Fri 3rd Sept

The woman hired to rebuild Aberdeen City Council is set to leave her post.  Sue Bruce will quit as chief executive to take up a similar role at Edinburgh.  Her appointment will be ratified by the capital's auhtority later this month.   Mrs Brcue said: "My two years in Aberdeen have been exciting and enjoyable. The opportunity to take on the role of chief executive of Edinburgh City Council was simply too good to pass up. Having the chance to apply for such a job at a time in my career when I was ready to take it on is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

A campaign is being launched to crackdown on cannabis cultivation in the north east.  Grampian Police, Crimestoppers and the Scottish Crime & Drug Enforcement Agency are joining forces in a bid to dismantle cannabis factories.  The drive is part of a Scotland-wide campaign, unveiled by Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill earlier this week. 

Around 100 people have attended a meeting on the future of a local care service.  The Willowbank Bungalows Project is under review by Aberdeenshire Council.  It provides accommodation and support for 14 people with learning disabilities but it could close.  Concerned relatives have decided to show their support for the service by starting a petition.  They also plan to launch a letter-writing campaign. 

The Scottish Government is trying to get parliament to agree on a minimum price for alcohol.  The proposed rate is 45 pence per unit - and it's claimed that would equate to £5.5 million saved in health care costs.  Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon says critics of the scheme are wrong.

The head of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association has called for the EU to follow Norway's example and ban imports from Iceland and the Faroe Islands. Ian Gatt met with EU officials in Brussels yesterday for an update on the situation, which he fears could have a dramatic impact on Scottish fisheries. He says the European Union needs to show that they can't be bullied over quotas.

There has been an earthquake in the North Sea.  It happened arround 150 miles off the coast of Aberdeen.  It was 3.5 on the Richter Scale, and the British Geological Survey say it would hae been felt had it been on land. 

A woman has been sexually assaulted in Aberdeen.  It happened within a block of flats in Skene Street in the early hours of Saturday.  The 39 year old victim had just walked home from a night out with friends in the city centre.  Police believe the attacker may have given the impression he was helping her.  He’s described as being in his mid to late 30s, 6 feet tall with short dark hair, and was wearing a white long sleeved shirt.