Aberdeen nativity scene ‘too expensive’

Christmas scene axed

By Neil Evans political reporter

Published:

PLANS for a nativity scene have been put back for a year – because it cost council bosses too much.

Aberdeen City Council has scrapped the proposal for a city centre nativity scene this Christmas.

The council’s resources management committee agreed with officials that the plans were too expensive.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph figures would have cost £8,500.

But the council’s £10,000 budget would not stretch to the complete set, including shepherds and wise men.

The decision was made in private, but committee convener Kevin Stewart said after the meeting: “Obviously it is disappointing that we have had to curtail the winter festival.”

Other traditional Christmas treats have also been scrapped by the council, including a party for 400 kids. Street entertainers, such as jugglers and free panto tickets for community groups, have also been stopped.

The council is blaming the cuts on staffing problems in the events management team and not just finances.

The cuts will save £98,000, but this would not have come directly from council coffers.

The nativity scene, which was suggested by Lib Dem councillors Jennifer Stewart and Martin Greig, would have been the first set up in the city.

It was proposed last year, but postponed because there was not enough time to plan it.

The main events for the Winter Festival – including Christmas lights and a Hogmanay street party – are still due to take place.

Council officers were looking at specialist carvers based in Italy to carry out the work. But if somebody was able to do the work locally, the council would consider the scheme.

nevans@ajl.co.uk