Aberdeen City Council today (Wednesday, August 7) unveiled its first sponsor who has provided funding for the planting and maintenance of roundabouts - the University of Aberdeen.
Council Leader Len Ironside also announced:
* A further 39 expressions of interest - ranging from oil majors to small businesses - have also approached the Council indicating that they want to join the scheme.
* Consultants have been appointed to extend the scheme by inviting national and international companies to join the trailblazing project.
The Council, under its successful Civic Pride campaign has invited companies and other public bodies to sponsor and maintain roundabouts. In recognition of the partnership arrangements discreet signs will be placed on roundabouts acknowledging their involvement.
The money raised from the pioneering venture will not only ensure the roundabouts are kept in tip-top condition it will allow the money saved from the Council's budget to be diverted to other environmental projects.
Sponsorship signs were today (Wednesday) erected at two roundabouts which are being sponsored by the University of Aberdeen. They are:
* St Machar Drive/King Street/School Road
* St Machar Drive/ Bedford Road/Tillydrone Avenue
Councillor Ironside praised the University for taking the lead in the project. "The University's support is tremendous. And with the interest already shown by the private sector I am confident by next year themajority of roundabouts will be in fantastic shape. Every penny raised by the sponsorship will be used for landscaping and maintenance. This will allow us to release more money for environmental and horticultural projects."
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal & Vice-Chancellor, University of Aberdeen, attended the unveiling of the sponsorship signs today. He is pleased that the University is once again working in partnership with the City Council to provide the sponsorship required for landscaping the roundabouts.
"The University is delighted to support this initiative and the Council's Civic Pride campaign. These two roundabouts are very close to our main campus in Old Aberdeen and many visitors to the University pass by them - we recognised that we had an interest in their appearance," Principal Rice said.
"By sponsoring the roundabouts, we have helped the Council to improve their appearance considerably, which benefits us, but also enhances the area for everyone, and allows the Council to pursue new environmental projects. It is always a pleasure to be working with our friends in the city," he added.
Consultants Immediate Solutions, who are working with the Council, will now follow up all of the expressions of interest and extend sponsorship opportunities to include Gateways into the city.
David Smith, Chief Executive of Immediate Solutions, said: "Sponsorship plays an integral role in council activities and strategies and we are delighted to be working alongside Aberdeen City Council. This scheme is an excellent opportunity for companies to raise their profile and work in partnership with the council to enhance the area."
If anyone would like to know more about sponsorship opportunities they should contact Immediate Solutions - telephone 01422 354300.