By Aberdeenshire Council communications team
Aberdeenshire Council generated more than £2.5 million through the sale of vacant properties and land last year.
Against a backdrop of stretched public sector finances, there has been a real push in recent years to reduce the number of buildings the council run and maintain, with more to come onto the market in 2026.
2025 was a strong year for sales – including the former Portsoy and Ellon libraries, Cairnbanno and Blackhills community centres and Macduff Town Hall, together with various depot, workshop and commercial units.
Properties sold:
Marr Depot; Castleton Place, Braemar; Longhaven School; 7 (Office) & 7a (Flat) Castle Street, Huntly; Cairnbanno Community Centre; New Deer; Site 3, Laurencekirk Business Park, Aberdeen Road, Laurencekirk; Portsoy Library; Macduff Town Hall; Ellon Library; Blackhills Community Centre, Peterhead; Repair Workshop, 7 Albert Street, Fraserburgh; 33/35 Duncan Crescent, Peterhead; Alford Academy School Site; 22 Kirkburn, Inverbervie; 22a (formerly 20) Kirkburn, Inverbervie; Riverdale, Montgarrie, Alford; Shop, 1A (previously 1&1A) Raemoir Road, Banchory; Lynair, Port Road, Inverurie; and the Former Ellon Area Office on Schoolhill Road.
In addition, several properties are currently under offer, while a number of surplus assets have also been transferred to community bodies via the asset transfer process, including garages on Murray Terrace in Alford and the former Auchenblae public toilets.
The council’s Estates Team continues to market a range of properties with conversion and development potential.
Available properties include 45 Brickfield Road, Stonehaven, an office at 25/27 Station Road in Ellon with conversion potential, the former Aberchirder Library and development land at Fairney Business Park in Fraserburgh. Meanwhile, several strategic sites in Inverurie including Gordon House and the former Harlaw Road Day Centre are coming to the market which will offer a wide range of potential uses and development opportunities.
Aberdeenshire Council Co-Leader and chair of its Business Services Committee, Cllr Stewart Adams, said: “We are experiencing a particularly buoyant spell for property sales and other asset disposals across the region which is helping to bring a wide range of vacant premises back into use for a number of purposes, be that residential, commercial or leisure.
”Through these sales, not only are we generating much-needed capital for the council, we’re also reducing our own maintenance and holding costs, while stimulating local economic growth. This approach not only provides a direct boost to our budget, but also supports wider community objectives by enabling new housing, creating employment opportunities and encouraging private investment. In doing so, we are ensuring the council continues to deliver high-quality services while maximising the value of the public estate for the benefit of current and future residents.”
Allan Whyte, Head of Property and Facilities Management at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “As the largest single provider of business land and premises in Aberdeenshire, we can offer a range of premises to accommodate a number of commercial operations. Whether a business wants to lease an office with access to meeting rooms in one of our business centres, or an industrial unit with a secure yard, our properties are presented in good condition and come with favourable rent packages.
“There is a strong desire among purchasers to convert former operational properties such as schools and community centres into private housing which will ensure these traditional granite buildings enjoy a new lease of life for many years to come. We also have a number of premises which present a wide range of both commercial and community-led opportunities. I would invite interested parties to make contact with us as early as possible to discuss any potential developments in more detail.”
You can view all the council’s vacant premises and lease opportunity at https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/business/available-property
Feature image – SOLD – Ellon library