A £400,000 plan to regenerate an ailing north-east town will continue in 2015 after councillors endorsed a report on its progress so far.
Fraserburgh was named an “area of most need” by Aberdeenshire Council in 2013 and has been the focus of a package of environmental, economic and social projects, including the award-winning Super Saturday scheme, which brings together stall-holders for a monthly market on Broad Street.
The local authority is also providing £75,000 to pay for pontoon docks for small vessels at the harbour.
Last night, local councillor Charles Buchan said the project was succeeding in turning around peoples’ attitudes towards the town.
He said: “The whole scheme is starting to take off now after a slow start. The number of empty shops has fallen from 34 down to eight which is very, very good.
“It’s all part of a sort of psychological battle to boost up Fraserburgh. There’s still a lot to do about the beach and the coastal paths, and the linkages between the town centre and the harbour for tourism, but it’s starting to come together.”
Councillor Brian Topping added: “It’s great news for Fraserburgh that the council has made the town a high priority.
“At the same time, the local community needs to play their part as well. It’s not just about cleaning buildings, it’s about trying to create jobs and getting some of the shop units opened up.”
Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s infrastructure committee, Councillor Peter Argyle, said the outlook for the regeneration project was an “exciting one”.
“The recent SURF award nomination for the Super Saturdays team was a great accolade and well-deserved recognition of the team’s efforts,” he said.
“I look forward to seeing the harbour pontoon provisions taking shape next year, and the economic benefits that these will bring to Fraserburgh.”
The next phase of the project will include a major clean-up of the drains and the removal of discarded chewing gum from the town-centre.