;
• Check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives, share this message with them and help them prepare;
• Keep checking the forecast and keep up-to-date with the latest weather warnings at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/