Buckie’s soon-to-be-vacant former heritage centre should be turned into a training academy, a Moray councillor has said.
Sonya Warren believes there is a need for such a facility for local oil and gas workers to learn new skills.
She thinks the former Buckie Drifter Maritime Heritage Centre on Freuchny Road could be the perfect location.
The building is currently used as Moray West’s temporary office.
The company is transforming Buckie Harbour into a operations and maintenance base for Moray West offshore windfarm.
The firm is hoping to move out of the building and into its new permanent base later this year.
The history of the building
The museum was empty for 17 years before the windfarm firm arrived.
It opened in 1994, telling the story of the fishing communities along the coast of the Moray Firth and the importance of the herring industry.
The Drifter closed its doors in 2005 following rising costs and dwindling visitor numbers.
There were plans to turned the building into a music academy, but they never came to life.
Mrs Warren said: “It is very important that such a building is used, as there is a lot of interest within the local community.
“There was a traditional music academy wanting to takeover through a community asset transfer several years ago. The council told them they wanted to keep the building for harbour redevelopment. ”
“It is disappointing to see the building lay empty for so long.
“But it has been great to see Ocean Winds using the building as part of the Buckie Harbour redevelopment.”
Why is a training academy needed?
Firms often have to send workers to the central belt or elsewhere for training.
She believes such a facility in Buckie would be a major asset.
She added: “The idea of the building being a skills academy has been mentioned for a long time.
” I think there is a huge need especially with the need for green energy and many current skills where there is no local training.
“Therefore, employees are having to travel far and wide to get the necessary training
“A big part of the Buckie population work in oil and gas related jobs and would benefit from further skills development in line with Just Transition.
“It would also be good to see a training academy in the Buckie building to make it more accessible and affordable.
“It is a good central facility to the harbour.”
What do Moray Council think about potential training academy?
A Moray Council spokeswoman said: “We’re aware of the opportunities associated with offshore wind, including skills training and the wider supply chain, and will be working with partners to try a deliver these in Moray.
“The Buckie Drifter building is part of our portfolio of commercial premises and offers scope for a variety of uses.
“It will be marketed once the lease with the current tenant ends and we look forward to working with potential parties interested in moving in.”
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