Back in May 2012, one of my first official engagements as a new councillor was to attend the unveiling of one of the “Global Centre of Excellence in Subsea Engineering” Welcome to Westhill signs.

Confirming the Aberdeenshire town’s subsea status, it was quoted that “Aberdeen City and Shire is home to almost 40% of the UK’s subsea industry which generates £6billion per annum and supports 50,000 jobs.

The oil and gas industry has certainly put Westhill on the map. At that time I quoted “Great news for Westhill and I hope that Subsea UK along with other local companies will get involved in the community aspect of the town and be interested to hear what local facilities and groups have to offer.”

Since the signs were unveiled, following complaints from nearby residents, I have been asking Aberdeenshire Council to look at moving the Hilltop sign to a more appropriate place instead of encroaching on residential space. I believe a more appropriate site has been identified but it is taking longer than expected to finalise due to the land not being in the ownership of the council. I am advised that the sign will be removed from the Hilltop location by the end  of March 2014.