Chap Group has completed work on the first phase of a £1.7 million industrial development in Buckie, Moray.

The scheme at Rathven Industrial Estate, which aims to exploit the growing offshore wind energy market, has been designed to support businesses in East Moray as well as the regeneration of Buckie harbour and the servicing of the planned offshore windfarms in the Moray Firth.

The first phase required the construction of roads and service infrastructure to service the 27 acres of commercial sites for sale and lease, and the building of the first industrial unit. A further 22 acres, acquired as part of the overall site, is earmarked for more industrial space in the future.

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Cllr John Cowe said: "Buckie needs to be ready to take advantage of the industry that will be coming out of the Moray Firth.

"Buckie harbour is ideally placed to service the needs of the wind farm projects in the Firth, both during construction and during the life of the turbines. When the windfarm projects were confirmed, Moray Council agreed that investment was needed to ensure Buckie was best placed to maximise the benefits in terms of jobs and prosperity.

"We are taking a long-term view, which is what councils have to do, to ensure the future prosperity of the area. I'm delighted to see this development take shape."

(LM/MH)