Council considers £2m AECC loan

A £2m loan is being recommended for the centre

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre could be given a £2m loan by the city council, BBC Scotland has learned.

A confidential report recommended that the council, which is facing £50m in cutbacks, should approve the loan, and warned "no action is not an option".

The report said the AECC generated a "considerable spin-off economic benefit" locally, estimated at £200m over the next five years.

The report is due to be considered by councillors this week.

The AECC's board of directors have asked for short-term financial support.

The council already provides annual funding of £650,000 for the Bridge of Don venue.

The report said the board of directors had agreed to pursue other funding options with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.