A pensioner has launched an extraordinary campaign to try to land a new supermarket for his town.
Macduff man Robert Edward, 78, has pleaded with big name retailers to “take a chance” and open a branch in the coastal community.
Plans for a new Tesco store at nearby Banff to serve the neighbouring ports collapsed earlier this year.
And retired lorry driver Mr Edward decided it was “about time” someone took a stand.
Last night, he revealed he had collected 600 signatures from local people who share his belief that the town needs a supermarket.
He said: “I was born and bred in Macduff and I’ve seen shops pulling out and fishing declining. I’d just like to do something for the people of Macduff.
“I’ve collected about 600 signatures in reaction to Tesco pulling out, all from Macduff people, and they’re all in favour of it, they think it’s about time that somebody did something for Macduff.
“We’ve mentioned several sites for them to come into in the petition. A councillor told me today that some supermarkets were perhaps wanting a small store.”
Troup councillor Ross Cassie said he had now invited representatives from the country’s biggest supermarkets to the town to discuss the potential for future developments.
He said: “I have taken the thoughts of the locals on board and to that end I have sent letters to a number of supermarket chains.
“I have invited representatives of the supermarkets to Macduff to explore the options of them increasing their estate in the town.”
It had been hoped that Tesco would open a full-sized store in Banff after entering into discussions with the local authority to purchase the necessary land at Canal Park.
The project, however, hit the buffers when the retailer announced it was no longer in a position to commit to the scheme.