The Aberdeenshire ‘Towns Together’ is one of the most exciting, cutting-edge small town initiatives in Scotland and is committed to promoting and the raising the profile of the northeast area.

The Towns Together Forum (TTF) is a successful mechanism allowing businesses in the principal towns of Aberdeenshire to work in close cooperation with one another to mutual benefit. It is private sector led, but includes participation from the voluntary sector and functions with the support of the public sector (via another award-winning initiative, the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership).

Like most good ideas, TTF is the result of creative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and strong, enthusiastic personalities. During 2000 to 2002, the Aberdeenshire Towns Partnership (ATP) fostered closer relations between the five principal towns – Ellon, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Peterhead and Stonehaven. At the annual ATP seminar in Ellon in 2001, business representatives from Inverurie and Peterhead identified common problems and experiences. The seeds of Towns Together had been sown and the inaugural meeting, involving the five ATP towns in 2002, quickly led to the inclusion of Banff & Macduff, then Turriff, and then, in 2005, Banchory.

Find out more at www.townstogether.org.uk