A popular Banffshire tourist attraction has pooled its funds to begin the upgrades of its facilities.
Macduff Marine Aquarium has been awarded £33,000 by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund which will be used to improve the interactive pools at the site.
Funds raised by the Friends of Macduff Marine Aquarium and financial support from Aberdeenshire Council will also be used to carry out the work which includes the introduction of new digital resources.
The aquarium opened 22 years ago and has become one of the north-east’s most alluring attractions, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors every year.
A range of events and daily talks are arranged folr tourists of all ages who come to admire the local marine life while becoming more aware of the Moray Firth sealife.
One of the most popular aspects of the experience, particularly for children, is the touching pools which have now been in place for more than 12 years.
The plans for the pooled funds is to replace these with custom-built tanks which will be more accessible for visitors and include a lidded tank to make resting time for the rock pool inhabitants more peaceful.
Aquarium manager Claire Matthews said: “The aquarium’s touch pools, where people can directly interact with hardy seashore animals, are extremely popular with visitors and an important element of the learning experience, particularly for schools.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these upgraded, alongside the installation of some new digital resources, including new projectors inside our theatre space.
“We can’t wait to get started.”
New nursery tanks to support the centre’s shark breeding programme will also be added, alongsidea display tanks to make it easier for the most delicate of the site’s creatures to be viewed close up.
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The funding will be utilised to upgrade the interpretation around the aquarium, linking the experience to the real world by using a new digital map of the Moray Firth, digital imagery, and an underwater camera.
The improvement project was recognised by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund for encouraging lifelong learning, enhancing and capitalising on the environmental impacts of fisheries areas.
Using the money awarded, staff at the aquarium plan to work with design specialists to tailor the spaces to suit visitors and workers.
The new pools are expected to be open to the public later this year.