Two new Aberdeen Ambassador roles are being introduced to provide a friendly, highly visible presence in the city centre, welcome people to Aberdeen, act as a point of information, and help support community safety.
The Ambassador roles are proactive, community-facing positions designed to improve the overall experience of the city centre for residents, visitors and businesses. Ambassadors will be on hand to offer guidance and directions, provide information about the city, and help create a safer and more welcoming environment through their visibility and engagement.
The roles will also support efforts to deter anti-social behaviour, promote positive use of public spaces, assist youth engagement activity, and contribute to a cleaner and more attractive city centre through environmental awareness and public education.
By maintaining a consistent on-street presence, the Ambassadors will play an important role in improving perceptions of safety, providing reassurance to the public, and acting as approachable first points of contact for anyone needing help or information.
Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The new Aberdeen Ambassador roles will be a visible and welcoming presence in the city centre, offering support to businesses, shoppers and visitors alike.
“By being out and about, the Ambassadors will help people feel safer, provide practical information, and assist with initiatives such as ShopSafe while also keeping a look-out for areas that may need additional cleaning or attention.”
Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “These new roles are part of a wider package of measures to support the city centre, alongside significant investment through the City Centre and Beach Masterplan projects.
“Together, these initiatives will help create vibrant, accessible and welcoming spaces, strengthening Aberdeen’s reputation as a destination of choice for residents, visitors and businesses.”
The 12-month trial initiative is intended to support the city’s strategic priorities by creating a more welcoming, resilient and safer city centre environment.
The Aberdeen Ambassador role is designed to complement, not replace, the work of City Wardens.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We look forward to working closely with the two Ambassadors for Aberdeen. They will be the smiling face of our friendly city adding a welcoming, visible and reassuring presence in the city centre, encouraging people to visit and enjoy the many attractions all while supporting local.
“The Ambassador initiative will cement the Granite City’s reputation as a safe and vibrant place to be, demonstrated by the fact we have retained our prestigious Purple Flag status for an unprecedented 12 years in a row – the only city in Scotland to hold this accreditation for excellence in its evening and night-time economy.”