Westhill councillors Ron McKail and Iris Walker have pledged their support for the council’s development plans which could see £75,000 provided for a local youth project.

The Westhill Youth Café was included as part of a “planning for real” programme and is now set to become a reality with the money being used to provide a refurbished building for youth workers, children and young people.

The youth cafe, which will be based in the Old Schoolhouse building, will be a huge asset to the community by giving young people a place to call their own, as well as a location for youth workers to develop more innovative and exiting activities to engage with young people.

Aberdeenshire Council`s investment is part of a wider £3 million package aimed at towns and villages across the region to create better places to live and work.

The projects have been selected by identifying community needs and priorities with a major target being sustainable improvement to peoples day to day lives.

Cllr Ron McKail said: “A youth café in Westhill has been a dream for many of us and I’m pleased this has come to fruition. It will bring us a much needed facility and a 21st century resource for Westhill.”

Cllr Iris Walker added: “The Old School House is a great asset to the town centre and I am delighted that money is being invested in it for the young people of Westhill today and for future generations.”