Council scales back plans to shut 13 libraries

Aberdeenshire Council has scaled back plans to shut more than a dozen local libraries.

The council had expressed "regret" last year over how it announced the planned closures of 13 library buildings, after a community backlash about a lack of consultation.

Those which had been announced as under threat were in Balmedie, Boddam, Cairnbulg, Cruden Bay, Insch, Inverbervie, Kintore, Macduff, New Pitsligo, Newmachar, Newtonhill, Rosehearty and Strichen.

Services for Inverbervie, Cairnbulg and Boddam would be delivered elsewhere if councillors approve new recommendations.

Live Life Aberdeenshire, which runs services for the council, announced the planned closures of the 13 libraries in November last year.

The latest plan suggests that three library buildings be declared surplus to requirements.

Library buildings in Rosehearty, Kintore, Insch and Newtonhill could remain open through changes to working arrangements and a drive to recruit more volunteers.

A report to the council's communities committee says that some groups have expressed an interest in taking over libraries in Balmedie, Strichen and New Pitsligo.

Officers are still discussing options for future library services in Cruden Bay, Newmachar and Macduff.

An update on those talks will be published ahead of the committee's meeting on 5 June.