More than £101,000 of funding has been awarded to develop a new Enterprise Hub in Fraserburgh.

Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to back the project via a £1.137 million fund set up in 2016 to support projects that help to regenerate the town over a five-year period. So far, over half of this money has been allocated to projects in Fraserburgh.

The Enterprise Hub will be based in the refurbished Council Chamber and former Police Station in Saltoun Square. To be known as The Faithlie Centre, it will provide help and support for local residents thinking about starting or growing their business. Run in partnership between the Council and Elevator, the facility will provide specialist business advice, referrals and free desk space with computers to entrepreneurs.

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In addition to the Council's investment, other funding totalling nearly £8.5m has been secured for regeneration projects in Fraserburgh since 2014. This money comes from a variety of sources including the Scottish Government, Lottery Programmes, European funding, private investment and local fund-raising.

Projects that have been supported by Aberdeenshire Council's regeneration programme include the new South Links running and football development, Fraserburgh Fitness Centre, Super Saturdays and Active Fraserburgh events, improvements to public areas and buildings in the town centre – including the mosaics in the Saltoun Square arcade, new housing projects, the harbour pontoons and the Fraserburgh Cinema.

Chair of the Fraserburgh Regeneration Development Partnership, Cllr Brian Topping, said: "This is an important milestone for Fraserburgh. So much has been achieved over the last few years to improve facilities in the town, attract visitors and business and raise aspirations.

"Aberdeenshire Council's investment in Fraserburgh is vital in securing the long term vitality of our town and more is still to come."

Banff and Buchan Area Committee Chair, Cllr Andy Kille, said: "Sometimes our efforts take time to come to fruition and it can be difficult to see progress. However, so much good work has happened in Fraserburgh over recent years and we are committed to continue to help the town to reach its potential."

(LM/MH)