A national pub chain has revealed that a north-east town is in line for a major jobs boost as work started on a new hotel development.
J.D. Wetherspoon, which already has venues in Peterhead and Aberdeen, bought the former Saltoun Arms at Fraserburgh and will reopen it as the Saltoun Inn in July.
Scaffolding and sheeting has been erected over the premises and workers are on site getting the building ready for its makeover.
Plans submitted by architects K.D. Paine, seeking permission to change the use of the former hotel to a pub serving food and drink, were approved subject to conditions in November.
The developers hope to convert the second and third floors of the building in Saltoun Square into 10 guest bedrooms.
The firm now says it hopes the new business could encourage further outside investment in the town centre.
Last night, Eddie Gershon, a spokesman for the pub chain, said: “We are pleased that building work is well underway at our new pub and hotel.
“The Saltoun Inn is set to open on July 22, with the creation of 50-plus jobs.
“We believe the pub and hotel will be a good addition to the town and, hopefully, it will also act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in the town.”
Ambitious plans have been drawn up to breathe new life into Fraserburgh’s town centre, which has struggled to recover from arrival of out-of-town supermarkets.
The former Grampian Police office in Kirk Brae, just off Saltoun Square, has been mostly untouched since it was closed down nearly 20 years ago. Now Aberdeenshire Council plans to spruce-up the site as part of a wider review of the town’s old buildings.
As well as the old police station, councillors said that the council chambers in Saltoun Square should also be made a priority.
A £535,000 study will be undertaken, funded by council cash, and its findings will be the subject of a public consultation.
Fraserburgh and District councillor, Brian Topping, said: “I am absolutely delighted that work is finally underway at the new pub and that there will be 50 new jobs for the town.
“This is fantastic news and the development will really open up that end of town and will bring much needed hotel accommodation to the Broch.
“The town may have its challenges but I am very upbeat that Fraserburgh has a bright future ahead.”