The remains of a north-east hotel that was destroyed in a fire in 2014 will finally be sold to make way for a new development in Macduff.
The town’s Highland Haven Hotel was so badly damaged after a blaze tore through the building that council engineers were forced to tear down the building.
The plot where it once stood, on Shore Street, has been empty ever since. But now, the land will be sold at auction with a view to returning the site to use.
Glasgow auctioneers Future Property Auctions has listed the ground as having a guide price of £95,000.
When it was last sold, complete with on-site hotel, it fetched £670,0000.
Future Property Auctions have claimed the project to develop a presence in Macduff is an “excellent redevelopment opportunity” which would boast resale value.
It added: “The site would suit a builder or developer, and with stunning views over the harbour, redevelopment would sure to be a hit.
“It should attract good interest from investors, speculators, developers and shrewd purchasers. [It is a] super-sized site with frontage onto Shore Street and a prominent road position overlooking the harbour.”
The hotel had been inactive since about 2010 and had attracted a reputation locally for housing squatters.
At the time of the fire, it was offered for sale by chartered surveyors Shepherd.
One local described the building as “an accident waiting to happen”, the morning after the blaze.
Around 70 firefighters from stations across Aberdeenshire battled the flames at the Highland Haven for more than four hours on the night of the incident.
Local councillor, Hamish Partridge, has welcomed the news.
He said: “It’s a positive step forward for the site. I just hope a buyer will be found to develop the derelict site for the good of Macduff, Banff and the surrounding area.”
The auction, which will take place in Edinburgh, begins at 7pm on June 14.
