A new version of a popular board game is set to honour everything great about the north-east.
Aberdeen has beaten a string of towns and cities across Scotland, including Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness, to become the subject of a new edition of Monopoly.
The version of the game will be launched more than a decade on from the first edition of Aberdeen Monopoly.
The hugely popular first version was launched in 2006.
It will feature a range of high-profile locations from across the area, including Marischal College, Castlegate, Union Terrace and the airport.
As well as a board featuring city landmarks, the game’s traditional tokens – such as the Scottie dog, racing car and boot – will be absent in favour of north-east themed pieces which will be voted on by the public.
The options include busts of famous figures, such as Annie Lennox or Sir Alex Ferguson, or an oil rig in recognition of the offshore industry.
A fish or fishbox, referencing the area’s fishing industry, could also make an appearance, as well as items depicting granite.
Another option is a mortar board or book, a reference to the city’s university which is one of the oldest in the world, having been founded in 1495, while there could also be an option to include one of Aberdeen’s infamous seagulls.
The news of the game’s launch has been praised by Lord Provost Barney Crockett.
He said: “This is fantastic news that Aberdeen has been selected for a new official version of Monopoly, which must be the most instantly recognisable board game in the world.
“Most people, young and older have enjoyed playing Monopoly – and I hope Aberdonians everywhere will take the opportunity to select Aberdeen-themed tokens for the latest version of this game.
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“Being a ‘Fittie’ loon myself, my favourite is the fishbox.”
Winning Moves UK, the firm which makes the world-famous game, announced the new version will be available in stores in October – just in time for Christmas.
The company will produce the new Aberdeen board under licence from Monopoly’s owners Hasbro.
Jennifer Lau, Winning Moves’ custom games executive, said: “We studied 20 cities and towns across Scotland and shortlisted it to three: Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen.
“Because this version – unlike the first one for Aberdeen – will see the tokens all customised and to be voted by the public, we wanted to make sure the Scottish city the new Monopoly game is being based on has lots of great and distinct Aberdeen links to choose from, like an oil rig, a haddock and something depicting granite.
“We are sure we will be absolutely spoilt for choice with this great new official Monopoly version.
“It will be a fun new version with all the tokens themed around Aberdeen as voted by the public.
“So technically a bust of a famous son or daughter from the city – adopted or natural – could be whizzing around the board. Everything is up for grabs.”
