The tender for a £1million sports complex in Fraserburgh has been put out to bidders.
Fraserburgh South Links Sports Development Trust wants to transform grassland in the heart of the town into a state-of-the-art athletics centre.
The scheme was backed by local councillors earlier this year, who shared the group’s vision for a six-lane running track and floodlit all-weather pitch.
Space for field events and an all-abilities cycling track will also be created.
Now, in an effort to meet its target of opening by next summer, SLSDT has invited developers to take on the construction project.
Valuing the venture at about £1million, the trust is committed to hiring a firm to design and deliver “new facilities at South Links”.
And drainage works would also have to be completed by the winning company.
The ambitious project has been part-funded by the Scottish Government, which requires work to have started on the site by April.
Local councillors have hailed the facility’s progress as “marvellous”.
Charles Buchan said: “It’s cutting-edge and will be one of the best in Scotland.”
Ian Tait added: “It’s marvellous, not just from a sporting point of view, but for regeneration and bringing people into the town.”
And Michael Watt declared: “This is the icing on the cake for development in Fraserburgh.”
Albert Ross, who founded Fraserburgh Fitness Centre, has also welcomed the development.
He stated: “I think it’s good for the community, in general, that there is that level of investment, especially if it’s located in the South Kessock area.
“Now they have all the sports facilities together, which is great for us.”