06/07/2026
This proposal will have pros and cons for all areas. Have your say by reading the new proposed policies and by completing the survey.
Residents, community groups and organisations across Aberdeenshire are being encouraged to have their say on a proposed new festive lights policy which would give local communities greater freedom and control over festive displays in their towns and villages.
Aberdeenshire Council has launched a public engagement survey following an initial review of its current festive lights arrangements, with proposals aimed at moving from a centrally-defined model to a more flexible, community-led approach that puts local people at the heart of decision-making.
The survey runs until August 31 and can be found online at: https://engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/festive-lighting-policy-review-2
The proposed policy has been developed in response to feedback from community groups who have called for greater flexibility to create festive displays that reflect the unique character, culture and identity of their communities.
If approved, the revised framework would allow community groups to apply to install festive lights on any street within their settlement, rather than being restricted to town centres or high-footfall locations as is currently the case.
Key proposals include:
* Removing restrictions on where festive lights can be erected, subject to safety considerations and the suitability of lighting columns
* Allowing communities to fund upgrades to lighting columns where required to support festive displays
* Retaining a council-funded annual electricity allocation, capped at approximately £12,500, based on 2024/25 costs
* Introducing a fairer and more transparent population-based formula for allocating funded electricity across settlements
* Introducing future charges for communities whose electricity usage exceeds their allocated share, with transitional arrangements for areas affected by the changes
* Setting electricity costs for additional usage on a five-year basis, with community groups being invoiced in advance
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