Stonehaven Hogmanay party could return if green light given

Stonehaven could welcome the return of its Hogmanay event this year if councillors give the go ahead to the event organisers.

Stonehaven Open Air in the Square (Oaits) could be brought back this year by Glasgowbased company Two Presentations, who have applied for the use of the Market Square for a “music event”.

The licensing of the event is being considered by Aberdeenshire councillors at this week’s Kincardine and Mearns area committee with a recommendation to agree to the request.

Keith Montgomery, one of the owners of the company, said the line-up will not be announced until April.

He said: “We are currently planning the event and are hoping to deliver something that is value for money.

“We will make sure people get a good act and are working hand-in-hand with Stonehaven Fireballs and hope to get a late licence so that people could potentially see both.”

Mr Montgomery hopes the event will boost the local economy.

He added: “Ideally it will attract people from further out who will stay in hotels and the area for a few days.”

Councillors have been asked to consider the impact it will have on businesses in the Market Square and whether a public resource should be used for a commercial event.

Local hotelier and previous Oaits helper Michelle Ward welcomed the plans.

She said: “I think it will have to be commercial because an event like this is far too big for a community group to organise.

The event has previously been headlined by the likes of ’80s legends the Human League and Simple Minds.