Aberdeen tourism bosses hope that giant letters spelling out the city’s name will become another reason to visit the city.
Already seen in places like Toronto and Amsterdam, the sign is planned for Castlegate, with the city’s landmark Union Street as its backdrop, but has been designed to be a potentially movable attraction.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the project aimed to create a “tourist attraction that will drive both visitors and local people into the city centre, encouraging them to visit the letters to take photos as a souvenir or a selfie for their social media channels then spend time in the shops, bars, restaurants and take in a show or exhibition”.
Those in charge of the project said they hoped the letters become a must-have feature to welcome visitors and delegates to conferences, festivals, graduations and other events.
Watson said: “Many cities around the world already have similar schemes and they have become a must-do for visitors, but we hope that different animations being displayed from the letters, as well as being movable, takes the concept a step further and will ensure the letters remain a unique focal point for that perfect Instagram picture.”
The plans have been submitted to Aberdeen City Council and have been put together by Aberdeen Inspired, the city’s business improvement district, as well as VisitAberdeenshire and Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce.
If the proposals win the backing of the authority, the letters could be installed within the next few weeks.
David Edgar, a member of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Vanguard group, said those behind the project wanted the sign to be a “bright symbol of the new Aberdeen, helping shape our international identity”, adding: “We’ve seen from other cities, such as Toronto, Gdansk, Amsterdam and Brisbane, that these signs often become a top tourist attraction, because people want to share a selfie in front of them.”
Local firm Luxous Group will design and manufacture the letters, with managing director Allan Smith stating that the firm had a design that was “unique to our city which will be an attraction within itself for residents and tourists”.
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
