A £17million scheme to transform the fortunes of north-east ports will only work if communities get behind it, a councillor has warned.
Aberdeenshire Council was given approval to press forward with an ambitious project to modernise Banff Marina, expand Macduff Marine Aquarium and make Fraserburgh a centre of seafood excellence last night.
But while councillors from the towns rallied together to hail the ambitious plan, which could create up to 270 jobs and launch more than 40 new businesses over the next five years, a senior councillor warned that the days of blaming the local authority for plans failing had to end.
John Cox, the chairman of the Banff and Buchan area committee, said: “It’s about jobs, jobs, jobs.
“Without jobs, we’ll find it very difficult to regenerate our towns. But it is a clear message – this will only be achieved through partnership working.
“The days of blaming the council have to change.”
The masterplan could cement a long-term vision for Fraserburgh as a centre of seafood excellence, with the authority set to promote the port’s produce around the world.
It includes hiring a team of chefs to create recipes and make a “seafood park” where fish processors can be based together.
Brian Topping, vice-chairman of the Banff and Buchan area committee, believes the scheme could put Fraserburgh on the map.
“I think it’s going to turn the town around,” he said.
“Before too long – if all our plans are approved – all our communities will actually start seeing things happening.
Local councillor Ian Tait added the plan was “aspirational, and that is good”.
Funding for the scheme will be sought from the private sector and European and government grants.
