We recognise that Gypsy/Traveller communities face some of the highest levels of inequality, discrimination and prejudice in Scotland. This is evidenced by statistics relating to health and education outcomes, several large-scale national investigations led by the Scottish Parliament, and feedback from Gypsy/Traveller communities living in the area.
The discrimination and difficulties experienced by Gypsy/ Travellers are acknowledged within the Scottish Government’s Race Equality Framework and Race Equality Action Plan.
Aberdeen City Council’s commitment to equality and fairness is embedded within our Equality Outcomes and our Local Outcome Improvement Plan.
To help address inequality and discrimination faced by Gypsy/Travellers, we are committed to improving the educational attainment of young Gypsy/Travellers and meeting the accommodation needs of those living in the area.
You can read recent research on the needs of Gypsy/ Traveller families, including the Grampian Gypsy/ Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment 2017, on the research page of the GREC website.
There is one official Gypsy/Traveller site in the area located at Clinterty, near the border with Aberdeenshire, which provides 21 permanent plots. There is a waiting list for this site.
Because there is a nationwide shortage of official pitches, many Gypsy/Travellers are on the roadside because there is nowhere else for them to go. Where there are unauthorised Gypsy/Traveller encampments, we aim to promote good relations and try to balance the needs of the Gypsy/Travellers with those of the local settled community and businesses.
Contact details
For information about the management of Clinterty site and unauthorised encampments in Aberdeen please contact:
Helen Rogers
Gypsies/Travellers Liaison Officer
01224 791860
HRogers@aberdeencity.gov.uk