There was little joy on earth or goodwill to men in Aberdeen’s council chambers yesterday as members rowed over the city’s festive celebrations.
A report to the finance committee yesterday asked for £132,750 to be given to Aberdeen Inspired for the Christmas Village 2016 on Union Terrace.
But Liberal Democrat member Jennifer Stewart called for guarantees over more local stalls, no more inflatable rabbits and insisted that the city’s nativity scene stayed in council control.
The report called for the council to investigate whether local churches could deliver the nativity scene.
But Ms Stewart said the council must not alienate the Christian community, adding that she and fellow Lib Dem Martin Greig had been instrumental in setting up the sculpture.
She added: “It (the nativity scene) has grown from quite a small feature to an opening event that about 300 people went to last year.
“What I don’t want to see us doing is moving away from the traditional message of Christmas, which is about the birth of Jesus… rabbits are not for Christmas.”
Her last comment was met with shouts of “rabbits are for life” from Labour members.
The committee said they would take her comments on board when moving forward with arrangements.
Convener Willie Young said last night that the Christmas Village would be an ongoing feature of the city during the festive period.
