A new bus service linking two north-east regeneration towns will launch next year after Aberdeenshire Council agreed to fund the plans.
The route between Banff and Fraserburgh will go live on February 3 with three return trips a day, Monday to Friday, going via Macduff, Woodside, New Pitsligo, Strichen and Memsie.
The number 272 bus will be operated by Stagecoach, but no indication has been given regarding the fare structure for the route.
There is currently only one return trip between the Broch and Banff which is primarily targeted at college students.
However, Banff councillor John Cox says it will open up the region to those who rely on public transport.
He said: “At the moment people in Banff are forced to use the one bus a day if they want to go to Fraserburgh to shop or visit people.
“It is also not good for college students if they miss that bus for whatever reason as they are then stuck.
“This new route will allow Fraserburgh folk to come across and use our facilities and vice versa.” Troup member Hamish Partridge added: “This will be a vital service for many people that require to visit Fraserburgh for all sorts of reasons.
“I very much welcome this service and the commitment from both the bus company and Aberdeenshire Council.”
The issue of the “missing link” between the two towns was raised at meeting of the Fraserburgh Bus Forum which is chaired by Broch councillor, Brian Topping.
He said: “This service was previously offered by the council but was withdrawn due to a lack of use.
“I would urge as many people as possible to take advantage because if it is not well used it will be lost again.”
While fellow Fraserburgh member Charles Buchan added: “This new service will provide the missing link around the north-east coast.
“Travellers will now be able to get from Dundee to Inverness by bus without having to cut out either Banff or Fraserburgh.”