Aberdeenshire granite setts being produced for Union Street Central

Thousands of granite setts made from stone taken from an Aberdeenshire quarry are being produced for the new surfacing in Union Street Central.

The light grey setts are being provided to the City Centre and Beach Masterplan project from Moray firm Tennants Elgin Ltd.

It is estimated 1,000 tonnes of setts will be laid as paving on Union Street as a feature of the new surface, complementing the surrounding historic granite buildings as well as supporting a local North East business.

Huge granite boulders were blasted and then removed from Avochie Quarry near Huntly and taken to the firm’s Elgin site for cutting and finishing. The process involves cutting down the huge boulders with two different grades of stone saw and then taken inside for carving down to the blocks using smaller and more precise stone saws. Each boulder provides about 150 to 200 setts.

Gavin Tennant, managing director, explained Avochie Quarry is one of five owned by the family firm, and they are delighted that local granite will be used for a local project.

He said: “Our granite is very high quality, and we take care and pride in our work which takes the raw stone from our own quarries and then to Elgin to shape them into whatever size and shape is required for a particular project.

“We have an ongoing supply stone for the La Sagrada Família in Barcelona, and have provided stone for Oxford University, Edinburgh University, and St Andrews University and it’s good to finally have a project in Aberdeen.

“It’s not very often we get to see the product in its finished state, and we are honoured we will be seeing local granite setts on Union Street on Aberdeen and the small part we have played in that process.”

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “The Union Street works are taking place at the same time and are alongside the construction for the new market building so it will be an exciting moment when Aberdeenshire granite setts are placed on the surface.

“Alongside the city centre works which will also include the Castlegate after the Tall Ships event is finished, the beachfront is continuing to get its biggest redevelopment for 35 years. Once finished, these developments will make a major difference to the city.”

Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The city centre and beach areas will be significantly improved through the agreed construction works. These are major investments to upgrade the city for the benefit of all.

“It is great to see a North East firm is providing the granite setts for Union Street Central. Selecting a local business that offers high-quality products is an important way to support our regional economy. This project is good for our area.”

Our video shows the stone being quarried at Avochie before it is crafted at Tennants Elgin base in preparation for transportation to the Aberdeen project site. The setts are due to be installed in the next few months.