The sale of mothballed council base which a developer hopes to transform into a restaurant is nearing completion.
Arbuthnot House in Peterhead has lain empty since Aberdeenshire Council moved out in 2014.
The authority swapped the Broad Street building for the purpose-built Buchan House on St Peter Street.
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Officials have been trying to sell the B-listed building ever since and have asked for offers of over £450,000.
Proposals to transform the dilapidated property into a seafood restaurant were first unveiled last summer.
And last night, a council spokesman confirmed the sale of the building would be finished in a matter of weeks.
Covenant Properties International, which lists local fish merchant George Forman as a director, is behind the plan to convert the former local authority offices into a restaurant.
The ground floor would provide space for around 100 diners as well as a kitchen, two tea rooms and a private dining room.
The main restaurant would be built in the former council chamber, where the Buchan area committee used to meet.
A supporting statement submitted alongside the proposals said the project would bring a “wow factor” to the town centre.
The document also claims the plans would be “hugely supported” by people in Peterhead and would be an “incredibly positive” move for the port.
A council spokesman said: “We are pleased to confirm that the sale of Arbuthnot House is expected to conclude in the next few weeks.
“Our aim is to find the best solution for the council and the potential purchasers so we can find new uses for sites and help keep our town vibrant.”
The developer declined to comment.
Arbuthnot House is a classical granite mansion built by the prominent Arbuthnot family in 1805.
It currently lies boarded up and has been the target of thieves and vandals since its doors closed five years ago.
In May 2018, police were called to attend after three teenagers broke in and caused extensive damage to the property.
