Aberdeen City Council votes to go ahead with Marischal Square project

Protestors have failed in their bid to get the controversial Marischal Square development in Aberdeen halted.

Councillors voted by 22-21 to continue with the project, despite increasing objection.

Opponents expressed anger at being thrown out of the debate because it was hearing confidential legal advice.

But it emerged the authority's finance convenor Willie Young had "accidently" leaked some of that advice to one of the campaigners.

He has referred himself to the Standards Commission.

The council's deputy leader, Marie Boulton, has urged campaigners to now work with them on regenerating Aberdeen.

The SNP group requested the special meeting over the £107m development, which would include shops, offices and restaurants.

Hundreds of people have taken part in protests against the project.

Planning permission for the development - on a site created by the demolition of the former St Nicholas House council headquarters - was granted last year.

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

Developers Muse claimed it would be a world class project.