Aberdeen University has launched a mobile phone app, designed to keep students and staff safe during their studies.
The university has teamed up with technology firm CriticalArc to provide “SafeZone”, a free new app for students and staff which connects them directly to the university security team.
The latter can be called on to offer urgent help or first aid in the event of an emergency.
The development, which was previously deployed at Newcastle and York universities, allows users to request assistance by activating the app on their smartphone and has been implemented across all the institution’s campuses.
A number of people have been the victims of crime in Aberdeen this year, and the incidents included a high-profile sex attack in Union Terrace Gardens.
With Freshers Week approaching, where hundreds of new students flock into the city, Leith Forsyth, head of student life at the university, argued the city remained a safe place to study.
She said : “As one of the safest cities in the UK, Aberdeen enjoys an enviable reputation for the security it offers to students.
“The University of Aberdeen is committed to continuing to deliver a safe and secure environment for our students, and that is why we have teamed up with Critical Arc to provide SafeZone.
“The service is free, easily accessible, and privacy protected, and it offers students the ability to call for help via their smartphone while on campus.
“SafeZone is already in use at a number of other universities, where it has proved popular with students who are reassured by having the ability to call for emergency help.
“I recommend the service to all our students, and urge anyone who is interested to download the app and register using their university email address.”
Torry and Ferryhill councillor Alan Donnelly welcomed the new app and said it would be especially useful for foreign students coming into the city.
He added: “There have been incidents in the past where people have been attacked in Seaton Park, so anything that can help people stay safe has to be welcomed.”
