Despite grey skies and a blustery wind the event at Arnhall Park, organised by Westhill and Elrick Community Council, was hailed as a success.

The Big Bang Band entertained the crowd with music and three celebration cakes were provided by Costco, while other local firms also donated food and drinks.

The event marked forty years since Aberdeen solicitor Ronald Fraser Dean had the brainwave of taking the few existing properties in the area and expanding them to create Westhill.

John Milne, 66, who has lived in Westhill all of his life was given the honour of cutting the birthday cake at Sunday's party.

He said: "It should have been my mother who cut the cake as she had also lived in Westhill for the whole of her life but she passed away quite recently at the age of 89."

John, who is now retired, said that the event was an enormous success.

"We had a great day," he said. "It had rained in the morning so, for the type of day it was, I thought it was very well attended. There must have been about 150 people there."

John said that he has noticed big changes in the Donside town over the years.

He said: "Westhill has changed quite a lot since I was a youngster. It used to be just a few crofts dotted here and there. They all had small fields and it wasn't the best agricultural land."

He added: "I think it has definitely changed for the better as it is a great community to be a part of. It has a lots of good shops, schools and facilities and it really is a great place to live."