Union Street in Aberdeen has recently drawn national attention as one of Scotland’s least healthy high streets. As community advocates and observers of Scottish urban wellbeing, we explore the data, context, and what this means for residents, businesses, and policy makers. Our goal is to present a clear, informed perspective while contributing to the wider conversation on shaping healthier town and city centres.
Understanding the Health Index for High Streets
A nationwide study examined over four hundred UK high streets longer than seven hundred metres. Streets were ranked based on:
- Number of takeaway outlets
- Density of pubs and licensed premises
- Count of vape and sweet shops
- Access to gyms and health facilities
- Air quality ratings
A higher concentration of fast food and alcohol-focused venues, combined with limited healthy amenities, contributed to a lower score.
Union Street at a Glance
Union Street, often called the Granite Mile, stood seventh in Scotland on the list of least healthy high streets.
| Category | Union Street Score |
|---|---|
| Takeaways | 34 |
| Pubs and bars | 13 |
| Vape shops | 3 |
| Gyms | 1 |
| Air quality | Lower rated segment |
| National ranking | 253 out of 400 plus |
The ratio of fast food venues to gyms presents a clear challenge for balanced urban health.
Comparison with Other Scottish High Streets
Glasgow dominated the rankings, taking four of the top ten positions. Dumbarton Road and Sauchiehall Street placed first and second. Edinburgh’s George Street also featured, largely due to high alcohol venue density and no gyms on record. Ayr, Linlithgow, and Coatbridge were also listed.
Union Street’s position reflects broader trends in Scotland’s city centres: legacy commercial streets are struggling to balance long-standing hospitality culture with modern wellbeing priorities.
Why Urban Environment Matters
High streets influence daily decisions. A street saturated with quick-service food, confectionery, and alcohol can make healthy routines more difficult to maintain. Public health experts caution that communities dominated by such businesses show higher correlations with lifestyle-related health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
With one in three adults in Scotland currently classed as obese, the design of our high streets is part of a much wider public health conversation.
Toward a Healthier Aberdeen City Centre
We recognise the challenges faced by Union Street, yet we also see enormous potential. Aberdeen has already begun exploring transformation initiatives that can support health and economic vibrancy.
Key priorities that can drive improvement
- Encouraging balanced retail by promoting independent cafes, fresh food outlets, and wellness services
- Strengthening access to leisure facilities and active travel networks
- Supporting green and public spaces to increase walkability and community use
- Incentivising businesses aligned with long-term community wellbeing
- Protecting heritage while enabling modern mixed-use development
Revitalisation does not require removing hospitality culture. Instead, it involves balancing it with health-focused options that reflect the needs of residents, students, and city centre workers.
Community Role and Local Vision
Sustainable change comes from collaboration between:
- Local authorities and planners
- Public health organisations
- Business owners and property stakeholders
- Residents and community groups
Recent council commitments to reimagine Union Street give encouraging signs that the future may include wider pedestrian use, greenery, cultural spaces, and improved cycling and public transport infrastructure.
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Don’t worry about finding expensive parking or forgoing some drinks so you can drive to a destination. Book an Aberdeen taxi and let us deal with the stress of getting you back and forward, and even give you a tour of local landmarks
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