The decision follows a campaign to recognise the old county, triggered by suggestions that the present Banff and Buchan parliamentary seat be significantly re-drawn, and re-named Buchan Coast.

The idea came from the Boundary Commission, but proved to be the last straw for many Banffshire folk, who have seen the county whittled away as a political and administrative unit in the past 35 years.

Banff and Macduff Community Council also rose to the challenge and championed the cause of Banffshire.

At the Banff and Buchan area committee on Tuesday, there was almost unanimous support for Banffshire.

Leading the charge was committee chairman Sydney Mair, who declared: "I am a Banffshire loon, not an Aberdeenshire loon."

The only dissenting voice came from Councillor Watt, who represents Fraserburgh, but was born and brought up in Gardenstown.

He called the idea 'nonsense,' and claimed that no one would know what Banffshire was, except the locals, who already knew. It would cause confusion, he believed.

But his was a lone voice, and his fellow councillors at the area meeting on Tuesday agreed to push for the signs, and on Thursday, the council's infrastructure committee gave the go-ahead.

Signs saying 'Historic Banffshire' will be produced and erected on five major roads leading into the old county from Aberdeenshire.

Moray Council were first to agree to the idea of Banffshire signs several weeks ago, and will be setting up signs on their side of the county line.

Their agreement was subject to Aberdeenshire participating.

Councillor John Cox attended the infrastructure meeting, and said: "This is playing to our strengths; the Banffshire name is recognised throughout the world.

"The bulk of whisky exported across the world has 'Banffshire' on the label.

"With next year's Homecoming events, people will be wanting to come back to their roots – to Banffshire.

"Putting up these signs will not dilute the Aberdeen and Shire brand; it will contribute to our success.

"It is part of our uniqueness in the North-east, and shows the diversity of our environment and cultures, making it an even more interesting place to visit.

"We recognise that Banffshire is a destination."

At last Tuesday's area meeting, Councillor Cox argued against the council report's claim that going back to Banffshire would be confusing: "The confusion is with Aberdeen City and Shire; there is no confusion about where Banffshire is.

"We are here to help business and tourism and promote this area, and not get worried because a few people in Aberdeen are hung up about this.

"Banffshire is an asset to bring in visitors."

Committee chairman Sydney Mair noted: "We seem to be bending backwards to be associated with Aberdeen City."

Referring to the City's current financial woes, he added: "I would have thought it would be advantageous to distance ourselves from Aberdeen City at the moment."

He added: "I'm a Banffshire loon, not an Aberdeenshire loon."

Councillors Ian Gray and John Duncan also expressed their support.

Councillors agreed to erect Historic Banffshire signs on the roads entering the county.

The cost of the signs will be £5,000, the sum also being spent by Moray Council on their side.

Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Clare Russell, wrote to Aberdeenshire Council, listing the seven roads on which signs will be erected.

These are the A98 Fraserburgh-Macduff (at Bridge of Headiton, between Longmanhill and Crudie); the A947 Turriff-Macduff (at Montbletton); A97 Huntly-Banff (at Yonder Bognie, Marnoch); the A96 Huntly-Keith (at Coachford); A920 Huntly-Dufftown; the A941 Cabrach to Dufftown; and the A939 Lecht to Tomintoul.

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