Salmond backs £140m plan for city’s gardens

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has backed the controversial £140 million City Garden Project in Aberdeen but says the final decision is up to residents.

A referendum on 1 March will ask the public if they want to see the Union Terrace Gardens transformed or stay as they are.

Mr Salmond said he was impressed by the Granite Web design chosen for the site. The Scottish Government must see a finalised business case for the project before it can proceed.

Colin Crosby, director of Aberdeen City Gardens Trust, said: “We are obviously delighted that the First Minister is backing the City Garden Project and, ultimately, the £182m of investment it unlocks in our wider city centre. Alex Salmond recognises that the City Garden Project is truly transformational.”

But campaign group Friends of Union Terrace Gardens said: “While not wishing to stop anyone from saying what they think, the First Minister’s comments on the City Garden Project are unfortunate.

“Aberdeen council have yet to submit the business case to justify borrowing £70m from the Scottish Government for the scheme. We would be concerned about any preconceptions that the First Minister may have prior to his proper role in scrutinising the decision on this.”

Aberdeen businessman Sir Ian Wood has pledged £50m of his own money for the project.