A bid has been received to revitalise a prominent site at Moray’s biggest port.
The local authority confirmed the former Buckie Shipyard is under offer.
It has been dormant since the firm went into administration four years ago with the loss of dozens of jobs.
Last night council leader Stewart Cree gave a cautious welcome to the development.
He said: “We have received an offer but because of the commercial sensitivity we can’t discuss the terms until it is resolved, which we hope will come about soon.
“I don’t want to raise false hopes until we are absolutely sure, but it’s very positive news that negotiations are underway.
“If they are successful then it will be a huge economic boost for Moray, and Buckie in particular.”
Bids have been invited to buy or to lease either all or part of the large sheds, workshops, offices and slipway.
Shipbuilding at the dockside can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th Century but the yard could be in line for a new use.
A brochure prepared by Moray Council for the property explains it is ideal to be an operations base for an offshore windfarm or for cargo handling and manufacturing.
Energy firm Moray Offshore Renewables is known to have earmarked Buckie as an option for a base for their proposed turbines 25 miles off the coast of the town, which could create up to 300 jobs. Wick and Fraserburgh are other contenders.
The two-acre former shipyard has been valued at £52,000 but the council has reserved the right not to accept the highest offer.
Bids are being evaluated on the economic benefits to Buckie harbour, the amount of jobs created and the long-term commitment to the port.
A large crane that dominated the Buckie skyline from the shipyard was taken down earlier this year. The council brochure has stressed the need for new uses to be found for the site.
It states: “The decline of the fishing industry and subsequent need for diversification means there is no longer a requirement to restrict activities with the harbour area to harbour-related uses only.
“However, as the shipyard occupies a prime location within the harbour, there is a preference for a use to complement this harbour side location.”
