Partial closure of Charlotte Street

Charlotte Street will be closed between its junctions with John Street and St Andrews Street for up to nine days from Saturday [23 January] to ensure public safety during the construction of a new entrance to a development there.

The diversion route is via John Street, George Street and St Andrew Street.

Partial closure of Virginia Street

Virginia Street will be partially closed between 6am and 4pm on Sunday [24 January].

The southbound carriageway will be shut between its junctions with Commerce Street and Trinity Quay and one lane of the northbound carriageway will be closed between its junctions with Shiprow and Commerce Street.

The closures are to ensure public safety while cabins are removed from the top of the NCP car park.

The diversion route is Commerce Street and Trinity Quay. Access to properties will be maintained where possible.

Emergency West North Street lane closure

One northbound lane of West North Street has been closed until further notice while emergency repairs to a manhole, outside the Lemon Tree are carried out.

Some delays are expected.

Closing date for nominations is ‘drawing’ in

There is still time to submit your entries for the 2010 Design Awards for Aberdeenshire, which this year includes a new award in memory of archaeologist Ian Shepherd.

The awards are organised by Aberdeenshire Council’s Planning and Environmental Service to promote good design over the following categories:

• Business

• Conservation

• Craftsmanship

• Housing

• Public Art

• Rural Landscape Development

• Sustainability

The new award for 2010 will be presented to the entry that stands out as the best over all categories as a memorial to Ian Shepherd, principal archaeologist at Aberdeenshire Council, who sadly passed away in May 2009.

The council’s Infrastructure Services Committee approved the new award in Ian Shepherd’s name to acknowledge his commitment and enthusiasm.

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee Councillor Peter Argyle said: “Ian was a dedicated individual with an extensive knowledge of architecture and was highly respected by his peers.

“He was heavily involved in the Aberdeenshire Design Awards ever since their inception in 1998.

“It’s fitting that an award for the best design in the competition should be made as a tribute to him as he was so passionate about architecture.”

Vice chairwoman Councillor Jill Webster added: “The design awards are extremely worthwhile as they increase awareness of the importance of improving standards of design in all developments in Aberdeenshire.

“We have some very high standards of design submitted every year and the scheme sets a benchmark for future projects within Aberdeenshire. I am looking forward to see who will take the top award.”

Whether it’s a beautiful bridge, startling sculpture or regal renovation - nominate your favourite piece of architecture in Aberdeenshire by Friday, February 19, 2010.

New builds, regeneration, conservation, restoration, conversion and extension projects may all be considered eligible and anyone can submit an entry as long as the building or project is located within Aberdeenshire.

All eligible works must have been completed within the last two years with the exception of Rural Landscape Development and Public Art which are within five years.

Nomination forms can be collected from any library or area office in Aberdeenshire or downloaded from the built heritage section of Aberdeenshire Council's website at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/built_heritage

Winners will be announced on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at an awards ceremony at Haddo House.

For information on the Aberdeenshire Design Awards Scheme contact environment planner Clare Tierney at Viewmount, Stonehaven on 01569 768291 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it