An exciting new venture aimed at boosting business, tourism, leisure and retail opportunities in Aberdeen's historic centre will get off the ground today.

The Merchant Quarter is being launched officially with an opening festival aimed at boosting business, tourism, leisure and retail opportunities in the newly created cultural quarter in and around The Green.

It'll encourage people back into the culturally and historically rich neighbourhood.

The week-long launch of the Merchant Quarter coincides with the 10 day Aberdeen Performing Arts Northern Edge Jazz Festival, Doors Open Day and a Country and Western night in some of the Quarter's most interesting historic buildings.

The launch will see participating restaurants and bars running special promotions.

Aberdeen City Council has been working with a consortium of independent businesses to create the Quarter. The group is seeking to promote the businesses and define the area as an attractive, cosmopolitan destination for a range of daytime and evening activities including shopping, dining and socialising.

The Merchant Quarter incorporates a significant part of The Green, which is being regenerated and restored to its former glory through the £2.8million Green Townscape Heritage Initiative, a partnership between the Heritage Lottery Fund, Aberdeen City Council, Historic Scotland and Scottish Enterprise.