Anticipation is building in a north-east town as locals look forward to the premiere of the small screen adaptation of Iain Banks’ Stonemouth.
Television stars, including Peterhead-born actor Peter Mullan, and crew descended on Macduff to shoot the major new two-part drama last year.
Stonemouth was one of the much-loved author’s final works before he died from cancer in 2013 and producers transformed Macduff into the titular port.
Local councillor Mark Findlater, who lives in the town-centre, said: “This is fantastic publicity for the town and everyone is really excited.
“Just look what Local Hero did for Pennan – people are still visiting the village 30 years later. That could happen here.”
The programme’s executive producer Andrew Calderwood said: “One of the distinctive aspects of the Stonemouth story is that it really captures the world of a younger generation in Scotland – the world is their oyster, but they really value their friendships and the community they come from.
“One of the themes of the story is young people choosing to stay in their home towns and making a difference there, and the choices they make which differ from their parents’ generation.”
Locations manager Michael Higson scouted numerous seaside towns across Scotland in his hunt for Stonemouth before settling on the Banff Bay fishing port.
Speaking during last year’s shoot he said it was “the obvious choice” and praised locals for the warmth of their welcome.
“We also visited Stonehaven, Peterhead and Fraserburgh but Macduff was the standout location.
“People have been, without exception, welcoming and helpful and the council have bent over backwards to facilitate us.”
The BBC’s Christopher Aird said he believed viewers would also appreciate the results of the team’s endeavours.
“Iain Banks had a hugely distinctive voice,” he said.
“His books often weave together touching and nostalgic love stories with crunching action or elaborate, mysterious investigations.
“I hope Iain would be pleased with our adaptation.”
The first episode will be shown on BBC One Scotland at 9pm on Monday, June 8.