Online and phone voting for UTG referendum

A referendum campaign against the plans was launched this week

Online and telephone voting are likely to be made available as part of the referendum on the future of Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens.

Two designs have gone head-to-head to compete for the £140m City Garden Project.

Members of the public are being asked whether they support the project or if they want the existing gardens kept.

The winner of the international design competition for the development will be announced later this month.

The referendum ballot will close on 1 March.

A group against the plans for Union Terrace Gardens launched a campaign earlier this week.

Two designs for Aberdeen's Union Terrace Gardens are being considered

Friends of Union Terrace Gardens claim the project is wrong economically, environmentally and for the heritage of the city.

However the City Garden management board said it was an "amazing opportunity".

Businessman Sir Ian Wood has pledged £50m to the project.

During a previous public consultation process, 55% of those who took part said they did not support the new development.

However, councillors backed taking the plans to the next stage.

If the project proceeds, Aberdeen City Council believes construction could be finished by 2016.