Aberdeenshire’s SNP group will focus on promoting tourism and energy if they win the May 3 elections.
The group revealed its aims for the next five years yesterday, which also showed its plans to support local businesses by freezing parking charges across the region.
One of its major aims is to tap into the tourism market, by promoting short breaks improving the range of accommodation available.
If the SNP group take over from the Lib Dem/Tory administration, it would also work closely with voluntary groups who want to help run visitor attractions, such as the Tolbooth Museum at Stonehaven.
Yesterday the group met at Cruden Bay to launch its manifesto.
The 27-page document outlines a commitment to support the development of Peterhead as an energy hub, as well as the Energetica corridor development.
However, the group has acknowledged the public concern about the number of wind turbines in the north-east, and state in their manifesto: “While great opportunities lie off our shores, we also need to recognise the mounting public concern over the number of onshore wind turbine applications.
“While onshore wind has a role in meeting renewable energy and carbon reduction targets, as well as in providing significant community benefit it is important that public support is maintained.”
As part of this, the group would consider increasing the distance between turbines and houses and will look at giving local councillors more power to make decisions at area committee meetings.
Council tax would also be frozen for the next four years, while the small business bonus scheme would be continued to support local traders.
Parking charges would also not increase for the next five years, and the group has pledged to investigate allowing free parking for short periods to encourage people to shop in town centres rather than at edge- of-town retail parks.
Group leader Joanna Strathdee said: “By focusing on what really matters, the SNP believes that together we can maintain the services that people value, while putting in place the infrastructure which will help Aberdeenshire and her people seize the great opportunities of the future.”