Aberdeen Art Gallery donations 'anonymous due to planning'

The plans were backed in 2013

A councillor is confident money will be raised for the refurbishment of Aberdeen Art Gallery - but has said some donors want to remain anonymous due to planning issues in the city.

The gallery will officially close its doors this weekend to allow work to start on a £30m refurbishment.

A third of the money has been granted by the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the city council also committing £10m.

Marie Boulton said the project would be held in "great esteem".

She said there was an issue of people "putting their head above the parapet" at the moment.

'Money coming'

Aberdeen is currently in the grip of a planning controversy over the Marischal Square project.

Developers Muse are behind the £107m hotel, office and retail project.

Opponents argue it would block the view of historic Marischal College and Provost Skene House.

Ms Boulton told BBC Scotland: "There's going to be money coming from people but people want to remain anonymous."

The redesign of the Schoolhill art gallery building was backed by 27 votes to 15 by Aberdeen City Council in 2013.