Kieran Beattie takes a look at the latest news, releases and events locally and farther afield

In Aberdeen, plans have been lodged to breathe new life into a former Oddbins which wine fans will be certainly raising a glass to.

The popular booze shop on Bon Accord Street shut down in 2020, leaving another prominent empty spot in the centre of Aberdeen.

But now, a wine importer from Montrose wants to bring it back into use as both an off-licence and wine bar.

Graeme Hetherington of Angus Wines Ltd has submitted the new proposals to Aberdeen City Council.

Under his vision, the unit will be much more than simply a place to buy bottles for takeaway.

Instead, he wants the unit at the corner of Langstane Place to “integrate into the local nightlife of the area”, and documents submitted to the council explain it would be open from 10am to midnight, allowing people to remain in the wine bar.

POPEYES OPENING DATE CONFIRMED

Elsewhere in Aberdeen, the opening date for Union Street’s new Popeyes restaurant has been revealed.

The Louisiana-style fried chicken joint is set to open its doors to Aberdeen punters from Monday April 15.

It will be situated at 111-115 Union Street in the former Shoe Zone unit, and will open from 8am to 10pm Monday to Sunday. The fast food chain is world-famous for its chicken sandwiches.

KING’S NEIGHBOUR WELCOMED 49,000 VISITORS FOR WHISKY EXPERIENCE

In Aberdeenshire, one of the King’s nearest neighbours at Balmoral is raising a glass to success.

Royal Lochnagar Distillery in Royal Deeside welcomed more than 49,000 whisky tourism visitors during 2023.

The distillery offers visitors a variety of tour and tasting experiences.

And last year, it launched a special King’s Birthday Edition of its 45-year-old single malt, in honour of its famous neighbour.

Royal Lochnagar Distillery is about a mile from Balmoral

TV presenter Adam Richman, right, tries out a buttery/rowie.