The vast circular light that arrived in Union Terrace Gardens yesterday is described in planning documents as a ‘halo’ or ‘diamond ring’.
But our readers seem to think it looks more like a flying saucer.
Scores of you commented on our story about the new feature being hoisted into place above what will soon become the main lawn of the park in Aberdeen city centre.
Several were less than impressed by the extraterrestrial appearance of the light, with a number questioning whether it would become a new home for seagulls to deposit their natural fertiliser on the grass and/or visitors below.
But some other commenters were more positive, saying they were looking forward to stepping foot in the new green space when it opens – possibly in less than a month.
‘Complete mess’ or ‘cool feature’?
Jon F Van Heerden wrote: “Look, the Martians have finally arrived to take back all the councillors that are clearly from another planet who close pools and schools but build this nonsense that hardly anyone will use.”
Michelle Black echoed the alien theme, saying: “Oh, for goodness’ sake. Yet another waste of money.
“How does a UFO suit the architecture surrounding the gardens? Oh I forgot, the gardens no longer reflect that either. What a complete mess.”
However, Gregor McAbery struck a more optimistic tone: “Cool feature, look forward to seeing the park all lit up.”
What about the lighting bill?
Taking note of the fact the light is planned to stay on through the night, Julie Strachan cheekily suggested: “Does the “halo light” mean they’ll be able to work round the clock to get it finished?”
Many readers took issue with the idea of keeping the lights on, particularly in a time of skyrocketing energy bills.
Fred McKechnie said: “Be more streets in Aberdeen in blackout to pay for lighting up the gardens then.”
Laura McLeod added: “Closing the pool at the leisure centre because they can’t afford the heating but they can afford the lighting in Union Terrace Gardens?
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure it will look lovely and it will make the area safer at night, but I just don’t understand how they can justify it.”
For what it’s worth, the planning documents submitted to the council five years ago say “low energy lighting sources, such as LED” will be used throughout the park.
And to reassure those like Sylvia Bulman, who asked “What about the birds and creatures?”, the documents also say: “Low level lighting will be used to mitigate the impact of lighting on wildlife.”
However, we will have to wait until the new development opens properly before Aberdeen knows for sure if the ‘UTG UFO’ is an intergalactic-scale hit or miss.
Conversation