In January, Aberdeenshire Council carried out what it described as an “engagement exercise” on the future of Stonehaven Library. Since then, the community has heard nothing — no findings, no update, no explanation, and no evidence that our views have been meaningfully considered.
Seven months of silence.
Stonehaven has not been silent. The community has watched closely, and the Save Stonehaven Library Coalition is now stepping forward again — not with speculation, but with evidence.
The people of Stonehaven and its surrounding communities have something to tell the Council, and this time they are speaking with clarity, unity, and data — and the Council has to listen.
STONEHAVEN RALLIED — AND WE THANK YOU
When the library was put at risk, Stonehaven did what it always does when the chips are down — it rallied.
The petition to retain Stonehaven Library in its current location secured:
- 2,237 signatures
- 20.34% of Stonehaven’s population
- 93.8% AB39 postcodes
- 645 physical signatures
- 1,592 digital signatures
This is one of the strongest community mobilisation responses Aberdeenshire has ever seen, and the response was quite simply extraordinary.
Stonehaven spoke quickly, clearly, and with total unity: the library must not be relocated to Viewmount.
In line with Aberdeenshire Council’s Petitions Guidance, the petition will be formally submitted to the Director of Business Services for consideration at the next meeting of the Communities Committee.
The Coalition will report back once the petition has been considered.
THE LIBRARY IS DETERIORATING — AND THE COMMUNITY CAN SEE IT
Over the past year, the library building has deteriorated further. As the feature image shows, the exterior paintwork and render have continued to worsen. Water ingress, damaged plasterwork, and ongoing maintenance issues have all worsened — not through neglect by staff, but because investment decisions have not been made. The Council’s own audit highlights weak evidence trails, incomplete planning, and inconsistent oversight. The result is a building that is visibly declining at the very moment the community is being asked to accept its relocation.
Stonehaven sees the deterioration. Stonehaven sees the lack of investment. And Stonehaven sees the contradiction.
THE COUNCIL’S OWN INTERNAL AUDIT SHOWS THE DECISION IS UNSOUND
While Stonehaven waited, Aberdeenshire Council’s Internal Audit examined the implementation of the Place Strategy — the framework that is supposed to guide major local decisions, including facilities, services, and community assets.
Internal Audit Report 2622 (2025/26) concludes:
“The level of risk is assessed as MAJOR, with the control framework providing LIMITED assurance.”
The audit goes further, stating that “significant gaps, weaknesses or non‑compliance were identified”, and that the issue is “strategic,” requiring mitigating actions at the Senior Leadership level.
Key findings:
- Place Plans are largely not in place
- governance and oversight are inconsistent
- evidence trails are weak
- reporting is infrequent
- Best Value cannot be demonstrated
The Internal Audit states:
“In the absence of Place plans… this risks the Council failing to address local needs and ultimately Best Value.”
These findings matter. The Place Strategy is the foundation for major decisions. The audit shows that foundation is not in place.
A major decision made without:
- a functioning Place Strategy
- a completed Place Plan
- a clear evidence trail
- proper consultation
- Best Value analysis
…cannot be considered sound.
This is not opinion. This is the Council’s own audit.
STONEHAVEN UNDERSTANDS THE CHALLENGES — BUT COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL
Stonehaven understands the pressures Aberdeenshire Council is facing. Budgets are tight. Demands are high. Communities across the region need support. These are difficult times for local government, and we recognise that.
But even in challenging circumstances, communication is essential — especially on decisions affecting one of the town’s most important community assets.
The silence since January has been damning, and the consequence is that residents feel shut out of decisions that directly affect their town. Stonehaven is not asking for special treatment. Stonehaven is asking to be spoken to.
A community that has mobilised at this scale deserves engagement, clarity, and honesty.
STONEHAVEN HAS SPOKEN — AND IS READY TO ENGAGE
The petition shows absolute community support for keeping the library where it is. The Council’s own Internal Audit shows the decision‑making framework is not ready. The silence shows consultation to date has not been meaningful.
Stonehaven remains willing to work constructively with Aberdeenshire Council. We see the challenges. We see the opportunities. We are ready to talk.
But progress requires the Council to drop the guard, open the conversation, and engage with the community on a decision that matters deeply to this town — and this is not the only decision where communication has been lacking. It raises serious questions about whether this silence reflects a wider cultural issue within the organisation.
Stonehaven has stepped forward. Stonehaven has provided evidence. Stonehaven has shown unity.
The next move belongs to the Council.