by Fred Byrne and Amelia McGlynn
“KEEP SAFE. IT IS INADVISABLE TO WALK THROUGH SEATON PARK IN THE HOURS OF DARKNESS,” reads the infamous University-branded sign at Seaton Park’s entrance from Hillhead Student Village. Its looming presence sets a firm reminder of what potential dangers lie beyond and casts an eerie feeling unto the fresh-faced students settling into the nearby student accommodation.
The Dangers of Seaton Park
Situated on the fastest walking and cycling routes from the University of Aberdeen’s student accommodation to its main campus, the park, managed by Aberdeen City Council, has long been notorious for safety concerns.
Responding to a FOI request from The Gaudie, Police Scotland published data showing over 200 recorded incidents between 2017-22, including sexual offenses, robbery, theft, and assault. Further, the P&J reported several flashing incidents impacting local student residents in October 2021. There is a notable absence of CCTV in and around the park.
There is a risk of injury, too: low guard rails, steep slopes and low visibility present a precarious combination. With its secluded paths and lack of lighting, the park has developed an unsavoury reputation, causing unease to many passing through, especially after dark.
Hillhead residents told The Gaudie that they regularly walk in the park at night without issues, while some reported feeling afraid.
Yingnan, who uses the park to get home after using the library said: “When walking through I always think about bad guys. I use a flashlight on my phone.”
Zara, a 1st year, said “Due to the tree cover there is a lack of moonlight. I wish there was lighting, at least on the paths.”
The Same Old Story
For at least four decades, students have pleaded for improved safety measures, including lighting, to help protect the thousands of students traversing through the park.
The Gaudie archives reveal that Sandy Bremner, elected student leader in 1980, warned students to avoid dark areas of Seaton Park in an article titled “It MIGHT happen to you,” (‘it’ meaning a violent crime).
Later editions detailed violent incidents, one article labelling Old Aberdeen a “DANGER AREA.” In 1982, councillor Paul Johnston requested an appraisal of the lighting situation in Seaton Park, calling it a “necessary fight.”
Four years ago, now-graduate Leander Weigelt was also surprised by the lack of lighting in Seaton and reached out to the Friends of Seaton Park organisation. The charity replied that “almost every year […] student residents have similar requests,” advising him: “do NOT walk through Seaton Park after dark.”
Earlier, then-fresher Glenn Ferguson had campaigned for improved lighting, gaining support from Kevin Stewart MSP. Ferguson’s bid for safety measures garnered support quickly, but concerns from the council meant the operation fizzled out.
Politicians to the Rescue?
Kevin Stewart MSP told The Gaudie that he supports making the park safer, asserting “I have been in contact with the Council several times regarding this.”
However, Mr Stewart feels Aberdeen City Council have been more complacent on the issue. “They believe that the introduction of late-night lighting in Seaton Park would contribute to a rise in anti-social behaviour,” said Stewart, continuing “they also believe that the lighting would have a detrimental impact on residents in the surrounding area and also affect wildlife.”
According to a systematic review of 13 studies by the UK College of Policing, violent and property crime was reduced by approximately 21% in areas with improved street lighting. There was no evidence to suggest lighting increased crime rates.
Seaton Park has no statutory or protected status and does not appear in Aberdeen’s list of Local Nature Conservation Sites. Red squirrels and invertebrates are known to inhabit the park, but with a 27-hectare landmass, the extent to which lighting would impact wildlife is unclear.
Stewart MSP stated that the Council would likely reiterate the points to anyone who brought the issue back to them. Despite this, he has raised the Seaton situation once more to Angela Scott, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Aberdeen City Council told The Gaudie: “There are no plans to add lighting to any part of the park. There is a safe, well-lit route and we would ask the public to use this during hours of darkness. Police Scotland support this view.“
Hopes for a Brighter Path Ahead
The University community is rife with concerns about Seaton Park; it is not uncommon to come by those with stories about being followed or threatened. Most of Hillhead’s 2,500 residents are new students and move out after only a year of tenancy. Every so often, a new student decides to fight for improved lighting and safety measures but ends up failing to make a change. Given the prevalence of the issue, some wonder when – or if – change will come.
The University suggests that students commute around Seaton Park in the night-time, taking a slightly longer route along Don Street. A new night bus, the 20a, takes students from the town centre to Hillhead.
However, an avoidant attitude falls short of addressing the safety issues. Mere warnings are insufficient; students continue to venture through Seaton Park in the hours of darkness. Those responsible for the space should promote student safety, and finally shine a light on Seaton Park’s future.
