The north-east could see the return of a Hogmanay event this year if councillors give the go ahead to the event organisers.
Stonehaven Open Air in the Square (OAITS) could be brought back this year by Glasgow based company Two Presentations, who have applied for the use of the Market Square for a “music event”.
The licensing of the event is being considered by Aberdeenshire councillors at next week’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee with a recommendation to agree to the request.
Keith Montgmery, one of the owners of the company said the line-up will be announced until sometime in April, but said: “We are currently planning the event and are hoping to deliver something that is value for money.
“We will make sure people get a good act and are working hand-in-hand with Stonehaven Fireballs and hope to get a late licence so that people could potentially see both.”
Mr Montgomery hopes the event would be a boost to the local economy and added: “Ideally it will attract people from further out who will stay in hotels and the area for a few days.”
Councillors have been asked to consider the impact it will have on businesses in the Market Square and whether a public resource should be used for a commercial event.
Local hotelier and previous OAITS helper Michelle Ward welcomed the plans and said: “I think it will have to be commercial because an event like this is far too big for a community group to organise.
“An event on Hogmanay gives Stonehaven nationwide advertising and also helps tourism.”