Worried you won't be able to reach vital council services over the holidays? Don't be! Aberdeenshire Council has announced its service arrangements for the festive season of 2025/2026, and essential services will continue to operate. Let's break down exactly what that means for you.
Council Services Availability: Your Complete Guide
Aberdeenshire Council wants to ensure a smooth holiday period, so here's a detailed look at how different services will be affected:
Customer Services: When You Can Reach Them
The council's telephone lines and face-to-face offices will be closed on these public holidays:
- Thursday, December 25th
- Friday, December 26th
- Thursday, January 2nd
- Friday, January 3rd
They will also be closing a bit early – at 4:00 PM – on Wednesday, December 24th and Wednesday, December 31st.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some residents feel that even limited closures can be a hardship, especially for those who rely on in-person assistance. Where do you stand on this? Let us know in the comments!
Normally, the Customer Services Team operates from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. If you need to contact them outside of the holiday period, you can find phone numbers and office details here: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/contact-us/contact-by-phone/. It's always a good idea to double-check office opening times before you head out: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/contact-us/reach-a-council-office/.
Emergency Contact Information: Help When You Need It Most
In case of an emergency, Aberdeenshire Council has you covered. For urgent situations outside of normal business hours (5:00 PM to 8:45 AM on weekdays and all weekend), use these numbers:
- Housing repairs and dangerous buildings: 03456 081203
- Homelessness: 03456 081206
- Social work: 03456 081206
And this is the part most people miss... It's crucial to remember that if the emergency is life-threatening, call 999 immediately. If you're worried about someone's health, contact NHS 24 on 111. For a comprehensive list of emergency contacts, visit www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/contact-us/emergency-contacts/.
Recycling and Waste: Navigating the Festive Bin Collections
Bin collection schedules will be adjusted during the festive period:
- Bins normally collected on Thursday, December 25th, will be collected on Sunday, December 28th. Get ready for the first Christmas season with Sunday collections!
- Bins normally collected on Friday, December 26th, will be collected on Monday, December 29th.
- Bins normally collected on Thursday, January 1st, will be collected on Sunday, January 4th.
- Bins normally collected on Friday, January 2nd, will be collected on Monday, January 5th.
Important Reminders for Festive Bin Collections (December 22nd to January 5th):
- If your bin isn't emptied by 4:45 PM, bring it back in.
- If your black lid bin is missed, they'll collect up to two extra black bags of waste on your next scheduled collection day.
- If your recycling bin is missed and wasn't tagged, they'll collect extra recycling of the same type on your next collection day.
You can check for updates on missed collections at www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/binsdisruptions.
Household Recycling Centres: Plan Your Visit
Before visiting any household recycling centre, check the website for any changes to opening times, booking requirements, closures, accepted materials, and vehicle restrictions. Arrive early enough to unload your vehicle before the lunchtime or end-of-day closing time.
Booking is required for all vehicles visiting the Inverurie and Westhill recycling centres. At all other centres, booking is only required for commercial-type vehicles and vehicles with trailers.
Make sure to arrive on time for your booking slot, as late arrivals may be refused entry.
Bulky Uplifts: A Temporary Pause
Booking slots for bulky uplifts are closed from Monday, December 22nd, to Friday, January 9th. Consider this when planning any pre- or post-holiday clear-outs!
Stay up-to-date on waste collections and other council information by downloading the MyAberdeenshire app: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/my/mobile-app/.
Live Life Aberdeenshire: Leisure and Community Services
Keep in mind that planned opening hours for Live Life Aberdeenshire facilities are subject to change due to adverse weather conditions, so always check before you travel!
Sports and Leisure Facilities: All sports centres will be closed on December 25th and 26th, 2025, and January 1st and 2nd, 2026. Normal hours resume on Sunday, January 4th, 2026.
Ski Centres: The ski centres will also be closed on the same dates: December 25th and 26th, 2025, and January 1st and 2nd, 2026, reopening on January 4th, 2026.
Libraries: Libraries will be closed on December 25th and 26th, 2025, and January 1st and 2nd, 2026.
During the closure, you can contact sites directly or use this online form: https://www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/contact/. For detailed festive opening times, visit https://www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/sport-and-physical-activity/festive-opening-hours/. You can also contact sites directly or email llacustomerservice@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.
Live Life Aberdeenshire also provides warm and welcoming spaces where you can access free showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging. This is a fantastic resource, especially during the colder months!
For more information about cost-of-living support and other warm spaces, visit Aberdeenshire Council's website: www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities-and-events/cost-of-living/.
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to Aberdeenshire Council services during the 2025/2026 festive period. Are these arrangements adequate? Do you think the council could do more to support residents during the holidays? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
