Public art scheme dropped following MP’s objections

Aberdeen City Council has scrapped a £100,000 grant earmarked for three new artwork installations to make the city centre more attractive and welcoming alongside physical distancing measures. Instead the money, part of its £1.77m ringfenced Spaces for People budget, will be used "in other areas to prioritise the protection of public health." 15 applications from artists, designers and arts organisations had been submitted, but the Council has dropped the scheme after Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn wrote to Transport Secretary Michael Matheson expressing “profound concerns” that street art could be considered as an appropriate use of  public funds provided to enhance physical distancing.