Great news from the Chancellor George Osborne in his Budget speech for those of us who back the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire City Deals Project.  The Chancellor announced that the project has been given the green light to proceed to  negotiations.

He said :’ Scotland, we will continue working on the historic devolution agreement, implement the Glasgow City Deal, and open negotiations on new city deals for Aberdeen and Inverness’.

Following the Speech, Liberal Democrat councillors in Aberdeen city and shire are giving their full backing to the Aberdeen city region deal highlighted by the Chancellor today.

Karen Clark, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Aberdeenshire Council, said “The Liberal Democrats have been behind this bid from the outset. Securing the city region deal enables us to address some of the key infrastructure challenges Aberdeenshire faces.

“I would acknowledge the tremendous support Liberal Democrat UK cabinet members Alastair Carmichael and Danny Alexander have given the project from within the UK Government.”

Ian Yuill, Leader of the Aberdeen City Council Liberal Democrats, added “Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are a powerhouse of the Scottish and UK economies.

“Securing the city region deal allows us to invest in Aberdeen city and shire’s continued success and help deliver prosperity for the North East for many years into the future.”

I would end on the Chancellor’s words which I agree wholeheartedly with :

‘It  is one of the great strengths of our three-hundred year old union that just as we pool our resources, so too we share our challenges and find solutions together’.

Those of us who fought hard to keep the Union intact will echo that sentiment.