A world-famous biscuit giant has unveiled plans for a new cafe at its north-east headquarters.
Shortbread producers Deans of Huntly hope to attract a new kind of customer to its site on Steven Road with the Fly Cup cafe.
The scheme is aimed at passing motorists who want to stop for a quick refreshment and a bite to eat.
The proposed two-storey development would consist of two converted shipping containers.
The company has now submitted a formal planning application for the cafe.
Last night, the firm said it hoped the development would help breathe new life into the town amid a tough economic climate.
Bill Dean, owner and managing director, said: “There’s so much doom and gloom around just now, we are trying to generate some vibrancy in the community.
“This is something that will appeal to families, it’s a quick stop cafe for locals and tourists.
“We’ve been missing a trick in terms of the ‘on-the-go’ consumer, this will offer up the best of both worlds.
“The beauty of this proposal is that if we get planning permission this will be built off-site and more or less comes ready to go.
“We would like to think that because of the quirky design people would also come along for the novelty value.”
Dean’s already have a cafe and bistro at their headquarters, which will remain open.
If approved, it is hoped the new shop would be open by the end of the year.
Meanwhile the firm has also submitted plans for a business and residential scheme on the outskirts of the town.
The proposals are for a small rural business park just off the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road.
The scheme would also include four properties, with one and a half storeys, one of which has been classed as affordable housing.
Dean’s has sought planning permission in principle for the development, which it claims would follow the model of the Thainstone Business Park, on the outskirts of Inverurie, and Netherton Business Centre near Kemnay.