Through the 8th City Programme, Aberdeen City Council co-funded three innovative smart city projects, helping to modernise infrastructure and enhance digital services.
8th City Programme – Phase 1
Open Data
Aberdeen collaborated with Dundee, Inverness, Perth, and Stirling to launch a shared Open Data Platform. Completed in March 2020, the project delivered 9 datasets and 1 innovative service. Aberdeen has since transitioned to an Open Spatial Data Platform, supporting wider data sharing and smart city development.
Intelligent Street Lighting (ISL)
This project introduced a network of smart LED streetlights managed via a hybrid Central Management System using LoRaWAN mesh technology. Completed in September 2019, it delivered 4 datasets and 1 innovative service. The system is expected to save the city around £1 million annually in energy and maintenance costs.
Digital Data Development (DDD)
Focused on enhancing Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), this project deployed sensor nodes across the city to support real-time traffic management. It delivered 3 datasets and 2 innovative services, improving transport efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
The 8th City Programme accelerated smart city thinking in Aberdeen City Council and through the programme we delivered three innovative projects, Intelligent Street Lighting, Digital Data Deployment and Open Data Platform.
Julie Richards-Wood, Chief Officer – City Growth, Aberdeen City Council
The benefits include efficiencies, reduction in faults, carbon emission savings, and the platform to continue to develop our smart city projects, such as Internet of Things.
Aberdeen City Council is currently looking to deploy further flood sensors as well as water monitoring sensors in schools as part of a project pilot. Digital continues to be central to Aberdeen’s Regional Economic Strategy and we are currently delivering three 5G projects through the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Aberdeen’s Open Spatial Data Platform is available here.
Copyright © 2025 Scottish Cities Alliance. All rights reserved.
LHEES, area-wide plans for improving building energy efficiency and decarbonising heat, are crucial for Scotland’s energy transition. These strategies provide a framework for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in buildings by 2045. Cities are implementing LHEES to identify and prioritise areas for energy improvements, ensuring a coordinated approach to decarbonisation.
Efforts to decarbonise urban areas are gaining momentum. Initiatives like the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are developing net zero neighbourhoods, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and green spaces. These neighbourhoods aim to create healthier, more sustainable urban environments.
Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its infrastructure. The country is a leader in wind energy, with numerous onshore and offshore wind farms. Cities are increasingly integrating renewable energy sources into their grids, supporting Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.
Transport infrastructure in Scotland’s cities is robust and continually improving. Scotland’s road network spans approximately 35,400 miles (56,959 km), with major road networks like the M8 connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh facilitating efficient travel and commerce. Rail connectivity is equally vital, with cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow serving as central hubs in the UK’s national rail network. The Caledonian Sleeper service, the overnight sleeper train service also provides a convenient connection between London and many of Scotland’s cities.
The rise of digital services has increased demand for data centres. Scotland’s cool climate and renewable energy resources make it an attractive location for green data centres. These facilities use energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are exploring opportunities to develop such centres, supporting the digital economy while aligning with sustainability goals.
Scotland is making significant strides in digital connectivity. The rollout of 5G and full-fibre broadband is transforming cities into digital hubs. CityFibre’s Gigabit City Investment Programme is a key initiative, aiming to provide full-fibre infrastructure to cities up and down Scotland and the wider UK. This programme supports the Scottish Government’s goal of ensuring superfast broadband access for all premises by 2027. Stirling became the UK’s first completed Gigabit City in 2020.