Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire & Highlands news

Union Terrace Gardens could be "further commercialised". Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson

Aberdeen council tax to soar by 9.85% as finance chiefs reveal plan to cash in on city parks with more ‘weddings and events’

The papers were revealed ahead of tomorrow's crunch budget talks.

By Isaac Buchan

Orkney Islands council flag for budget story.

Orkney hit with Scotland’s biggest council tax rise – as councillors give themselves bumper 22% pay increase

The cost of many Orkney Island Council services is also to go up by at least 10% from April 1.

By Louise Glen

350-year-old Aberdeenshire home with turrets and courtyard could be yours for £850k

Davidston House is a historic fortified home with characterful period features.

By Ross Hempseed

Eilidh McFadden, left, and Orla Murphy pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Image: Spindrift

Highland vandal back in trouble after targeting dinosaur exhibition

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Eilidh McFadden, from Fort William, was previously in the dock after defacing a waxwork of King Charles at Madame Tussauds in London.

By Connor Gordon

Dundee United's Sam Dalby scores his to make it 2-0 against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Image: Shutterstock

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin reveals blueprint to stop conceding ‘soft goals’

Aberdeen have conceded seven goals in the previous two Premiership fixtures - despite spending more than £1million on a defensive rebuild during the January transfer window.

By Sean Wallace

Caley Thistle consultant Alan Savage. Image: Sandy McCook/DC Thomson

EXCLUSIVE: Caley Thistle ‘preferred bidder’ timescale revealed – as Alan Savage lays out squad contract renewal drive and longer-term goals

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Consultant Alan Savage delivered an Inverness buyer update for fans.

By Paul Chalk

Shoppers to enjoy giveaways in Aberdeen shops as Freebie Fortnight returns

Over 20 businesses have signed up for the annual event, which aims to boost retailers.

By Chris Cromar

Inspectors visited Mosstowie Primary last year. Image: Google.

Mosstowie Primary rated ‘weak’ for leadership as inspection report released

The Moray school was also praised for its 'positive' and 'nurturing' environment.

By Ena Saracevic

Owners of Aberdeen's Budz Bar building Allan Smith and Bruce Porter have ambitious plans to revive it as a new entertainment complex. Picture of (L-R) Bruce Porter and Allan Smith.

Budz Bar: Owner going back to drawing board as revamp plan for Aberdeen venue REFUSED by council

Original plans including wrapping the building in steel panelling which would light up under darkness.

By Ross Hempseed 3

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin directs his team from the dugout during the 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Pittodrie:

Willie Miller: Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen strategy starting to shine through again

Aberdeen legend Miller also discusses the return to goalscoring form of striker Kevin Nisbet and the need for the new-look defence to communicate better.

By Willie Miller

Charles MacLennan started hurling food supplies around a chip shop when he couldn't get served cheese sauce. Image: Supplied

VIDEO: Thug smashed up Highland chip shop in row over cheese sauce

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MacLennan then claimed he heard someone call him "a beast" - which enraged him because he had been acquitted last Friday by a jury of serious offences.

By David Love