Retailers in the centre of Fraserburgh are taking part in an innovative project to improve their stores to provide the town with a much needed economic boost.
Forty six shops owners have joined forced with the Retailer Group and the local authority to take on the task.
After hearing advice from the business tsars, each participating store was invited to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to improve trade.
Last night, Broad Street newsagent Ian Dyga said he would be using the grant to improve his store’s frontage.
He added: “It’s a wonderful opportunity that Aberdeenshire Council and the Retailer Group have given Fraserburgh.
“We’re just really looking forward to all the shops in the town getting their work done. Hopefully it’s just the start and will make Fraserburgh a more attractive place.”
More than £200,000 from both Aberdeenshire Council and businesses involved will be invested as part of the project.
Debra Campbell, the council’s regeneration officer for Fraserburgh, said: “We initially expected a dozen businesses to participate and were delighted when we ended up with 46.
“This meant Aberdeenshire Council was asked to increase the grant fund so every participating business could benefit.”
Local councillor Charles Buchan said he was pleased the project had proved so popular.
“I am sure that it will enhance the quality of our retail offering, and will have a positive long-term effect on the town centre,” he added.
The project had previously run in Banff and Macduff. There, local firms working with the Retailer Group were able to apply for up to £2,000 in funding from the local authority.
The Retailer Group’s managing director, Gordon Bell, congratulated the new initiative. He said: “This is a great opportunity both for retailers and for the high street as a whole.
“We are delighted to be associated with this project and have enjoyed working with businesses in Fraserburgh to make a real difference both for the shops and local customers.”
It is expected that most of the works will be completed by the beginning of December in time for Christmas trading.