Fast food fans are hoping for a feast of new eating out opportunities as burger giant McDonald’s eyes new branches in Ellon and Fraserburgh.
The two towns are named among 400 potential locations for expansion on the firm’s website, along with Aberdeen and Inverness.
Last night, McDonald’s, which has more than 34,000 stores worldwide, said it was “always” looking for opportunities to spread its reach in Scotland.
A spokeswoman for the fast food chain said new restaurants in either town would also create much-needed jobs.
“We continue to look for opportunities in the area where we can meet the needs of our customers, our business and the local community,” she added.
Last night, Fraserburgh’s community council chairman, Ronnie McNab, said the arrival of a McDonald’s would be the “missing piece” in the town’s jigsaw.
“We’re looking for any kind of business to come to Fraserburgh, and a McDonald’s is what we’re short of. It would be more than welcome,” he said.
“It’s a new business for the town and job opportunities for people – the two go hand-in-hand. A lot of people I know go from here to Peterhead for a McDonald’s, so it seems to be popular.”
Ellon councillor Gillian Owen said that the arrival of a McDonald’s shop in Ellon would put her town “on the map”.
“With regards to Ellon, I think any kind of fast food restaurant of this nature would be welcomed,” she added.
The location of any new branch would be dependent on a property owner offering land or premises for use as a McDonald’s franchise.
It is thought any new units would be single-storey and offer drive-through services.