Aberdeen is gearing up for an unprecedented 13th year of Purple Flag status - a prestigious UK award for excellence in the evening and nighttime economy – with safety playing a key role.
Aberdeen is the only city in Scotland to hold Purple Flag status and the city’s application to retain this proud record highlights the work that has gone into this achievement.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “Retaining Purple Flag status would mean so much for everyone involved, to the Council and its partners who are leading the way in Scotland in promoting the nighttime economy through safety initiatives.”
Co-Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill said: “We are rightly proud of our Purple Flag status which we are eager to retain. Nighttime attractions play a major part in boosting Aberdeen’s economy and it is so important people feel safe when enjoying their evenings out at the city centre’s wide offering of entertainment.”
Aberdeen City Council’s work alongside Police Scotland, Aberdeen Inspired, Aberdeen Street Pastors and several other local organisations and trade businesses is highlighted in the city’s submission to the Association of Town and County Management which awards Purple Flag status in the UK.
The submission highlights a five-year downward trend in nighttime city centre crime since the Covid lockdown was lifted and points to innovations such as the pioneering Street Pastors, among the first in the UK, with over 80 volunteers supporting night-time safety and partnership working.
In addition, since retaining Purple Flag status last year, two new Aberdeen Ambassador roles have been created 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.
A recent example of the impact of safety on the nighttime economy is last month’s World Cup which attracted thousands into bars and other venues with specially extended licenses. Free late-night buses and taxi marshals played their part in ensuring successful events with no real incidents of trouble recorded.
The document also points to the phenomenal massive success of the award-winning Tall Ships Races in Aberdeen last year which saw 500,000 visits to the event and generated more than £32million for the regional economy during the four-day celebration. The importance of Spectra to the nighttime economy during the dark winter months by drawing thousands of visitors is also highlighted
The Association of Town and County Management will decide on Aberdeen’s submission in the coming weeks.