Police and safety campaigners have urged students arriving in Aberdeen today to enjoy freshers week without putting themselves or others at risk.
An estimated 50,000 students will be coming to the city in the next two weeks, with many returning to continue their studies at Aberdeen University, Robert Gordon University and North East Scotland College.
Additional patrols by officers will be carried out at popular night spots across the city centre and student bodies will be carrying out work throughout September to ensure young revellers enjoy themselves safely.
Chief Inspector Graeme Mackie said: “We’re here to uphold the law and keep people safe, that’s our role, but we recognise that it’s an exciting time being a fresher or a returning student.
“We have been working alongside both universities for several months now, assisting with the planning for the freshers period to ensure due consideration is given to safety and responsible drinking.
“I would urge all students, new and returning, to continue to follow some simple safety measures – drink responsibly, know how you are getting home, familiarise yourself with the university-approved taxi scheme, look after your friends and ensure everyone gets home safely.”
In addition to nights out, the universities will be hosting a variety of alcohol-free events in the city to provide an alternative for students who prefer not to drink.
The annual influx of students brings a welcome boost to the economy of many businesses throughout Aberdeen, particularly bars and clubs in the city centre.
Ross Ewen, the general manager of populstudent club, Garage Aberdeen, on Windmill Brae, said: “It’s always an exciting time of the year for us welcoming a new crop of students into our venue.
“It is our job and passion to ensure that these students receive a warm and safe introduction to the night life in Aberdeen and of course the city centre as a whole.
Stuart McPhee, the general manager of the bar Siberia on Belmont Street said: “We are proud to see many venues and organisations working in partnership in the city to promote a safe and vibrant city centre for the incoming student populous.
Fresher’s week provides a fantastic opportunity for us to boast about all that is good about the city centre.”
