06 July 2018

Strategies for Culture, and Sport & Physical Activity launched

Aberdeenshire Council has launched 10-year strategies for culture, and sport & physical activity.

Both strategies set how the council plans to encourage a healthy lifestyle; promote wellbeing with a focus on mental health; and raise levels of attainment and achievement through providing the best life chances for children and young people.

An innovative culture and sport business unit which will look at increasing participation and visitor numbers to local venues has also been established.

Cllr Anne Stirling, Aberdeenshire Council’s Communities Committee chair, said: “These strategies come at a time when health, wellbeing and social care is under scrutiny. I am encouraged that these strategies are looking to tackle some of the most important issues currently facing our society.

“I am hopeful that along with the business unit they will encourage those who may not regularly visit a library, leisure centre or museum to do so. Bringing culture, sport and physical activities to those communities who do not frequently embrace it is going to be vital for the future health and wellbeing of Aberdeenshire. I am confident that these strategies and the forward-thinking business unit will help us achieve this aim.”

As part of the launch, there were a series of vignettes showcasing the crème de la crème of culture and sport available in Aberdeenshire.

This included gymnast Izzy Tolometti, who has competed at national level for Scotland and singer Irene Watt from the Royal Conservatoire Scotland.

Communities Committee vice chair, Cllr Iris Walker, said: “I was thoroughly impressed with the performances from the individuals and groups at the launch. This is evidence of the array of talented performers, athletes, teams and groups in both the cultural and sporting world that are going from strength to strength in Aberdeenshire.”

There are a series of ‘come and try’ taster sessions taking place across Aberdeenshire over the coming weeks. For more information visit http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/culture-sport-strategy/.