Tributes to lost loved ones will be removed from Aberdeen’s parks as part of a council clampdown.
Strict new rules have been formed to stop visitors from leaving behind memorials including plaques, vases, ornaments and plastic flowers.
Top brass say items have always been removed, but they’re tightening regulations due to an increasing number of tributes piling up across the city.
However, affected families say they will not be “deterred” from remembering relatives.
Does rule change put an end to memorial benches?
A council spokesman said that the memorial rule was needed to “raise awareness and address the increase in items being left”.
He added: “Items left in our parks and open spaces that should not be there have always been removed.
“We have removed items carefully in the past and taken them into storage.”
It was also confirmed, however, that the city’s beloved memorial benches will continue.
Benches can be sponsored and placed in the city’s parks, play areas, cemeteries and countryside sites such as Tullos Hill.
Each bench comes with a plaque that can be personalised with messages by grieving friends and families.
But the local authority asks that floral or other tributes are not left on the seats as it can prevent people from using them for their intended purpose.
Those looking for a more permanent memorial in the city’s parks can sponsor a tree planting instead, but this does not include a memorial plaque.
However, the memorial garden at Aberdeen Crematorium has wall plaques and planter plaques available.
What do families think of new rules?
But the changes won’t be enough to stop families from placing their own tributes to those they have sadly lost.
Susie Bremner has a memorial bench on Aberdeen Esplanade in memory of her parents George and Margaret Bremner.
In response to updated guidelines, she said: “I still put down my rose twice a year.
“They probably come along the following day and remove it – but I’ll continue to put it down.
“I don’t think a flower or small bunch would deter people from using a bench.
“I’d personally be interested in the person’s life that the bench was in memory of.”
On one occasion, Susie got chatting to a couple who were using her parents’ bench as she tied a rose to it.
“It was nice to speak to someone who didn’t know them but were genuinely interested in their life,” she added.
What memorials will be allowed in Aberdeen’s parks?
More permanent memorials and some tree plaques that are already in place will remain.
Visitors will also be allowed to lay fresh flowers.
Wreaths, such as those that are laid around war memorials for events such as Remembrance Sunday or Piper Alpha services will not be affected by the change.
Council officers argued that those memorials are there “for a purpose” and wreaths would be allowed as part of remembrance parades or other events.
What other new rules have been included?
The park management rules are reviewed and updated to ensure the city’s outdoor spaces are safe and welcoming for everyone.
They cover the city’s 14 public parks, sports areas, play parks and nature reserves.
But memorials weren’t the only additions to the council regulation.
A new rule has been added to stop drone users from “annoying or frightening” other park users, pets and wildlife.
The proposed new management rules will now go out for consultation to allow members of the public to have their say.
If no significant objections are received, the revised legislation will come into force next March.
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