A new crematorium planned for the north-east could ease round trips of up to 120 miles which mourners have to make for services at present.
Agricultural contractors The Firm of N Cowie has lodged plans to construct a crematorium on Hillhead Road, Crimond.
The 6.8 hectare facility would include 180 parking spaces at the former airfield.
Permission was granted to build a crematorium at the site in 2010, but that has now lapsed and prompted the firm to lodge new plans – with a slightly different layout.
It is thought that, if the proposal goes ahead, it would mean less journey time for people in Peterhead, Fraserburgh and the surrounding area to attend cremations.
Currently, they have to travel to Hazlehead in Aberdeen, Baldarroch at Crathes or Moray Crematorium near Buckie.
Last year, Fraserburgh man Doug Simpson raised his concerns about the lack of north-east facilities – with the nearest crematoria being a 120-mile round trip for people from the Broch.
Mr Simpson last night welcomed the new plans, which he said would reduce travel pressures and be particularly helpful for elderly people.
He said: “I’m delighted to hear about these plans.
“The crematorium at Hazlehead is busy enough with the city cremations, and Buckie is a 120-mile round trip.
“For elderly people who attend funerals, it is a long way to go.
“I support this application completely.”
Having recently attended a funeral service himself, he saw the impact that the distance had on the number of mourners in attendance.
Mr Simpson, a former electrician at the St Fergus gas plant, said: “Earlier this year I went to the service which happened locally, and then the deceased was taken to Buckie to be cremated.
“No one went with it, and I think it could have been due to the travel.
“It is time something was done. A crematorium is badly needed around here.”
The plans were submitted to Aberdeenshire Council by Edinburgh-based David Gauld Architects Ltd.
Drawings put forward show the site would also include eight cycle racks for the public and four for employees.
The applicant declined to comment.
