Millions of pounds in external funding have been secured and managed by Aberdeenshire Council over the past year, enabling the delivery of a wide range of projects that are having a tangible impact on communities across the region. A new report outlining the work of the council’s Investments and Projects Team within the Economic Development Service was presented to councillors at a recent Infrastructure Services Committee meeting, where its contribution during the last financial year was formally welcomed.
Councillors were informed that the team plays a central role in identifying, securing, administering and monitoring external funding, much of which is sourced from the Scottish and UK Governments. This funding supports council-led initiatives as well as grants for community groups, third sector organisations and local businesses. Over the year, the team managed major allocations, including funding from Crown Estate Scotland’s Coastal Communities Challenge Fund, the Scottish Government’s Rural Community Led Local Development Fund and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.
Through the processing of more than 100 grant applications and over 200 grant claims, approximately £3.8 million in external funding supported the delivery of 130 projects across Aberdeenshire. These projects covered a broad spectrum of local priorities, including improvements to sports facilities, paths and green spaces, enhancements to tourism, cultural and heritage sites, and investments in energy efficiency and refurbishment of community facilities. Funding also supported business development, employability and skills programmes, advisory services for communities and businesses, poverty alleviation initiatives and a range of feasibility studies.
Alongside managing existing funds, the team focused on securing new funding through competitive bids, particularly to support harbours and maritime industries and to attract additional match funding for Levelling Up projects in Macduff and Peterhead. In addition to £11.5 million already secured for Levelling Up projects in 2024–25, a further £500,000 was successfully obtained through additional funding applications. Support was also provided for the development of the Neighbourhood Plan for Towns, which will deliver a £20 million investment in Peterhead over a 10-year period.
The report highlighted the team’s wider governance role, including ensuring the council met its responsibilities as an accountable body, providing guidance to services delivering funded projects and carrying out subsidy control risk assessments to ensure compliance with legislation. These measures help maintain strong financial oversight while maximising the impact of external funding.
Welcoming the achievements, Infrastructure Services Committee chair Councillor Alan Turner praised the effectiveness of partnership working and sound financial management in translating external funding into real benefits for local communities. He noted that the team is already preparing for future funding opportunities and is developing a continuous improvement project to streamline grant processes, reduce administrative burdens and maintain robust oversight, ensuring Aberdeenshire continues to secure and deliver lasting benefits for residents, communities and local businesses.
