The team behind an ambitious project to bring a sea life centre to Europe’s busiest white fish port is battling for funding and appealing for sponsorship.
The bid to create an aquarium at Buchanhaven Harbour in Peterhead proved so popular in a public vote on handing out grant money that it received £9,000.
It is hoped the facility will entertain and educate families across the region.
Now the harbour’s chairman, Arthur McKenzie, is reaching out to the fishing industry and local firms to help support the idea.
“We have managed to secure some funding for the tank already which is great,” Mr McKenzie said last night. “We are just trying to get some more for a good filtration system so it minimises water changes and will last for years to come in our boat shed classroom.
“It would be great for a local boat or company to sponsor the project and possibly have a representative at the opening, or a plaque saying who’s sponsored the project.”
The large tank will be stocked with local marine species such as lobster and crab to show off what local waters have to offer.
Mr McKenzie said: “I think it will be a great educational project for local schools and groups. The closest thing we have is Macduff Marine Aquarium of Hazelhead Pets Corner and there are a lot of people who can’t afford to get there.”
He added that it is a “real shame” Peterhead, the largest white fish port in Europe, does not have an aquarium or seafood restaurant to celebrate the local industry.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the harbour is asked to contact the committee through its Facebook page – Buchanhaven Harbour.
Earlier this year the committee secured £9,000 of grant cash through the Your Voice Your Choice scheme.
Projects in Peterhead were invited to bid for a chunk of cash and the ideas were then put to a public vote.
Buchanhaven Harbour’s annual gala will take place on Saturday between 12.30pm and 5pm. The event includes a seafood stall, car boot sale, Jet Ski rides and boat trips.