The First Minister today set out new guidance for self-isolation and PCR testing.

The new arrangements mean that self-isolation for those with a positive lateral flow test can be reduced to seven days in certain circumstances, and PCR tests will not be required for asymptomatic people who test positive for coronavirus.
With coronavirus cases still extremely high, the First Minister urged everybody to get vaccinated, follow all guidance, and limit contact with others. As of 31 December, it was thought that one in 20 people had coronavirus.

Changes to self-isolation guidance

From midnight tonight (Wednesday):

· If you test positive for coronavirus you will be able to end isolation after seven days rather than 10, as long as you have no fever and record two negative lateral flow tests. The first test should be done no earlier than day six of isolation, and the second test at least 24 hours after that.

· For close contacts of positive cases*, self-isolation will be replaced with a requirement to undertake a lateral flow test every day for seven days. If any test proves positive, isolation and testing will be required. Those who are not fully vaccinated should still isolate for 10 days and undertake a PCR test.
(*including household contacts who are under 18 years and four months, or who are older and fully vaccinated with two doses of a vaccine and a booster)

Changes to PCR testing guidance

From tomorrow (Thursday):

· If you have symptoms of coronavirus, you should continue to book a PCR test.

· If you do not have symptoms of coronavirus but get a positive result from a lateral flow test, you do not need to book a PCR test and should instead isolate and post your test result online, following which you will receive an online form so contacts can be alerted.

Aberdeen International Airport is on the lookout for charities, community groups and organisations to benefit from the ABZ Propeller Fund.

Previously known as the Aberdeen International Airport Community Fund, £25,000 has been made available to donate to worthy recipients.

The ABZ Propeller Fund is open to groups, charities, and organisations with links to education, sustainability, and economic regeneration.

In 2019 more than £22,000 was donated to 20 applicants including VSA, Cyrenians and 30th Aberdeen Guides.

Aberdeen International Airport was unable to award any funding during 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Members of the ABZ Propeller Fund include airport staff, as well as representatives from the local authorities and government. It meets four times a year with the applications set to open in January.

“The ABZ Propeller Fund is a great way for community groups, charities and organisations to get help with funding and get their project off the ground. We encourage groups with a focus on young people, the environment or that make a tangible and real difference in their local communities to consider applying for funding. Everyone is aware what happened to the aviation industry during the pandemic and we took the difficult and decision to pause the community fund for 2020. However, we are delighted to be relaunching with a new name for our group, the ABZ Propeller Fund. We are an important company in the Aberdeen city and shire region and are looking to back as many organisations as we can from the ABZ Propeller Fund.”

More here: https://www.aberdeenairport.com/about-us/community-matters/abz-propeller-fund/?fbclid=IwAR37XP46NxdUWrbC1noKZ_PYSKfGqeHY7PwoR1uVwtidy1PMMWjKURxbr5c

I was saddened today to hear of the death of two local residents.

David Northcroft from Muchalls was aged 79. He had been a vice-principal of Northern College, Aberdeen, and was also known as an author with an emphasis on local history. It was always a delight to have a chat with him and Kathleen whenever we met. We had been in the same baby-sitting circle many years ago!

David died in Kincardine Hospital on 22 December.

The Press and Journal carried a fitting tribute: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/…/david-northcroft/

Sandy Massie from Newtonhill died aged 92 in Havencourt Nursing Home, Stonehaven, on 29 December. He too was a lovely chap to have a chat with, along with Mary. Always had a twinkle about him!

Both funerals are private due to covid restrictions.

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

APP/2021/2883
Date validated: 22 December 2021.
Site address: Site at Pinewood, Portlethen.
Applicant: Mr and Mrs Colin Russell c/o Cumming and co, Albion House, 6 Castlehill, Aberdeen, AB11 5GJ.
Full planning permission for the erection of a replacement dwellinghouse and garage.
Public comment expiry date: 3 February 2022.

An update from the family of Newtonhill resident Alan Robertson who was found after being missing for several hours on 29 December. He was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to recover.

“There have been lots of people asking about Dad. He has made an amazing recovery, and is being moved from ICU to a general ward today. He’s fairly embarrassed by the whole event, ….. and between his memory and what we know, we’re still piecing together what happened and may never know the full story. Thanks to everyone for their, love, support and kind messages, we even had the paramedic winchman on board R151 reach out to ask how Dad was Wishing you all a Healthy, Happy, and Wonderful New Year when the bells go tonight. Our Family are certainly counting our blessings & looking forward to having Dad home.”

I understand that Mr Robertson is no longer in the intensive care unit.

It was heart-warming the way the community rallied round to find Mr Robertson. One comment I saw later said police had been astounded by the response.

A good way to bring 2021 to a close.

LATEST, 2 January 2022: Mr Robertson got home yesterday afternoon.

Changes to the Highway Code come in from 29 January, as long as MPs don’t oppose them! One key change is that drivers should stop when pedestrians are waiting at a zebra crossing.

Currently drivers are only required to stop if pedestrians are actually on the crossing. Some drivers apparently have difficulty with the old requirements …

There is more here: https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/highway-code-rule-change-cyclists-25821965

Aberdeenshire Council has a rolling programme to replace all flashing belisha beacons at zebra crossings with LED beacons which are far more noticeable. The crossings at Newtonhill Road in Newtonhill and one outside Portlethen Academy on Bruntland Road have already been updated.

If street lights or the beacons are faulty, report them to the council: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/…/report-a-road-fault/

A reminder that Aberdeenshire Council household recycling centres will close at 3pm tomorrow (Friday 31 December) and will return to normal opening hours from 3 January.

Household bin collections will go ahead as usual on Monday 3 January and Tuesday 4 January.

However the Waste Service says there may be a disruption in service delivery in some areas due to staff members requiring to isolate. “We are working hard to keep our household bin collections running as normal, but please bear with us if some routes cannot be collected as planned. If your bin is not emptied over the festive period, it will be collected on the next due collection date for that particular bin.”

Polystyrene is now being accepted at more Aberdeenshire Council household recycling centres including Portlethen.

Unfortunately polystyrene cannot be included in the kerbside collection. It breaks up very easily which is why is has to be kept separate and in fine mesh bags to ensure no litter is caused when moving the full bags.

The Waste Service has been trialing the service and it has now been expanded and now covers the following sites:
– Fraserburgh
– Peterhead
– Ellon
– Inverurie
– Stonehaven
– Portlethen
– Banchory
– Westhill, and
– Alford.

The contractor, Styropack, also hosts a collection point outside their Craigshaw Road depot in Aberdeen’s West Tullos Industrial Estate.

The centres accept Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) only, which includes all polystyrene packing materials such as shape-moulded packaging, blocks and planks of fill materials, packing boxes and packaging balls.

Centres will not accept any polystyrene containers contaminated with food, takeaway packaging, biodegradable or compostable packing chips, or Styrofoam cups.

Remember to make a booking before visiting a recycling centre. To make a booking, visit www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/recyclingcentrebookings or call the Wasteline at 03456 081207.

Police Scotland is seeing an emerging trend across the country of used cooking oil being stolen from food outlets such as restaurants and take-away food premises.

A vehicle suspected of being involved in such thefts was seen in suspicious circumstances in the Stonehaven area during the evening of Monday 27 December.

North East Division crime reduction officer PC Mike Urquhart said: “I would advise restaurant and fast food outlet owners to be particularly vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police via 101. Keep rear gardens or yards securely locked and consider CCTV and security lighting.

“Used cooking oils are being stolen across the country by organised gangs and being taken south to be processed.”

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

APP/2021/2853
Date validated: 23 December 2021.
Site address: Tuboscope (uk) Ltd, Badentoy Avenue, Badentoy Industrial Estate, Portlethen, AB12 4YB.
Applicant: NOV Tuboscope c/o WSP, 7 Lochside View, Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh, EH12 9DH.
Full planning permission for groundwater remediation works.
Public comment expiry date: 3 February 2022.