Man charged with attempted murder

A man has made a private court appearance charged with attempted murder after an incident in a Deeside village.

Daniel Jones, 19, was arrested after Paul Brown, 30, was found with a serious head injury lying on the ground outside the post office in Aboyne late on Wednesday night.

He is being treated in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where his condition is described as "critical".

Mr Jones, who is described as residing at the Huntly Arms Hotel in Aboyne, made no plea and was remanded in custody at Stonehaven Sheriff Court.