The owners of a fish factory in Peterhead have confirmed that two main areas of the facility have been left "destroyed" following a fire at the weekend.

On Saturday afternoon (17 January), a major fire broke out at the factory. In a statement on its website, Northbay Pelagic has said that "the main processing and packing lines have been lost and the company's office and administration block has been destroyed. However, key strategic areas of our facility remain fully operational and we continue to service our business and customer needs."

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Following an assessment of the building, which involved Aberdeenshire Council, it is understood the local authority has asked for the outer wall to be demolished before the roads around the area can reopen. The firm is also looking at options going forward, and currently trying to source temporary accommodation for its administration and management staff, and to re-establish daily communications with its customers and suppliers.

Aberdeenshire Council has also pledged to continue working with those affected by the blaze.

In a statement, Belinda Miller, Aberdeenshire Council's Head of Economic Development, said: "This has been a devastating fire that has destroyed the main processing building which will have to be demolished and rebuilt.

"North Bay Pelagic is one of the biggest employers in the north-east and we have already offered our help and support to the company and those that work there.

"Over the coming days we will be working with them, the Scottish Government, other agencies and companies in the area to assist in any way we can."

(JP/MH)