Giant light-up letters spelling out Aberdeen could soon be placed in one of the city’s most historic squares.
Business chiefs, looking to emulate places like Amsterdam and Toronto, believe the big characters will become a tourist attraction.
And similar to the Rijksmuseum in the Dutch capital and Nathan Philips Square in Canada’s largest city, there are hopes the Castlegate could become selfie central – if the plans are approved.
“Such photo-friendly installations have already proven a hit in cities around the world,” VisitAberdeenshire chief Chris Foy told The Press and Journal.
“This signature for Aberdeen will literally spell out the city’s bold approach to creating memorable experiences for its visitors.”
Aberdeen’s name up in lights for the whole world to see
What is hoped to set Aberdeen’s Instagrammable symbol apart from others seen elsewhere in cities such as Edinburgh, Gdansk and Brisbane is programmable lighting.
In the concept image supplied to The P&J, the lights celebrate the fireworks which illuminate the city’s skyline on November 5 and Hogmanay.
But they would be set up to highlight other themes throughout the year.
Aberdeen Inspired has lodged proposals with the city council for permission to put the huge sign in the presently desolate cobbled square at the bottom of Union Street.
With the city’s famous Granite Mile in the backdrop, it is hoped the letters will boost awareness of Aberdeen across the globe, as photos pop up on their social media feeds.
The idea is the latest to come to fruition from Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Vanguard group – tasked with creative ways of improving the north-east.
Spokesman David Edgar revealed hopes the Aberdeen letters would “help the city reach places it otherwise wouldn’t on the feeds of thousands” visiting the region every year.
Local firm tasked with bringing Aberdeen letters plans to life
Local design firm Luxous Group has been hired to bring the Aberdeen letters to life – and to bring something new to an idea already seen in so many cities around the world.
They previously designed a lighthouse for cancer charity Clan’s Light The North trail – and you can look at the innards here:
Managing director Allan Smith said: “Working alongside Aberdeen Inspired, we’ve come up with a design that we feel is unique to our city. It will be an attraction within itself for residents and tourists.
“The installation will be customisable meaning we can program the lighting sequence to fit in with any event or any occasion they visit.
“There are so many creatives in this city, and it will be great to finally showcase what we can do within our city.”
Thousands are expected to visit in coming years on cruise ships docking at the new Aberdeen South Harbour.
Events like European Pipe Band Championships and the Tall Ships are also expected to bring crowds to the area.
Business improvement chief: Hopes Aberdeen letters will boost trade in city centre
Although – if planning permission is granted – the characters will first be set in the Castlegate, they have been designed to be detachable.
It could allow them to tour different events in Aberdeen, including conferences, festivals and graduations – as well as being placed in other iconic city locations.
Aberdeen Inspired chief executive Adrian Watson said: “This project aims to create a tourist attraction that will drive both visitors and local people into Aberdeen 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.
“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 moveable, takes the concept a step further.
“We hope this ensures the Aberdeen letters remain a unique focal point for that perfect Instagram picture.”
Conversation