A £2.9 BILLION investment plan for the North-east has been endorsed by Aberdeenshire Council.

The local authority supported the City Region Deal bid, which also received the backing of Aberdeen City Council.

The aim is to persuade the UK and Scottish Governments to invest in infrastructure on the promise of a long-term economic spin-off.

Housing, transport are skills have been prioritised in the business case proposal.

The document – put together in consultation with the private sector and the city’s universities – forms the basis for negotiating with central government.

Specific projects would be identified if it progresses.

As well as providing grants and loans, the arrangement can give local government more control over finances.

Glasgow and a number of English cities have already struck deals.