After recent budget cuts, Aberdeenshire council has taken the decision to lease its caravan parks.

The council has drawn up proposals to externalise the operation and management of its ten caravan parks.

While it may be possible to sell the majority of sites, the most appropriate solution is thought to be to offer them on a long-term lease basis.

Work is still needed on the form such a lease arrangement would take, transferring appropriate responsibilities to any new operator while retaining a degree of council control, to protect Aberdeenshire’s assets in the longer term.

Members of ISC recently decided that, given the importance of caravan parks to local communities, local organisations and groups will be given first refusal of local parks.

If there is no interest or this is not possible, the next step would be to offer opportunities to private companies.

Officers will continue to work to transfer ownership of the caravan parks, with a further report due back on May 12.

For more information visit the council's website.