Meeting held on Sunday 18th January 2026.
The Kingswells Community Council held a meeting on Sunday 18 January 2026 to discuss a range of matters affecting the local community and to progress several ongoing projects. A member has stepped down from the Kingswells Community Council due to personal commitments. Apologies for absence were noted, and the minutes of the previous meeting were formally adopted.
A finance update was provided, confirming the current Kingswells Community Council bank balance and all funding received to date. Work is underway to finalise the year-end accounts, with provisional financial records already prepared. Further clarification will be sought regarding sign-off requirements.
Community updates covered several key areas. An update was provided on local bus services, noting that usage has increased over time, although levels remain below those required for commercial expansion without subsidy. Ongoing concerns were raised regarding fare levels, service reliability, and instances of buses arriving in pairs following delays. Safety concerns were also discussed in relation to pedestrian access between Kingswells and Countesswells, particularly for younger residents. Further engagement with transport providers and Kingswells Community Council members will continue.
Issues relating to the Prime Four Park and Ride were also discussed. Prime Four management have confirmed that staff have been reminded to use their designated parking spaces. Members also noted a fallen tree branch blocking a lower entrance to the car park following recent storms, and an update was provided on planned lighting improvements, which have been delayed due to adverse weather conditions.
The recent period of severe winter weather prompted extensive discussion on snow clearance and winter resilience. Kingswells Community Council members highlighted significant challenges experienced by residents, including restricted access, safety concerns, and the need for private clearance in some cases. The limitations of current snow clearance methods were discussed, alongside the availability of community salt bags as a supplementary measure. It was noted that Aberdeen City Council’s winter service plan is reviewed annually, with opportunities for community input ahead of its approval later in the year. The Kingswells Community Council is interested in putting forward a proposed new route to replace the current Aberdeen City Council Route 10. KCC will continue to engage with Aberdeen City Council services to seek improvements and explore ways of strengthening local resilience during extreme weather events.
Progress was reported on plans for environmental improvements at the Kingswells Duck Pond. Funding has been secured, and the Kingswells Community Council is now developing a detailed plan setting out proposed improvements, locations, suppliers, and delivery timescales. Opportunities to refurbish existing benches rather than replace them are being explored, and potential involvement of local community groups and volunteers is under consideration. Further updates will be shared once plans are finalised.
Preparations are underway for the Kingswells Community Council Forum and Annual General Meeting, scheduled to take place on Sunday 8 February. It was agreed that the event will begin with a short AGM at 2.30 pm, followed by a community forum. The event will provide residents with an opportunity to hear updates on current projects, share views on local priorities, and engage directly with Kingswells Community Council members.
The Kingswells Community Council also discussed strengthening links with local residents’ associations and is currently gathering contact details and information on the areas they represent, in order to improve communication and collaboration across Kingswells.
Routine reports were noted. No police report was received, as updates are now provided on a quarterly basis. A councillor update confirmed that school footpath markings are expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year, and residents were reminded that an assisted bin collection service is available for those who require additional support.
Fundraising matters were also considered. The Kingswells Community Council noted that its crowdfunding campaign remains live and has decided to leave it open. Potential additional funding opportunities, including those linked to local businesses, will continue to be explored. It was also suggested by a member that the use of KCC high-visibility vests and lanyards could be beneficial during volunteer activities and community events, to improve visibility and public recognition of Kingswells Community Council members.
The meeting concluded with agreement on the dates of upcoming meetings, including the Kingswells Community Council Forum and AGM on 8 February at the Public Hall.
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