Planning academics and practitioners from across Britain and beyond are attending a three-day conference at the University of Aberdeen.
The Planning and Development Research Conference which got underway today (March 31 - April 2) will explore a wide range of planning issues, across a number of areas which include urban design and sustainability, economic development and regeneration and rural development and policy.
Papers being presented include conceptualising the impact of public policy on land and property markets, the benefits of woodfuel to rural communities, stakeholder involvement and sustainable development in National Parks and planning to enhance the competitiveness of former industrial cities.
Almost ninety delegates are attending the event being hosted by the University's Department of Land Economy, some from as far afield as South Africa, New Zealand and Canada.
One of the key speakers is Paul Murrain from the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment, who is one of the country's leading urban designers. He worked with Prince Charles on the creation of Poundbury, the innovative village development at Dorchester, which was initiated by the Prince of Wales.
The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Centre Partnership, Jenkins and Marr, Royal Town Planning Institute and Royal Town Planning Institute, Scotland, and Scottish Enterprise Grampian are sponsoring the event which is taking place at King's College Centre, University of Aberdeen.
George Massie, partner with Jenkins and Marr, town planning consultants, urban designers and architects, said: "The University of Aberdeen ought to be congratulated in attracting such an important conference to the city.
"This is an annual conference which has taken place at various locations across the UK and it reinforces the status of the Department of Land Economy that they have brought it here.
"Planning is not a static profession. It's dynamic and the development of new ideas and thinking is intrinsic to practitioners. Conferences such as this are invaluable.
"Jenkins and Marr are particularly happy to be sponsoring Paul Murrain. We have been supportive of his thinking on designs and the built environment."