Plans for a Conservation Area in Fraserburgh are to go in display this weekend, it has been confirmed.

In 2013, a study of the town's historic buildings outlined the potential for conservation status, as well as funding opportunities. Plans to take this forward were subsequently approved by members of the Banff and Buchan Area Committee in March 2014.

As the plans are at an early stage, the local community is being invited to view the designs and comment on the plans. The local authority has said the plans are also being developed in conjunction with applications for funding for the town from Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery fund. This could provide funding for the regeneration of properties, grants to owners for repair works to be carried out at historic buildings, business enhancement and training opportunities.

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Alan Marshall, a conservation architect leading the study for Aberdeenshire Council, said: "Fraserburgh has a unique history and the importance of its buildings and history in a national context has been hidden. The late 16th century Fraser's Broch is the earliest of Scotland's planned towns and has a unique layout.

"The development of the harbour and related industries has given Fraserburgh a robust, working heritage and a legacy of many fine buildings. The historic core of the town deserves a level of protection, enhancement and promotion that a Conservation Area brings."

Councillor Peter Argyle, Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council's Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "The council's Regeneration Strategy currently focusses on Fraserburgh, as the area of greatest need, and this is an interesting proposal emerging from the work done by officers in the town so far.

"There seem to be lots of things happening around the town to help improve the area and its prospects, but public involvement is crucial and I hope people will take the chance to get involved in some of the work helping to shape the town for the future."

(JP/IT)