North East Radio Scotland

The North Deeside Road shop, which sits between the Royal China restaurant and the popular Blacks Bar, would also have its entrance replaced under the proposals.

Whitbread said the plans to reduce its 30,000-strong workforce were subject to employee consultation, and that it expects to retain a significant proportion of those affected through redeployment.

Nearby locals were asked to avoid the area and keep their windows closed due to the smoke coming from the gorse blaze, with four engines were sent to the scene.

Mercy crews, including Scottish Fire and Rescue, are currently at the scene in Rosehearty after a blaze broke out on Wednesday evening alarmingly close to residential properties.

The latest warnings come as Scots prepare for the first of two Bank Holiday weekends in May, with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service urging people to enjoy the weather responsibly.

Analysts said that the UK is only in the "foothills" of thinking about the national security risks that face the offshore wind sector and low carbon technology.