Work to breathe new life into a Deeside town square could start soon – if councillors back the plans today.
Two artists were given the task of producing ideas to spruce-up Scott Skinner Square in Banchory, after repeated complaints that the area was underused.
The pair, Fin Macrae and Alister MacInnes, who are known as DUFI, held several community events and gathered feedback from locals.
The finalised plans include replacing the existing metal arch at the entrance to High Street, and expanding it to make it more obvious.
It would also be decorated with coloured musical notes in a nod to the Banchory-born musician who gave his name to the square, the strathspey king James Scott Skinner.
New 29ft lighting columns would be erected, with sculptures representing the sound waves of Scott Skinners’ Bonnie Banchory tune placed on top. There would also be plenty of seating.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Marr area committee will be urged to back the proposals when members meet at Huntly today.
In a report, the local authority’s director of infrastructure services, Stephen Archer, says: “Scott Skinner Square currently has limited footfall with its access off the High Street being relatively low-key, and it does not attract significant passing trade.
“It is, however, an attractive south-facing area with feature circular steps, which lies between the High Street and library-parking area.
“The proposed improvements would increase the visibility of the entrance to passers-by on the High Street and create new features within the square.
“The designs have evolved with the input of the community and are designed with a distinctive character and sense of place.”
If approved, it is hoped the £160,000 project – to be carried out in partnership with the council, local arts centre Woodend Barn and the Banchory Town Centre Improvement Group – would be complete by autumn.
Mr Archer adds in his report: “Overall, the proposal would support the retail functions in the square by encouraging increased visitor numbers into the area, improving the vitality and viability of the area and creating a well-designed public space.”