Uber finally starts operating in Aberdeen

Private hire firm Uber has started operating in Aberdeen.

The transport giant was granted a licence by Aberdeen City Council earlier this year.

Uber had hoped to launch in August, but it is understood an appeal by the Unite union delayed those plans. That appeal was later withdrawn.

Uber told BBC Scotland News that journeys could now be booked in the city.

"You can now book a trip in Aberdeen," Uber confirmed in a statement.

"The service will be fully rolling out to all users in the coming weeks.

"There is no exact date to get to 100% of users as is usually the case for these sorts of things."

The number of available drivers has not been disclosed.

Uber connects passengers to drivers via an app which uses GPS technology to locate available taxis.

It was originally granted permission to launch in Aberdeen back in 2018, but later surrendered the licence.

Uber again lodged an application to operate in Aberdeen earlier this year, which was granted by the council's licensing committee in June.

The committee rejected a call from a taxi trade delegation for more scrutiny on the implications of the application before it was granted.

Uber already operates in Edinburgh and Glasgow.