A north-east councillor has called for “unachievable” regeneration projects to be shelved in favour of supporting one of the region’s top tourist attractions.
Troup member Hamish Partridge wants some proposals by a consortium of architects for Macduff, Banff and Fraserburgh to take a back seat until Macduff Aquarium is enhanced.
The attraction already pulls in big crowds over the summer season, but Mr Partridge says more people might visit if it had facilities such as a cafe or restaurant.
Architects and planning experts led by Inverness firm HRI spent more than two years coming up with ideas on how to breathe new life into the three towns.
However, the SNP councillor said funds would be better used to improve existing tourist destinations rather than being wasted on “less achievable” plans.
He said: “I am calling for the council to seriously look at enhancing the visitor experience at Macduff Marine Aquarium through the regeneration plan.
“Most of the ideas were aspirations and unachievable suggestions with no economic benefit to the area or towns.
“Officers should look seriously at the option of introducing a coffee shop and the possibility of extending the attraction to give added value to the visitor and the area which will create jobs and bring more footfall to the towns.”
Permission has already been granted for a temporary catering van at the aquarium for one year – the Banff and Buchan area committee stopped short of allowing it to stay for the intended five years.
Members said they would prefer to see the van being used as a stop-gap until a permanent facility could be established.
The council has now said Mr Partridge’s comments would be taken on board and assessed alongside all other proposals.
A spokesman said: “Councillor Partridge’s comments will be passed to the policy and resources committee for consideration, along with those raised by other members of the Banff and Buchan area committee.”